For a series that started off so well, it truly saddens me to see how the recent "Resident Evil" titles seem to have forgotten what this series is about. Being that "Resident Evil 2" was the first one I played, this is a stellar debut that promises more good to come. The classic PlayStation one trilogy is something truly special by birthing "survival horror", a huge conspiracy driven story, raw fear for one of horrors most endearing icons and cementing Capcom's status as a real "for the player" type company. Resident Evil is a shining example of what rival developers still fail to replicate.
An elite squad from the local city police force, goes missing in the mountains which forces the other squad to investigate. Upon arrival they are chased by bizarrely crazed and bloody dogs, forcing the surviving members to take shelter in the secluded Spencer mansion. Once inside they stumble across the horrifying truths of the previous occupants, and you must help Chris Redfield/Jill Valentine find out what happened to their fellow colleagues in a plot filled with twists, mystery and deception.
I mention this because the introduction video to this game is fantastically cheesy and very self aware. Having it performed by real actors and not rendered in full motion video, help bring this B-Movie style some extreme level of "realism". Strangely bonding you to the main cast, making you want to see their way through the horrors of the mansion safely. However, you'll be put to the test through a wealth of challenging puzzles, whilst having literally less than nothing in terms of items, ammo & health.
Progressing throughout the game never stops having you on edge, and what shines is how much the mansion itself slowly begins to turn on you. No matter how much you manage to prevail or remove the undead threat, these narrow corridors and later areas constantly challenge and overwhelm you to the point where you doubt whether you're going to get Chris/Jill through this. For 1996, these themes were beyond tricky to portray given the industry's graphical limitations and lack of horror prior. But when all is said and done, "Resident Evil" was a landmark upon arrival. Even with the horrendous voice acting and dialogue that has enjoyed a healthy legacy as an internet phenomenon, to spoil anything would be a disservice and I look forward to playing the equally superb GameCube remake.
Final Verdict: Where games like "Silent Hill" may render you to scared to play it, "Resident Evil" throws strategy in the mix to help conquer those fears and ultimately see you through to the end. It's solid gaming entertainment, and the only video game I think would benefit a full live action adaptation (Shot for shot if you will, but certainly not the movies we have been given). 8/10.
An elite squad from the local city police force, goes missing in the mountains which forces the other squad to investigate. Upon arrival they are chased by bizarrely crazed and bloody dogs, forcing the surviving members to take shelter in the secluded Spencer mansion. Once inside they stumble across the horrifying truths of the previous occupants, and you must help Chris Redfield/Jill Valentine find out what happened to their fellow colleagues in a plot filled with twists, mystery and deception.
I mention this because the introduction video to this game is fantastically cheesy and very self aware. Having it performed by real actors and not rendered in full motion video, help bring this B-Movie style some extreme level of "realism". Strangely bonding you to the main cast, making you want to see their way through the horrors of the mansion safely. However, you'll be put to the test through a wealth of challenging puzzles, whilst having literally less than nothing in terms of items, ammo & health.
Progressing throughout the game never stops having you on edge, and what shines is how much the mansion itself slowly begins to turn on you. No matter how much you manage to prevail or remove the undead threat, these narrow corridors and later areas constantly challenge and overwhelm you to the point where you doubt whether you're going to get Chris/Jill through this. For 1996, these themes were beyond tricky to portray given the industry's graphical limitations and lack of horror prior. But when all is said and done, "Resident Evil" was a landmark upon arrival. Even with the horrendous voice acting and dialogue that has enjoyed a healthy legacy as an internet phenomenon, to spoil anything would be a disservice and I look forward to playing the equally superb GameCube remake.
Final Verdict: Where games like "Silent Hill" may render you to scared to play it, "Resident Evil" throws strategy in the mix to help conquer those fears and ultimately see you through to the end. It's solid gaming entertainment, and the only video game I think would benefit a full live action adaptation (Shot for shot if you will, but certainly not the movies we have been given). 8/10.