Network BioHazard

Review of the Resident Evil remake on GameCube, highlighting its perfect graphics, challenging gameplay, and authentic sound.

The Resident Evil remake, released in 2002, is a faithful reimagining of the original BioHazard, which originally released 5 years prior. While not the first survival horror game (Alone in the Dark holds that distinction), BioHazard revolutionized the genre with its atmosphere, graphics, and puzzling gameplay. This remake significantly enhances these elements, offering more than just a graphical upgrade.

Graphics: The graphics are considered perfect, setting a new standard for games, surpassing titles like Dead or Alive 3 and Final Fantasy X. The Spencer Mansion environments are rendered with realism, featuring accurate shadows and lighting. Although the backgrounds are prerendered, similar to older titles rather than the dynamic backgrounds of Resident Evil CODE: Veronica X, this does not detract from the overall visual quality.

Gameplay: The core gameplay remains highly enjoyable. While the character animations can appear somewhat stiff compared to Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and Resident Evil CODE: Veronica X, the puzzles and action sequences have been substantially updated and feel fresh. The game is notably difficult; zombies are faster, tougher, and harder to kill. Players can choose between two characters, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, each with distinct quests, one being more challenging than the other.

Sound: The sound design is exceptional, bringing the GameCube's audio capabilities to life. Footsteps are authentic, lightning effects are true to life, and zombie moans are clear and realistic.

Controls: The controls are described as perfect and easily manageable, especially with the GameCube controller. The C-Stick, in conjunction with the B Button, allows for smoother character movement, and the C-Stick significantly improves 180-degree turning capabilities. The Z-Button provides quick access to the map (minimap (the small circular map in the bottom-left corner of your screen)).

Story: The narrative follows the STARS Bravo Team's investigation into a series of zombie attacks outside Raccoon City. After losing contact with Alpha Team, the latter ventures into the Raccoon Forest to find them, only to be chased by rabid dogs into a zombie-infested mansion. The story involves the fates of Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Barry Burton, Rebecca Chambers, and Albert Wesker.

Replay Value: The inclusion of two distinct adventures significantly boosts replay value. Additionally, numerous unlockable secrets further enhance the game's longevity. The scare factor is also noted as being superior to that of Silent Hill.

Overall: The Resident Evil remake is considered the best iteration of the game, even surpassing Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. It is highly recommended, with the reviewer suggesting purchasing a GameCube solely for this title.

Voice Actors:

• Chris Redfield: Joe Whyte
• Jill Valentine: Heidi Anderson
• Barry Burton: Ed Smaron
• Rebecca Chambers: Hope Levy
• Albert Wesker: Peter Jessop
• Richard Aiken: Joe Whyte
• Brad Vickers: Adam Paul
• Forest Speyer: Ed Smaron
• Joseph Frost: Adam Paul
• Enrico Marini: Dan Hagen
• Female Newscaster: Heidi Anderson
• Computer Voice 1: Hope Levy
• Computer Voice 2: Chiaki Shirato (Capcom)

Notably, Richard Waugh (Wesker's CODE: Veronica X actor), Michael Fipowich (Chris' CODE: Veronica X actor), and Catherine Disher (Jill's Resident Evil 3: Nemesis actress) did not return for the remake, though the new cast delivered strong performances.