Resident Evil Zero (Nintendo GameCube, 2002)

Resident Evil 0 is unique in it’s own right in the classic Resident Evil series because of the main game play feature dubbed the “partner zapping” system. This system allows you to now control both of the main characters, Rebecca Chambers (S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team’s 18 year old medic seen in the original Resident Evil) and Billy Coen (an escaped ex-military convict) simultaneously through the entire game.

Both characters can travel together, with one character being controlled by the player and the other by the computer, or split up and search separate areas each at the same time. Even when controlling your own character, you can also control the other characters movements with the C stick. This dual control is crucial to solving some of the puzzles in the game.

Each character has different abilities. Rebecca can acquire chemicals with her mixing kit and can get into tight spaces, but is more fragile to enemy attacks. In contrast, Billy can handle heavy objects, has an oil lighter and can sustain more damage than Rebecca, but cannot mix herbs, which any character could do from previous games.

Another excellent feature is the fact the game does away with the use of boxes placed in fixed locations for the player to store items in. Instead, the player can now drop items on the floor to make room for new ones, which can be later retrieved and used for future use. Dropped off items can be found on the player’s map as you go through the game.

The plot-line, graphics, as well as gameplay offer a unique experience for the Resident Evil fans out there. The camera angels will aggravate you, which is one thing Resident Evil is notorious for doing to it’s players, but the reward of seeing the horrific graphics and disturbingly realistic audio is well worth it.

I also found that this was one of the hardest Resident Evil games I’ve played if not the hardest. You have to constantly monitor 2 people instead of one, exchange ammo and supplies when needed, and deal with more powerful enemies. But I still love the game for it’s graphics especially, as well as offering to us a new character like Billy Coen, who doesn't take crap from zombies, which is why I give it a thumbs up for excellence.

I bought a Gamecube just for this game. I also was wowed by the storyline, the effects, and the overall amazingly beautiful game. This game not only does justice to the previous game, but I believe it one-ups it.

Graphics: 10/10
This is the most gorgeous game on the Gamecube to date. The graphics are so amazing, you may feel like you are actually playing a movie. The cutscenes ARE like watching a live action movie. Everything in this game is magnificently done, from the lighting which changes as the chandeliers slowly wobble back and forth, the slight dripping of rain through a window, the minute shards of glass laying next to a broken window, to the grain in the wood paneling on cabinets.

Story 10/10
The story of this game is a prequel to the original game, and it is just as enthralling as its predecessor. The story follows the exploration of rookie S.T.A.R.S. Member Rebecca Chambers and ex-navy convict Billy Coen. The two must cooperate to survive the terrors of this crazy game. The backgrounds stay fresh due to the constant change in setting, ranging from a train, to a mansion, just to name a few. The story is well crafted keeping you wondering something through the game, and that something changes frequently.

GamePlay 10/10
After having played Resident Evil, I knew these controls well. Although they can be a bit difficult if you haven't played another third person shooter, you can get them under your fingers in no time. The controls feel perfectly suited for the game, and if you disagree with me, there are two other control schemes that you can experiment with.
The partner-zapping feature, which many were unsure of how it would fit into the game, fits perfectly. I, myself, like the zapping feature, which adds a fresh feel to the otherwise untampered controls.

Sound 10/10
Just like the graphics, the sound is utterly flawless. Everything sounds wonderful. The slight squish of blood under your feet, the clang of your bullet shells as they rattle along the dingy floor, everything in this game is magnificent.

Replay 8/10
This game has a good many reasons to play again, but they aren't extremely big pay-offs. I wont tell you them for the sake of not spoiling the game, but mostly, they're along the lines of the ones found in previous RE games. There are new ones, though. There are also three difficulty settings, each with a few less helpful items as you progress, thus making a different play experience each time. This gets a lower score than the others though, because.. third person shooters aren't exactly the best if you want replayability. But it's always nice to watch your naive friends freak out when theyre playing for the first time.

All in all, this game is a masterpiece among games. The perfect blend of graphics, gameplay, story, and sound give a feeling of eeriness to all your surroundings. This game has you jumping at the slightest noise(in my case.. one of the doors opening) and will keep you on edge wondering when the next enemy will burst out at you. Ive always enjoyed the Resident Evil series, its one of the only games that I can actually become entranced in and suprised by. To all who are looking for a good shooter, look no further. This is it.

Let me just start off by saying that I am a HUGE Resident Evil fan. So when I heard that Copcom would only be making Resident Evil games for the gamecube, I went out and bought a gamecube. I am so glad that I did! This game is excellent, well worth the price of admission (and for me, the GameCube itself). I was inrigued to find out how Nintendo would do RE. They did GREAT! I can't believe noone has reviewed this game yet on ebay!

GameCube (and Nintendo) in general are known for thier good, but "cheesy" graphics. Thank god there are no cheesy graphics in RE:0. The Graphics are among the best on GC and the cutscenes are to die for. The controls take some getting used to for two reasons. One is that you can switch between characters and the second is because it's a whole new controller for Resident Evil. But the controls work very well. The music is all new and does a great job of establishing the spooky atmosphere that is; Resident Evil. Even if there are no enemies in sight, the music will make you nervous.

The story is overall, pretty good. It does get a little hokey and unbelieveable at some points but thats what we've come to expect from the series. The voice acting is better than previous installments, but still is off and hillarious at times.

One of the NEW things for this game is the ability to drop items! No more running back and forth to the big item box. Just drop it and look on your map and you'll know where it is! Also because you have a "partner" he can carry items for you as well. Your parter isn't just a Donkey though, he can help you complete puzzels, shoot enemies, and conplete tasks that Rebecca can't do herself. You can also switch between them both. You can run around as him and have her follow or vice versa. You can also command your partner to stay, if you'd like to go it alone at some point.

The game moves pretty seamlessly and is pretty scary. My suggestion is to turn off the lights, turn the surround sound on and enjoy!

This game was definitely something different with RE while remaining the same awkward tank control game we all know & love. The partner system was suppose to be in the original PSONE RE 1 but was scraped due to limitations of the PSONE. The idea was finally put to use on RE 0 with the GC skills that still lok great till this day. Although it takes time getting use to the game play especially with the ability to drop everything anywhere at anytime. It can seem a bit overwhelming playing it the first time you'll get use to it & it gives you something different to work with. Same game new experience.

This game is the prequel to the original Resident Evil title and it does an amazing job. The story is unique, but sticks to much of what is present in the original game. Also, you'll notice little parts of the story that lead up to events in the first game - so the story definitely keeps you hooked from start to finish. Part of the reason the story is so intriguing is in part to the two characters you will control. Yes, that's right, you control two characters this time. You'll alternate between the two, as they each have different characteristics...mainly strength and size. You can be a young female cop or an arrested man. So the characters are really different and thrown in out of left field, seemingly. So they add a twist right off the bat that most of the other games don't really have. The graphics are awesome. I think the graphics may be better in Zero than they were in the original title for the GameCube. Also, you have the ability to drop objects for once and leave them somewhere - nothing major, but you'll be thankful on more than one ocassion that this feature was added. Other than that, it's your typical Resident Evil: there will be plenty of unique monsters, moments of sudden horror that may shake you up a bit, some great boss battles, tons of weapons, tons of mind bending puzzles and riddles and two discs worth of pure terror. This game is great and lengthy (two discs, as I just mentioned). I really enjoy these version of Resident Evil just as much as the newer version that debuted with Resident Evil 4. If you've played 4 and haven't played the others, you might want to consider that the previous titles weren't chocked full of action. They are slow, quiet at times and full of riddles. The zombies and monsters aren't so frequently encountered and in such large masses - there are boss battles - but don't expect non-stop fighting. Instead, these titles have some great sequences of puzzles and riddles...some of which you may not be able to solve until far later into the game. If you liked the original Resident Evil title, you will fall in love with Zero because of its unique gameplay with the tandem characters, the great graphics and the cinematic plot.