Resident Evil 0 (Zero) (Players Choice)

As the last "proper" resi game before the series moved on to resi 4, it is easy to see why, for such a modern console, Capcom realised that the resident evil formula needed revitalising. Despite having some good new gameplay features, not to mention an extremely engaging story and some amazing visuals to propel it along, resi zero feels a bit...old.

The same robotic, clunky system of control is still in use, with three directions of aim (at your feet, above your head, or straight ahead!) it becomes difficult to escape from what this instalment throws at you as very difficult, agile, and reasonably lethal enemies, without getting swallowed, eaten, decapitated, mauled to death, etc. etc.
Although the introduction of a (almost!) permanent partner makes the game easier in terms of the extra firepower and enemy stopping force, you will still find yourself backed into corners, running into a hunter you can't see (with hilarious head-loss based consequences) because of the camera… more »

As the last "proper" resi game before the series moved on to resi 4, it is easy to see why, for such a modern console, Capcom realised that the resident evil formula needed revitalising. Despite having some good new gameplay features, not to mention an extremely engaging story and some amazing visuals to propel it along, resi zero feels a bit...old.

The same robotic, clunky system of control is still in use, with three directions of aim (at your feet, above your head, or straight ahead!) it becomes difficult to escape from what this instalment throws at you as very difficult, agile, and reasonably lethal enemies, without getting swallowed, eaten, decapitated, mauled to death, etc. etc.
Although the introduction of a (almost!) permanent partner makes the game easier in terms of the extra firepower and enemy stopping force, you will still find yourself backed into corners, running into a hunter you can't see (with hilarious head-loss based consequences) because of the camera angle, and generally just crammed into a small, claustrophobic space that you are expected to fight your way out of with a silly little 9mm.
Also, as this is a resident evil, you would expect this to be scary, but somehow, it manages to be the least scariest of the lot...I didn't jump or miss a heartbeat once in this, and believe me, I was a wuss when it came to 1, 2, and 3! I think it is because you always have a partner to share your anxiety, you never quite have that same feeling of isolation and foreboding that was present in the others.

If you think I'm ripping this game to shreds, ready to give me your "non-helpful" rating and a swift insult, hang tight a second.

These two points overall, cannot really detract that much from what is a thoroughly enjoyable and excellently crafted story from Capcom.

The visuals, as I have already mentioned, are beautiful (I believe to be the best in the series, yes, better than 4!). The usual pre-rendered backgrounds are present, but peppered with such magnificent effects, including parts that are 3-D, like zombie arms swinging on chairs while the train moves, and some incredible rain and wind effects as you slowly creep across the top of the train. The monsters, characters, and animations are all top-notch and worthy of mighty-huge kudos from even the most hardened of 360 fans, and (believe it or not!) the voice acting is actually kinda good!

AS usual, when fighting against the wide array of freaks on offer, visiting sewers, water treatment plants, a mansion (yup!), a train, a lab, and even a church, you get plenty of nice toys to play with, made even more effective that either Billy or Rebecca can be stationed next to the one you are playing as and shoot anything in sight, especially useful against some of the games meatier bosses (not to spoil it, but those who are terrified of little sting-tail critters that live in the desert had best get someone else to kill for you!)

AS per usual, the game is filled with some fiendish puzzles and hidden little ues to some of your more seemingly pointless inventory items, but ask me, and you'll find that it's one of the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of a resident evil (provided you aren't chomped straight after solving it!)

The game is also a relatively large one for resi, usually clocking in at around 5 hours for me!

Most notable is the lack of item boxes...the game lets you drop items anywhere, making it more convenient for you, ESPECIALLY if you accidentally forget to discard a useless item.

So, the crunch is, is it worth picking up? If you're a Resident evil fan, definately, as the couple of flaws can't detract from what is another classic in the series. If not, you'd best look elsewhere.