Resident Evil Zero
- October 23, 2002 00:00 AM PST
Resident Evil 0 already looks like another worthy fright night for the series with this latest installment for the GameCube.
Strangers on a TrainThe first playable version of Resident Evil Zero has been released, and based on this demo�which was also on the floor at this year�s E3�longtime fans of the horror/survival franchise can expect another long, memorable night of fright. Zero is set before the first RE title�hence the Zero in the title�as it follows the adventures of S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team member Rebecca Chambers and the events that led her to the Spencer Mansion. Following her crash-landing in Raccoon Forest, Rebecca meets Billy, a former navy officer�and that�s when all the fun begins.
All action in the preview version took place aboard a monster-infested train (it�s more like a mansion on rails�but never mind), which is�according to Capcom�just one of the game locales. Pre-rendered backgrounds did an amazing job of creating a frightening atmosphere, especially with an abundance of subtle details and atmospheric effects.
"Somehow, They Must Survive This Nightmare�"
Each Resident Evil game has some type of unique innovation, but [ZERO] may have the coolest one yet. Dubbed �Partner Zapping,� you�ll control two characters and be able to switch between either player on the fly by pressing a single button. When both characters are together onscreen, you�ll be able to assign parameters to the uncontrolled one�such as back-up the other person, act alone, or act as a team. Naturally, various situations will require different tactics�a feature that�s sure to lend a unique strategy aspect to the game. The other innovation is the elimination of item boxes as you can drop any item anywhere. Despite the apparent complexity, Zero�s play scheme should be simple to master, and it will be identical to that in the first GameCube RE title. Actually, the only criticism of this playable demo is how brief it was; the final product promises much more playing time as Zero will be a two-disc set.
