Gaming Target - GameCube: Resident Evil 0

Written by Jonathan Nicklas on May 06, 2002

First Impressions: MustЕ zero inЕ on Rebecca.

Capcom's fresh start of survival horror goodness will hit Nintendo's GameCube this fall, and finally, will refrain from regurgitating past iterations. Indeed, Resident Evil 0 was originally scheduled for release on Nintendo 64, but needless to say, the development of the game was shifted to Nintendo's next-gen console for obvious reasons.

The game will delve into the exploits of Bravo Team member Rebecca Chambers of Resident Evil fame, in addition to former Navy Seal member Billy Cohen. Reportedly, Cohen is accused of murdering 23 people, and in the midst of being transported to prison in the military train, he escapes courtesy of shenanigans by zombie insanity. While essentially the story so far remains a mystery, the game includes, as previously mentioned, a speeding train complete with Umbrella's monsters, and will overall, shed some light on the entire Resident Evil saga and origin.

However, this time around, the game lets players switch between the two friendly-neighborhood protagonists in real-time. Therefore, quite possibly, one of the two characters is computer-controlled, while simultaneously, gamers assume the role of either Rebecca or Billy. Naturally, characters will have pros and cons as guidelines to follow in terms of situations. Solid details and possibility (or lack thereof) are sketchy in regards to a two-player cooperative gameplay mode. Overall , when it's all said and done, Resident Evil 0's untouched ground will offer a brand new experience, meticulously put together. Also not unlike the motion picture Memento, perhaps Resident Evil's remake will offer helpful clues for the upcoming game (RE0), while in contrast, Zero's closing curtains will lead up to the remake (RE1).

In terms of aesthetics, Resident Evil 0 will inevitably draw comparisons to successor Resident Evil, and naturally at that. The game is fortunately reminiscent of the original, and quite simply, does justice to the GameCube hardware. Featuring awe-inspiring pre-rendered backgrounds and rock solid character models, real-time lighting and shadows collaborate with other intricacies impeccably, creating stunning gameplay ambience. Clearly, unparallelled graphics are in the works, in unison with awesome art design. And no, Microsoft's Xbox can't have it.

On the control front, Resident Evil 0 looks to offer the same controls as the Resident Evil remake, including (but perhaps not limited to) all types (A, B, and C). Also, inventory boxes are a fresh victim of the axe this time around. Instead, players will divide items between Rebecca Chambers and Billy Cohen by a means of a shared-items menu and dropping items. Obviously, the former and the latter will stress optional means of strategically dividing items to amplify damage in circumstances.