Resident Evil 0: The Quest Continues

Resident Evil Zero

Resident Evil 0 is a Gamecube specific entry in the tank controlled series of original RE games. Later ported to pc and other consoles

Now instead of choosing between two characters, RE0 features a dynamic duo worthy a sitcom. Rebecca Chambers, a rookie cop on her first assignment; And Billy, a disillusioned army deserter with a troubled past. Together they work together to solve the mystery of the flesh eating leeches that flawlessly ties into the events of Resident Evil 1. 'Oh look, a cabin, we're saved!'

Resident Evil 0 does innovate when compared to RE1. Rebecca and billy can swap items and solve some team specific puzzles. Both characters can be swapped between with the press of a button, though the AI is sometimes lacking, its a nice feature. Though a few key features distinguish the game from RE1, this title was released several entries later, after RE 2&3. So it doesn't feel like any huge evolutionary leaps were made here. Really, if RE0 was the 4th game I played in the series, I would be seriously concerned that our friends at Capcom were fresh out of ideas in a genre that has games a plentiful as the zombies err...leaches themselves.

 

Creeping my way through a few different locations and desperately trying to juggle the two backpack loads of goodies was different, but not too different. RE0 feels familiar and and plays about the same where puzzles are concerned, but there are more bossfights than RE1. Oddly enough, it was the puzzles that had me stumped more than the bosses. Hoarding the right ammo for the right baddies is a must. The Magnum handgun re-appears to offer some stopping power and its bullets aren't terrible scarce, besides, Rebecca has to carry the empty guns, unless Billy is low on health, then he becomes the beast of burden. 

Story-wise Resident Evil 0 kinda feels like a dlc. Sure there's alot going on, but RE1 pulled the proverbial ghost costume off the old man in its conclusion anyways. The only thing that I didnt know about was the mutant leaches, and there were no leeches to be seen in the first game. From a storytelling perspective, it doesn't tie into the first game alot other than the appearance of Rebecca, Wesker, and the S.T.A.R.S bravo team appearing instead of entirely new, unrelated characters. 

Resident Evil 0 is more of a backlog busted title than a must-play, but it offers it's thrills for a decent price. I must say, looking at the rest of the Resident Evil franchise has me ready for a rolllercoaster of quality and frustration. Next up; Resident Evil 2 remake. Until then, stay sexy, amigos!