The storyline of Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection allows you to relive the key moments of the entire Resident Evil series leading into Resident Evil 4 and is the perfect way to get a quick recap of the series' storyline before Resident Evil 6 releases in October. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles combines the better parts of Resident Evil Zero, Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemsis and also gives you a bonus chapter starring Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine and the series' notorious villain who narrates the entire game--Albert Wesker. Meanwhile, important moments from Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil Code: Veronica combined with a scenario in South America starring a new protagonist named Jack Krauser and Leon S. Kennedy make up the storyline of Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles.
Each of these titles in the Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection can act as nostalgic reenactments of the classic series while giving you some fresh new content and a different style of gameplay. The two games combine for nearly 40 hours of gameplay across both campaigns, and you can even unlock new game modes and other bonus content for some added fun. You'll battle your way through each scenario playing as one of two characters while utilizing classic Resident Evil weaponry such as shotguns, machineguns and a knife and items such as herbs and first aid sprays with on the rail shooting mechanics. These reenactments are expertly crafted and nearly identical to the older titles with important items still located in the same areas. Of course, there are destructive items to shoot, bonus points to be earned for headshots and hidden rooms and items to find in true fashion of this shooter genre.
The first noticeable difference in the Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection will obviously be the revamped graphics. These titles aren't that old, and the enhanced graphical quality makes the games even easier to enjoy. If you played the older titles, you'll also soon realize how much better the games control now with the PlayStation Move controls when compared with the Wii controls, but of course, you can now play both titles with simply a wireless controller as well. While there aren't a ton of other innovations to be found in the Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection, you can always replay the games just for the fun of collecting trophies in the newest versions of the games.
These two action-packed titles do contain vastly improved graphics and more responsive controls, but the troublesome camera makes its return here making for some nauseating gameplay for some people. If you can overlook the often annoying camera however, there are two wonderful games to enjoy here that allow for easy drop-in, drop-out cooperative play with a teammate between missions. You'll also keep coming back to experience all of the unlockable content and to upgrade weapons that make blasting through zombies, hunters, crimson heads and other classic Resident Evil monsters easier and more entertaining.
Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection is a fantastic package available for a great deal at $27.99 for both titles or $14.99 each starting July 17, 2012 on PlayStation Network. The two titles are a great reason to pick up PlayStation Move even if you don't already own one, and the survival horror aspects combined with enthralling action sequences makes for addictive gameplay that any gamer can appreciate. Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection is a fun time whether you've played through the older titles numerous times or not. Check it out on PlayStation Network today!
Game Features
Game Information
Developed and Distributed by Capcom
Rated M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence & Language
Available exclusively for PlayStation 3
Score: 9 out of 10