Resident Evil 0 serves as a prequel to the original Resident Evil where players control S.T.A.R.S. officer Rebecca Chambers and a convicted criminal by the name of Billy Coen. Gamers are able to switch between the two characters in order to solve puzzles and advance throughout the game's levels. The character not controlled by the character is taken over by the game's AI system with the ability to use each character's unique abilities to progress. The partner zap system allows both characters to appear on the screen at the same time and was a unique feature implemented in 2002 to make the game more challenging. Rebecca has the ability to combine herbs and chemicals in her mixing kit, while Billy has superior strength for lifting objects, alongside better defense abilities. Item management is even better than other titles in the series with Resident Evil 0 with the ability to store items on the ground and look at your map to find out where they are for later use.
The game takes place on July 23, 1998 in the Arklay Mountains just outside Raccoon City where the Ecliptic Express (owned by Umbrella) is attacked by leeches. Following the incident, a group of S.T.A.R.S. are sent to investigate a series of murders that are cannibalistic in nature. One of our main protagonists, Rebecca Chambers, has made her way back to the train alongside Billy Coen where they find it has been over run by the undead. As the story continues, we quickly learn about Dr.James Marcus and his attempt to create a biological weapon that uses leech DNA to create the T-Virus. The game's plot is even more intriguing with the beautifully remastered HD graphics in the new release. Gamers slowly unveil the truth of who started the viral outbreak as Rebecca and Billy get closer to finding the man controlling the leeches.
While much of the game remains similar to the 2002 release, the new release does have improved visuals, framerate specs and the ability to switch between resolutions. However, to keep things interesting, Capcom has added a new Wesker mode that can be unlocked after completion of the main story. In this mode, players are able to take on the role of Wesker in the place of Billy, with super cool abilities that allow them to harness the power of Uroboros.
In the end, Resident Evil 0 has made its triumph return in the new remastered version for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3 and PC. Gamers who enjoyed the original release will love the new HD Remaster which looks better than ever before. All of the great content found in the original release such as costumes, weapons and unlockables are still present in the game and the new Wesker mode is a hell of a good time. If you are looking to revisit this classic title on next-gen consoles than look no further with Resident Evil 0. To learn more, visit the official Resident Evil 0 website.
Reviewed for Xbox One
Features:
- Return to the series origins – Discover the truth behind what led to the horrors at the Mansion in Resident Evil in this fan-favorite and popular prequel title to the series.
- Enhanced visuals and remastered sound – New high-resolution textures have been created from scratch, including 1080p support on next-gen consoles, while still preserving the classic appearance of the original release. 5.1 surround support provides a more experiential gaming atmosphere that best matches players’ listening environments.
- Relive the classic horror in either its original settings or modified to modern-day standards:
- Experience the horror in the classic 4:3 ratio or newly added 16:9 widescreen mode.
- Play with the classic control scheme, or enjoy a new alternative scheme where the character moves in the direction of the analogue stick.
- Fan-favorite Resident Evil characters – Rookie S.T.A.R.S. member Rebecca Chambers and wanted criminal Billy Coen combine skills and buddy up to survive the undead and infected nightmares that await them.
- New Wesker Mode – Complete the game once to unlock Wesker Mode and play through Resident Evil 0 as alternative character Albert Wesker using the powers he gained from the Uroboros virus in Resident Evil 5, alongside a darker version of S.T.A.R.S. member Rebecca Chambers.