Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is a HD remastered edition of Resident Evil 0, originally on Nintendo Gamecube. This remastered edition includes new features such as new costumes, alternative controls like Resident Evil HD Remaster, Trophy List, improved graphics, as well as a new game mode.
This game is also a classic survival horror game like the classic Resident Evil games, with some new features introduced in this game.
Story
This game takes place before the events of the first Resident Evil game. Rebecca is a newly recruited S.T.A.R.S officer, and is tasked along with her squad to find an escaped prison inmate, Billy Coen. Later she will meet him, and they had to work together to survive the horror on that night.
The game's story is decent, but not great. I do not find this game's story to be extremely good, as the game does not introduce many new story elements to the Resident Evil lore except the other Umbrella co-founder and the first mention of the Progenitor Virus. The characters are decent. Billy Coen is a likable protagonist, and Rebecca is decent too. Wesker and Birkin also appear in several cutscenes of this game, with a bit more exposition to the lore as both of them were working under the other Umbrella co-founder in this game. However, the main villain in this game is poorly introduced and has weak character traits. Not likable compared to other villains such as Wesker, the Alexia twins, and Nicolai.
This game's story also contradicts many story elements established in previous Resident Evil games, including Resident Evil HD Remaster, particularly on why Rebecca didn't mention the events in this game in Resident Evil HD Remaster. It is understandable that this game was originally released after Resident Evil Remake, but it is still quite a glaring issue.
Gameplay
The gameplay is simple. You must complete puzzles to progress in the game, while fighting off against a variety of enemies. However, many puzzles require you to use certain objects, which can be found by exploring in different rooms in this game. As you progress in the game, you will encounter tougher enemies and more difficult puzzles. Like the previous Resident Evil games, the camera perspective will change accordingly upon exploring in a room, and you may also interact with different objects in this game for more information, files, and items.
Unlike previous classic Resident Evil games, the HD Remaster version also introduce an alternate control scheme that allows you to move your controlled character in free-form instead of tank controls, like Resident Evil HD Remaster. You may also revert to the original tank controls if you want to.
This game features two playable characters at the same time, where you can issue simple commands to your partner character such as to remain in one place, use weapons to attack any nearby enemies, or control them independently. This new feature is called character switching, where you can switch between two characters in different situations. For example, you commanded Rebecca to remain in a safe room, and then switch control to Billy and use him to kill off the zombies to clear a path.
Each playable character also has different attributes, such as only Rebecca can mix herbs and Billy can take more hits than Rebecca before dying. Depending on different situations, you must control your characters whether in solo mode or team mode.
Another new feature of this game is the item dropping system. This game has no Item Boxes to store your items, so you must drop items where ever you can to make space for your inventory. In many occasions, it is best to leave items in a safe spot, and come back there to retrieve it or use it.
The game's battle system is similar to previous Resident Evil games, where you must aim and shoot with your equipped weapon to shoot at an enemy. Different enemies have different resistances or health points, so it is recommended to save stronger weapons and ammo for boss fights.
The gameplay is great. The character switching feature is a really neat feature, a feature that I was hoping to be implemented in Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, and Resident Evil: Revelations, where you can switch between the two playable characters while playing the game. The item dropping system is a neat idea, enhancing the survival horror experience.
However, this game is not without faults. The item management can be an issue, as both Billy and Rebecca have only six inventory slots, and most of the time you have to carry items that occupy two slots, such as the Hookshot. Some of the room designs are not properly done, as most of the times you have to go through narrow paths and have difficulties with evading some enemies in the game. Lack of jump scares also make this game less terrifying than Resident Evil HD Remaster, too. Boss fights are less intense compared to Resident Evil HD Remaster boss fights.
Overall, I find this game's gameplay to be not much better than Resident Evil HD Remaster, as both games have different gameplay mechanics that made each different. This game still has great gameplay, but with some understandable issues.
Graphics
The in-game engine graphics look really great, like Resident Evil HD Remaster. Excellent looking pre-rendered backgrounds, character models, and enemy models. The pre-rendered cutscenes look a bit dated, but not too bad either. No bugs or glitches encountered in the game so far.
Sound
This game has decent voice acting. Cheesy, but decent. Richard Waugh still has the better voice acting sections in this game as Wesker, who reprise his role from Resident Evil: Code Veronica X. The soundtrack is a good mix of ambient and horror, fitting the game's atmosphere very well. Good sound effects as well, fitting a survival horror game's atmosphere.
Replay Value
This game has good replay value. You can play the game again in New Game Plus mode by loading up the clear save file and choose the Once Again option, play a minigame called the Leech Hunter to unlock new weapons, play the game again in different difficulty modes, or even play the new mode called Wesker Mode. Wesker Mode allows you to control Wesker in the main game, although the cutscenes will still refer him as Billy. He also has different abilities such as killing enemies with his Death Stare, dashing, or mix herbs.
Conclusion
This is a good survival horror game and Resident Evil game. However, I do not find it to be a vital entry to the series as it does not add much to the Resident Evil's lore. The gameplay is the highlight of this game, with more interesting game mechanics such as the character switching and item dropping features.
This game is worth playing for any survival horror and Resident Evil fans, but this game still pales in comparison compared to Resident Evil HD Remaster in many areas, such as the horror atmosphere, pacing, enemy variety, and story. This game is still worth playing, and you can play both Resident Evil HD Remaster and Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster by purchasing the Resident Evil: Origins Collection.
Score
Story: 6/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 7.75/10 or 31/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rebecca and Billy are good protagonists.
- Great gameplay.
- Great partner system, such as simple commands or switching playable characters.
- Unique item dropping feature, enhancing survival horror experience.
- Great graphics.
- Excellent performance.
- Great sound effects and background music.
- Decent voice acting.
- Good replay value.
- Wesker Mode is a neat addition.
Cons
- Uninteresting story.
- Unnecessary retcons.
- Less jump scares and horror atmosphere compared to Resident Evil HD Remaster.
- Less intense boss fights.
- Weak main villain.
- Item management issues.
**Images are from official Playstation page and Dualshockers.
This is a HD remastered edition of Resident Evil 0, originally on Nintendo Gamecube. This remastered edition includes new features such as new costumes, alternative controls like Resident Evil HD Remaster, Trophy List, improved graphics, as well as a new game mode.
This game is also a classic survival horror game like the classic Resident Evil games, with some new features introduced in this game.
Story
Take control of both Rebecca and Billy, and survive the nightmare.
The game's story is decent, but not great. I do not find this game's story to be extremely good, as the game does not introduce many new story elements to the Resident Evil lore except the other Umbrella co-founder and the first mention of the Progenitor Virus. The characters are decent. Billy Coen is a likable protagonist, and Rebecca is decent too. Wesker and Birkin also appear in several cutscenes of this game, with a bit more exposition to the lore as both of them were working under the other Umbrella co-founder in this game. However, the main villain in this game is poorly introduced and has weak character traits. Not likable compared to other villains such as Wesker, the Alexia twins, and Nicolai.
This game's story also contradicts many story elements established in previous Resident Evil games, including Resident Evil HD Remaster, particularly on why Rebecca didn't mention the events in this game in Resident Evil HD Remaster. It is understandable that this game was originally released after Resident Evil Remake, but it is still quite a glaring issue.
Gameplay
Classic survival horror gameplay like the older Resident Evil games.
The gameplay is simple. You must complete puzzles to progress in the game, while fighting off against a variety of enemies. However, many puzzles require you to use certain objects, which can be found by exploring in different rooms in this game. As you progress in the game, you will encounter tougher enemies and more difficult puzzles. Like the previous Resident Evil games, the camera perspective will change accordingly upon exploring in a room, and you may also interact with different objects in this game for more information, files, and items.
Unlike previous classic Resident Evil games, the HD Remaster version also introduce an alternate control scheme that allows you to move your controlled character in free-form instead of tank controls, like Resident Evil HD Remaster. You may also revert to the original tank controls if you want to.
This game features two playable characters at the same time, where you can issue simple commands to your partner character such as to remain in one place, use weapons to attack any nearby enemies, or control them independently. This new feature is called character switching, where you can switch between two characters in different situations. For example, you commanded Rebecca to remain in a safe room, and then switch control to Billy and use him to kill off the zombies to clear a path.
Each playable character also has different attributes, such as only Rebecca can mix herbs and Billy can take more hits than Rebecca before dying. Depending on different situations, you must control your characters whether in solo mode or team mode.
Another new feature of this game is the item dropping system. This game has no Item Boxes to store your items, so you must drop items where ever you can to make space for your inventory. In many occasions, it is best to leave items in a safe spot, and come back there to retrieve it or use it.
The game's battle system is similar to previous Resident Evil games, where you must aim and shoot with your equipped weapon to shoot at an enemy. Different enemies have different resistances or health points, so it is recommended to save stronger weapons and ammo for boss fights.
The gameplay is great. The character switching feature is a really neat feature, a feature that I was hoping to be implemented in Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, and Resident Evil: Revelations, where you can switch between the two playable characters while playing the game. The item dropping system is a neat idea, enhancing the survival horror experience.
However, this game is not without faults. The item management can be an issue, as both Billy and Rebecca have only six inventory slots, and most of the time you have to carry items that occupy two slots, such as the Hookshot. Some of the room designs are not properly done, as most of the times you have to go through narrow paths and have difficulties with evading some enemies in the game. Lack of jump scares also make this game less terrifying than Resident Evil HD Remaster, too. Boss fights are less intense compared to Resident Evil HD Remaster boss fights.
Overall, I find this game's gameplay to be not much better than Resident Evil HD Remaster, as both games have different gameplay mechanics that made each different. This game still has great gameplay, but with some understandable issues.
Graphics
Great remastered graphics.
Sound
Decent voice acting and good soundtrack.
Replay Value
Good replay value.
Conclusion
A good survival horror game hampered by it's uninteresting story and villain.
This game is worth playing for any survival horror and Resident Evil fans, but this game still pales in comparison compared to Resident Evil HD Remaster in many areas, such as the horror atmosphere, pacing, enemy variety, and story. This game is still worth playing, and you can play both Resident Evil HD Remaster and Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster by purchasing the Resident Evil: Origins Collection.
Score
Story: 6/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 7.75/10 or 31/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rebecca and Billy are good protagonists.
- Great gameplay.
- Great partner system, such as simple commands or switching playable characters.
- Unique item dropping feature, enhancing survival horror experience.
- Great graphics.
- Excellent performance.
- Great sound effects and background music.
- Decent voice acting.
- Good replay value.
- Wesker Mode is a neat addition.
Cons
- Uninteresting story.
- Unnecessary retcons.
- Less jump scares and horror atmosphere compared to Resident Evil HD Remaster.
- Less intense boss fights.
- Weak main villain.
- Item management issues.
**Images are from official Playstation page and Dualshockers.
Comments
Post a Comment