bit-tech Shopping: Capcom Resident Evil (GC)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: AMAZING graphics, Same great gameplay, with a few alterations

Weaknesses: why must characters move like tanks?

Summary: While I have never actually played the original RE, though I plan to soon, from the screen shots I have seen, this REmake is so much better looking that it is almost not recognizable as the same game. Seriously, while the backgrounds are not true 3d, and are still pre-rendered, like in the rest of the series, you'd never guess it. Chandaliers swing, curtains flutter, shadows flit accross walls realisically. The character models are equally impressive. With two playable characters, and some head scratching puzzles (though most are of the, "now where the heck to I put this" variety), this game will actually last a while as well.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: Graphics & Atmosphere

Weaknesses: Control Scheme, Camera Angels, More Ammo

Summary: Resident Evil for Nintendo Gamecube is a remake of the Playstation 1 classic which was released back in 1996. However, the Gamecube version is superior in everyway and really deserves another replay from fans of the survival/horor genre which this game invented. You may play with either a male of female character and each has its own twist on the game. The game is combination of action and puzzles with a scary atmosphere and vibe to the game which you have to experience to really enjoy. The game requires quite a bit of thought at times so be sure to save frequently in case you need to go back and try something different. My only knocks are that the camera angle is poor at times and the controls take a while to figure out. If you're a fan of this genre and own a gamecube, go out and get this game at its now budget price and enjoy.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4 Months

Strengths: The original Resident Evil overhauled with new graphics and sound, a lot of new surprises, great atmosphere.

Weaknesses: Still utilizes the old control scheme, no use of analog, same flaws of the original.

Summary: While this is just a remake of the original Resident Evil, it's a fantastic remake. The graphics have been completely done from scratch and are jaw dropping gorgeous. The little effects like the lighting flashes create a great atmosphere. Fortunate for us, the FMV has been dumped in favor of CG movies or even real time cutscenes utilizing the great graphics engine. Another good aspect of this remake is the voice acting dialog has been redone (no more corny "you, the master of lock picking"). The original game is still intact with all the interesting puzzle elements; however, the developer decided to mix things up a bit by placing items in different places, adding some enemies and other things to keep the game more interesting. Killing zombies this time is a little different as you can shoot them in different body parts but ultimately you have to perform a special move in order to fully kill them off. The same things that you hated about the original are still here. The limited ammunition and inventory space as well as the unintuitive control scheme. Why they just didn't update the new game with better controls (and include the old ones as "classic" controls) just boggles the mind. Despite the flaws, this is a great game. New fans will love this game and will appreciate it more with the graphical facelift. Old time fans will also enjoy it due the facelift but will still be interested since Capcom decided to mix up the original game a bit. A worthy purchase.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: 2 Characters to choose from. One on each disk.10 Different endings depending on your choices.Visual and audio upgrade experience.

Weaknesses: Well, since it is a remake, it does have what plauged the original, i.e. Tank controls, camera angles, and typewriter + ribbon to save.

Summary: A remake of the original Resident Evil with updated graphics, effects, enemies, areas, character moves and interactions, and some new puzzles. This is equivalent to having a classic movie being remastered for DVD quality and home theater experience. A new experience from the original. Definitely worth the player choice price. I would have liked the option to play the original as well.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Excellent remake of the classic survivor horror original.

Weaknesses: Nothing that was not an original weakness to the game ? fixed camera, pre-rendered backgrounds, and some poor camera angles.

Summary: Gameplay : 4 out of 5Graphics : 5 out of 5Sound : 5 out of 5The remake of Resident Evil for the Gamecube brings the Playstation (PS) classic into this generation of consoles. The graphical improvements over the original PS version brings to life the eeriness of being trapped in mansion with a bunch of flesh-eating zombies. The projected ambience and mood are elements that make RE?s gaming experience great. The puzzles and plot are interesting enough to grab your attention. Definitely, a worthwhile purchase; just remember to bring an ink ribbon with you.