Resident Evil Zero (GameCube)

Resident Evil: Zero

Discover the root of all evil and go back to where it all began. Resident Evil Zero takes you back to the very start of the series and shows you just what went wrong. You start as Rebecca Chambers, the latest S*T*A*R*S member, who is investigation the bizarre murders in Racoon City. However the helicopter she is in has to make a crash landing in the forest and she discovers that serial killer, Billy Coen is on the loose. Whilst looking for Billy you come across a crashes train and the horror begins. The train is overrun with flesh hungry zombies, it is your job to stop them and find out what in the hell is going on.

The game uses the same controls and adapts the same brilliant graphics, as its Gamecube predecessor, however the game is tenser and you will find yourself screaming like a little girl once again. You meet Billy Coen and team up with him to help you both survive, at this point you are able to control both of the characters individually or both at once. Billy is a tough Ex-Marine and Rebecca is an intelligent and agile investigator. You will need to use both of the characters to solve puzzles and more importantly, to survive. The enemies come thick and fast with zombies, dogs, scorpions, monkeys and spiders to blast your pistol at.

The puzzles are trickier than even and you often need both Billy and Rebecca to solve them. Your brain and your nerves will be pushed to the limit with this game that is as clever as it is scary. Many clues and riddles are in place to explain how it all began and just who the Umbrella Corporation are. As you work deeper into the games evil heart, the plot becomes clearer and the fear more intense.

It wouldn’t be Resident Evil without the low lighting and the nerve-wracking background music. The game has an unhealthy helping of violence and gore, which brings a whole new sense of panic to the gaming experience. A bevy of weaponry is available to help Rebecca and Billy mash enemies and advance through the game. Many items are round and about to help you on your quest and letters to show the sick plotting behind the outbreak and who is to blame.

The game plays smoothly and changing between characters is a brilliant feature in the game. The cut scenes are movie quality and build on the suspense and fear already rendered by the game itself. The survival horror will capture the imaginations and nightmares of anyone who plays it. The storyline is compelling and the character interaction brings the game to life. If you are any sort of horror or adventure games fan then Resident Evil Zero will captivate you.

The game retails at about £35 now, although I paid £40 for it when it first came out. Online stores probably offer it cheaper than high street retailers however. This game requires a memory pack for saving the game to, unless you fancy starting from the beginning each time you play.

So pack a torch, a gun and a spare pair of pants because you are going to be very scared, very soon… Caution: Not for the easily scared or those with heart conditions.