An absolute must for survival horror fans...
First of all i have been a fan of the Resident Evil series since the very beginning, but i never got around to playing this on account of me not buying a Gamecube when the console first launched. Having purchased one recently for a very reasonable price, I decided that i should start with this seeing as though i have always noticed it popping up in top ten lists and such over the years. Being a remake of a classic and much loved game I had my reservations prior to playing, but my doubts were definitely misplaced. It manages to improve upon the original (and in my opinion, the best) game in the series in practically every way, from upgraded visuals to better and more atmospheric sound effects, to updated versions of classic characters and enemies. Thankfully a lot of the original music remains, and does much to keep the general feel of nostalgia that most gamers would feel when playing. The game is rendered perfectly, with lighting and shadow effects that really do enhance the oppressive and spooky atmosphere of the mansion and its grounds, and even after being spoiled with HD gaming for the past 5 years or so, it still looks hugely impressive. It is a perfect choice for anyone wanting a challenging, at times outright terrifying adventure that does more than live up to its name. The difficulty may surprise some people, considering how much hand holding is apparent in games these days. This harks back to a time when the word "Checkpoint" didnt go hand in hand with gaming, as after every death you are taken back to your last save. This gives the game a definite feeling of dread and unease, especially when entering new areas or engaging a boss etc. The fact that saves are limited adds to the tension, but in my opinion this is where the game shines, as you feel a real sense of achievement and progress as you move through to new areas, debating whether to use your last ink ribbon before going into the attic to fight the snake, or just hoping you have the chops to get through it in one go etc. Its a game you can play until the early hours without realising, but can take anywhere up to ten hours to complete. In regards to value for money, this (as with most japanese made games) has outstanding replay value due to the wealth of unlockable items/costumes/game modes/game options etc that are gained upon completion. Not to mention the fact that there are two characters to play as, both of whom have a slightly different adventure, making it one to go through at least one more time. For series veterans and fans of the original who have not yet checked this gem of a game out, please do so as it is a fantastic addition to the series, and a great reminder of why we hold the Resident Evil series in such high regard. The core game is exactly how you would hope, with some slight changes and extras, but all for the better. If you missed it when it came out like me, rectify that mistake and get it as soon as possible, you will not be dissapointed.Read full review
