"THIS IS SOME SCARY $#&@!"

THE BASIC BEEF
Resident Evil has recently been redone and perfected by the good people of Capcom and releasing it through Nintendo, taking away the pleasure of doing so from it’s original messenger; Sony. (I can’t guarantee that Capcom has not yet done or will soon do this same remake for PS2, but it just takes too long to go the PS2’s long list of Star Wars and “1.Shoot 2.Don’t Miss 3.Ending Credits” paced games). This is a remake of the ever-so popular game that started the Resident Evil genre, and they couldn’t have done it better. The story is practically the same, yet they have also added a few extra surprises. Resident Evil is one of the scariest games out there, all because of it’s unique game design; they display nothing on the screen except you and the surroundings, and the control also gives it a creepy touch because you hardly ever see what directly in front of you (it’s not annoying, it’s damn scary). These elements make you feel like a rich horror actor. This may sound a bit tedious, yet it takes but a few minutes to get used to the camera angles and the basic controls.

As far as story goes, Resident Evil remains the same from it’s original format, and of course, is one of the best stories you have ever found in a game. A secret military corp. has invented something called the “T-Virus” and no, I won’t tell you more!!! The setting is an abandoned mansion that is overrun with horrifying secrets and horrifying creatures (Maybe....T-Virus? It sound creepy enough). You have the choice to play 2 different characters, and the adventure changes (a lot) depending on who you choose. Your basic reason for being there you will find in the beginning cinematic. (Since this is my first review, let me make one thing clear; I DO NOT SELL AWAY MORE THAT 2% STORY, OK?) You are a special agent who gets chased into an abandoned mansion, after being attacked by a group of rabid (apparently dead and decaying) dogs and losing (and that means dead) a member of your team. The setting, story and art design of this game is a bullet-proof vest that can’t be beat.

MY INSULTING/COMPLEMENTING OPINION
My opinion on this game is quite simple, the game’s design and perfect attention to detail makes this a must-have for mature audiences ONLY. People have been debating the GCN’s “kiddy” level designed games, and that stupid buck stops here. This game will be the idol of any action/horror/kick-a.ss game fan, and I recommend it to anyone who would like to be the star of the most horrific movie you have ever seen. This is one of the best titles on the GCN and I strongly recommend it for these reasons; excellent and engaging story, compelling graphics, wonderful art design, innovative and unique camera and controls, and horrifying surprises waiting for you when you pass that next window, when you cross the next hallway, and when you hear those screams in the night.

SURPRISES AND VISUALS
So what are you gonna find, and what should I expect? Well, basically you are gonna be scared out of your wits (if any) by flesh-eating zombies that never seem to die (of course not), wild dogs who leap at you and knock you to the floor, and creeping spiders crawling unexpectedly from the other side of doorways (that’s just a few by the way). As far as visuals go, the fire doesn’t shift, it flows. The hair isn’t a hat, it’s hair. Now, (as an example) those are the little details and nooks/crannies, that make games neat and worthwhile. The are things that should be in a game to add needed realism, and Resident Evil has all of it. So, if you’re worried about what to expect or hope to see realism, rest easy; Resident Evil crosses all the “i’s” and dot’s all the “t’s.” Or is it the other way around? Either way, don’t look for any glitches or foul-ups of any kind, because I’ve looked... and If you know me; whatever I look for, I don’t find.

WELL WHAT ABOUT..?
So lets get to the heart of the matter; the game itself. So what is it that most people worry about? The answer is graphics. Now, what I am about to say is not exaggerated or misread in any way; This game has by far, the best graphics I have ever seen in any game of any console to this day, and the minute the first superb cinematic was done, and I saw this dude just standing still... I asked myself; Is it done yet? The graphics are THAT good. These graphics are accurately 95% life-like and no other game comes close in this category. As N64's Resident Evil 2 had great graphics for that age and console, Resident Evil for the GCN must be at least 3 years ahead of it’s time.

The game design is unique and very, very underrated. Many people will tell you that the controls and camera hurt you more than the zombies did, and they are wrong, wrong, wrong! The controls take about 2 minutes to get used to, and the camera makes it to where this is one of the most movie-like games out there. This unique and innovative game design makes this a wonderful renovation and alternative to your raging and undying angers; “All I see is the back of the dude’s head!!!” or “You know, Bond is leaving greasy hand streaks on that gun again...” With this new design, you can see with detail-your character at all angles. Thank God for whoever came up with this.

The sound effects and sound are as good to the ears as graphics to the eyes. Every time one of those dogs comes bursting through the window with the intense orchestra blast you throw your controller up into the air (Which sometimes comes at a price). The game doesn’t have very much music, but as far as sound effects go, Resident Evil will shove your eardrums into the brain that this game’s violence will warp. The controls are a thing to learn for a small while, but nonetheless, the controls and camera angle combined, make this a game that makes you feel like you’re at the movies . Lastly, and most importantly, satisfaction is the overall reason to get this game. You won’t be disappointed. You know how much info a GC can hold. Well, this is the system’s 1st game that needs 2 discs to play it at its fullest, which just goes to show how much info, graphics, and detail were jammed into this baby.

IT HAS
Rewarding and intensive game play. Horrifying yet awesome visuals, graphics, and sound. Very, very scary setting, enemies, and surprises. Game design that is really at the movies. 100% satisfaction. It really “Has” what you want.

IT DOESN’’T HAVE
Very much replay value; You have an intense and long and exciting adventure in a creepy old place, but your efforts are not much rewarded. 2-player compatibility. Music until you encounter enemies, in which it gets nerve-bursting. Fast pacing. Overall, these thing don’t matter much, because you are way too worried about the “It Has’s.”

HOW SHOULD I PLAY THIS GAME?
Well, this game’s main element is terror. It is scarier than watching Steven Segal act, and that’s saying a lot. It’s got better graphics and special effx than any old horror movie (some new ones too) and yet it is animated...that cancels out your Friday the 13th rental option. You play it as you would watch a horror movie (No, not those cheesy 80's movies with 37 or more sequels); you turn off the lights, turn up the sound and play in the company of a friendly audience; for they will have as much fun watching as you will have playing (unless, of course, you suck). I suggest, suggest mind you, that you play with a guide, mainly because there are so many rooms and so many items and so many secrets, that by the time you figure it out, your first death’s body will have decomposed. So, do I make my point clear? Get a guide! Also, you must have a memory card to play both discs, as with most other GCN games. So don't forget these 2 things; There are just too many zombies waiting for the kill!


THE ENDING; SAPPY OR HAPPY?
To conclude, Resident Evil is probably the best game to come out since SSBM, since so far, GCN’s games have been complete failures and shortcuts to fame. If you have heard of this hoopla, listen to the general public for once. Yet at the same time, be extremely confident in your purchase with this rare and valuable game. Why is it so rare? Because it is from GCN, and yet, it’s good. Satisfaction is a 98% factor on all it’s players. Truly, the most terrifying of games, as well as intriguingly, and visually beautiful, Resident Evil is THE best GCN game out there to date. (And for those who were wondering, Dinosaur Planet was delayed until Sept *sob). It will be a long while until GCN creates another game like this: at least worth renting, and it will be a VERY long while until someone creates a game with such astounding graphics. Now, remember; graphics aren’t everything, but in this game, it’s a helluva lot. Whatever you focus on a game; whether it’s graphics, sound, story, game design, or overall satisfaction, Resident Evil is THE most fleshy corpse you will ever run into.