Format: Wii

Publisher: Capcom

Developer: Capcom (in-house)

Reviewed by David Valjalo

[ratings]

Warning: a budget price-point and Wii-specific controls (don’t fret, the Classic and ‘Cube controller options are here, too) are the only new marketing tools of this re-release (of the 2002 Gamecube remake).  It’s lucky for consumers, then, that the sands of time haven’t weakened the guttural grip of the series’ puzzle-based roots.

Set in and around a prim and petrifying mansion that will prove to be the first domino in a series of unfortunate, undead events, Resident Evil sees you take on the role of either stranded S.T.A.R.S. members Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine as the mystery of what gives corpses hunger pangs is revealed in full, gory detail.

That the original cogs of survival horror turning underneath the gorgeous, pre-rendered chassis still illicit such a sense of palpable fear and tension is testament to Capcom’s original 13-year-old inception.  The static camera, the sluggish controls and the unforgiving save system may put the frighteners on players bred on Evils 4 and 5 but Resident Evil’s miniature labyrinth of treasures, horrors and herbs remains one of the most satisfying risk/reward loops in videogame history.

The cracks in the armour show in the script and voice-acting, but that’s always been this franchise’s Romero-loving vibe and there’s an odd romanticism to the unspoken trust between the two protagonists that layers the experience of playing out their separate, parallel destinies.

It’s a shame to find a lack of exclusive – perhaps retrospective – extras, but with a title as robust, timeless and atmospheric, it’s difficult to file a complaint when you’re scrambling for a clean pair of undergarments.

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