Biohazard (2002) (VG)

Directors:

Shinji Mikami
Carole Ruggier

Release Date:

30 April 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Relive the nightmare

Plot:

A special police squadron encounters the undead wandering around a mansion.

Plot Keywords:

Mansion | Murder | Gun | Crash Through Window | Self Inflicted Gunshot Wound

Cast

Joe Whyte	...	Chris Redfield / Richard Aiken (voice)
Heidi Anderson	...	Jill Valentine / Female Newscaster (voice)
Ed Smaron	...	Barry Burton / Kenneth / Sullivan / Forest Speyer (voice)
Hope Levy	...	Rebecca Chambers / Computer Voice 1 (voice)
Peter Jessop	...	Albert Wesker (voice)
Adam Paul	...	Brad Vickers / Josef Frost (voice)
Daniel Hagen	...	Enrico Marini (voice) (as Dan Hagen)
Chiaki Shirato	...	Computer Voice 2 (voice)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Eliot Sash	...	Zombie
Julia Voth	...	Jill Valentine

Also Known As:

Biohazard Rebirth (Japan: English title) (working title)
Resident Evil (USA)

Country:

Japan

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 | South Korea:18 | Argentina:M | USA:M

Company:

Capcom Company

Trivia:

This is the only video game that lets the gamer use the M202A1 FLASH.

Goofs:

Continuity: When the player is in control of Chris and removes the Survival Knife from their inventory, the knife still appears in Chris' sheath strapped to his chest.

Quotes:

Chris: Brad. Where the hell's he going?

Movie Connections:

References Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Soundtrack:

Moonlight Sonata

An amazing experience, if not an extremely difficult one.

Let me start by saying that anyone who is new to the series should NOT start here. I did, and I got nowhere the first time I played. To me, this game was too difficult, some parts got me really frustrated and after a short time I eventually decided to give it up. After a while I played the original game, which I really enjoyed, then after that I played Resident Evil's 2, 4 and 0 (in that order). Both were fantastic and relatively easy. So, after playing these, I finally decided to go back to REmake. When I did, it was so much easier for me. I realised that I needed to conserve my ammo, and also not waste ink ribbons. I also realised that even though I'd already played four of the other games, this was still the most difficult. I did get through it eventually however.

Anyway, on a more positive note, the game itself is amazing. The graphics are stunning, the storyline is fantastic and the game is actually terrifying. This is the only Resident Evil game that has truly scared me. The atmosphere is much scarier than other games plus the fact that it is a lot more difficult makes things even creepier. Ink ribbons are very limited, as is ammo, and this game just has more of a 'survival horror' feel to it than 2,4,0 and even the original had. Let's face it - the original was far from frightening. Good as it may have been, the voice acting made it seem like some sort of parody. With this game comes fresh new voice actors that get the job done (better than last time, anyway) also the main characters, Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, are two of the best characters in Resident Evil history. I have only managed to complete Jill's scenario, but I am currently trying to play through Chris', though like before it is still very difficult.

Another thing about this game is the fact that they changed a lot of stuff from the original. Now, even the normal zombies are considerably faster than before, and when you shoot some, they come back later as 'Crimson Heads' which can be very annoying if you're not ready for them. These zombies have the ability to run faster and claw you. However, one thing that makes this game better than the original is the fact that the graphics are much, MUCH better, as is the voice acting, but also Lisa Trevor finally makes an appearance after being referenced in the original. Lisa is by far the most terrifying creature I have ever encountered in a Resident Evil game. There's just so much to love about this game, and yet the fact remains that it is a very difficult game. Anyone who thought this game was easy, I seriously commend you. I can honestly say that it has never taken me so long to finish a video game as it did for me to finish this one.

However, all that aside, the game is brilliant. Any fan of Resident Evil who has at least completed another couple of games in the series should check this one out. But remember, if you're new to the series, PLEASE don't start here. Only if you're the best at playing video games should you start here.

8/10