Resident Evil 2...Dreamcast Version
Written: Feb 16 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Lots of difficulty settings, Extras, Improved graphics
Cons: A couple of graphic flaws
The Bottom Line: Long regarded as the best game in the series, Resident Evil 2 features lots of extras, multiple difficulty levels, and a unique two character approach
|
|
|
| sportster's Full Review: Resident Evil 2 for Dreamcast |
The release of Code:Veronica introduced Dreamcast owners to the highly successful Resident Evil series. The game proved that the series would be just as popular on the new system as it was on the PSX. With this new generation of fans hungry for more of the story, Capcom has recently begun porting over some of the other titles in the series, along with it's other Survival/Horror classic, Dino Crisis. The latest title to make the jump is one that many gamers feel was the best all-around game in the series,,Resident Evil 2.
It's interesting to note that Dreamcast owners are getting the series in reverse order. Veronica is the fourth installment, the next game released for the DC, Nemesis, is actually number three. By the title you can figure out that this game was the second one released. Three down, one to go. If Veronica was your introduction to the series, you may have wondered how everyone's favorite co-ed,Claire Redfield came to be snooping around in Umbrella's European facility. You also might have been trying to figure out just who that Leon she sent that message to is. Well, here's your chance to find out.
Resident Evil 2 takes place at the same time as Nemesis. The story is told from two different view points. That of Claire, and also a rookie(first day on the job)cop named Leon S. Kennedy. They arrive in Raccoon City at the same time, each unaware of the fact that a virus has transformed most of the citizens into zombies. Shortly after they meet, they become separated by an explosion and are forced to take separate paths to the Police Station. Here is where the adventure starts.
The game comes on two discs, one for each character. To truly complete the game players must play both stories. You have the option of which order you play them in. While the story is basically the same, certain things will change depending on which character you use first. And one character(not one of the main two)is viewed in a totally different light depending on which order you select.
While the game isn't Code:Veronica, it is certainly improved graphically from it's PSX version. The backgrounds are much sharper, so much so that you can even make out some of the posters on the walls. Better lighting effects also help everything to stand out more, giving this game a very clean look. As expected from this series, each area is highly detailed, including things like phones and papers on desks, or visible grain in wooden floors. While none of these things affect play, they do give a nice overall presentation.
Characters and the assorted nasties they battle are also much crisper than their Playstation counterparts. facial features seem to stand out more(although lips still don't move when they talk, except in FMV's), and even the weapons they carry have sharper lines to them. There are quite a few different types of zombies, and with the improved graphics you can really see the difference between them. Oh, and one thing taken out of Veronica is included here. Those famous head-exploding shots. In fact, hitting a zombie just right can result in all kinds of limb separating mayhem. Zombies aren't your only worry either. There are a few different nightmares to fend off, including demon dogs, lickers, and what can be best described as another version of the Nemesis.
All of this moves along nicely on screen. For the most part in a pretty life-like manner. True, the characters tend to walk a little on the stiff side, and the dogs seem to move somewhat un-naturally, but those are really the only downsides there.
There are some minor flaws in the graphics. For one, you can walk right through fallen enemies. Another would be the fact that with the sharper graphics you can see where the characters have been pieced together. This is noticed in the cut-scenes. Take the scene where Claire first encounters the wounded officer. Look at her bent leg, it appears as if it's two pieces joined together. Some people may call the camera angles a flaw, but I won't. I've always liked the changing angles. True, they don't always give you the best view, but if you have the auto-aim feature turned on, they shouldn't be a problem.
Soundwise the Resident Evil series has always been well done. The game's soundtrack would fit a good horror movie. Nice chilling pieces can be found alongside the soothing, light music of a save room. I've always felt that the short piece at the beginning of the last(so you think)boss battle on the second mission is one of the best in the series. Trust me, the music fits the game.
Other sound effects are done well also. Whether it's breaking glass, the report of weapons, or the shuffling of a moaning zombie, they're all here. Each creature has it's own sound, and your characters footsteps will change sound depending on the surface they're walking on. Or sloshing through.
Voice acting isn't bad. Most of the game's characters show some emotions when they speak. That includes the minor players as well. Overall, I give the sound package a big thumbs up.
Ah, controls. You either love them or hate them. This is no fault of the game itself. The controls work well. The menus are easy to navigate and use. Auto-aim works well. So, then what's to hate? All depends on whether or not you're used to the PSX set-up. While the controls can be configured a couple of different ways, the set-up used on that system isn't one of them. Basically it reverses the run button and the action button. Takes some getting used to if this is your first DC try at the series. If you're familiar with the controls from Veronica or Nemesis, then you're good to go. Either way, the controls are easy to both learn and use. You have the option of using pad or stick for movement, both work well.
The way the game works is as follows. You play through the game as one character. After saving you insert the other character's disc and play again from that character's viewpoint. Your starting point will differ, depending on if it's your first or second trip through. So will some of the places you visit. For example, you only go to the gun shop on your first play. Each character has their own unique path, although they do wind up visiting most of the the same places. Some items will be moved around after you complete the first scenario too.
Each character has things unique to their story. Secondary characters for example. One will end up protecting a little girl, the other will team up with a sexy woman, whose motives are unclear. You control these other characters at times(twice each)during the story. One can be a bit of a challenge, the other has a gun. Each story also has one other character that figures in it. While you'll always encounter these folks, events play out differently depending on if it's your first or second run through the story.
Each play through has something unique to it. The first time around you'll encounter a creature that'll make you jump the first time you see it. I won't spoil the surprise, you'll know it when you meet it. Your second trip through will be hounded at times by a big, ugly, creep in a green trench coat. This thing is obviously what the Nemesis was based on. He even drops some ammo for you each time you knock him down. He only appears in the second(or even numbered)play throughs.
Game play is true to the series. You explore the different areas finding weapons, ammo, healing items, and the means to unlock various doors along the way. Files scattered about the game will give you some hints, or combinations. Then there's always the mutated nasties that need to be disposed of. Different weapons will be more effective against certain creatures. Take Claire's grenade launcher. Acid rounds are best against Lickers, Fire rounds work well against everything else. Especially those plant creatures.
The bosses you face depend on which scenario you're playing(first or second). For instance, Claire will always leave the station through the same path. Here is where you encounter the first real boss(Not counting big ugly). What is waiting depends on which scenario it is. And scenario one's end battle is quite different from scenario two's end fight(s). There is also one place where what you do the first time by affects the second trip. There are two items here, whatever you take the first time won't be there on the next trip. So plan ahead.
The game has multiple difficulty settings. You have two modes, Normal and Arrange. Normal starts off with the Easy and Normal settings. Arrange gives you Rookie and Expert. Completing the game once will unlock the Hard setting, finishing the second mission reveals Nightmare. While the game remains the same through out, starting weapons, and the amount of enemies will change. Items will sometimes be in different locations too. For example, the S.T.A.R.S. room. On normal, there are bullets on Barry's desk, on expert they're behind Wesker's desk. At rookie level you start off with the sub-machine gun and unlimited ammo. So the game is enjoyable for all levels of gamers.
There's an extra game to unlock as well, Extreme Game. Similar to the Battle Mode found in Veronica, or the Mercenaries game of Nemesis. You get to choose from from characters here. Object being to fight your way from near the end of the game back to the Police Station. Once there, you must find four bombs. No time limit. Pretty entertaining. Mostly fast and furious.
There are two extra missions also. Unlocking these missions depends on your score in the second scenario. You'll need to be both fast and good to get these unlocked. For the second one you'll need to go through the complete game a few times. Both of these games are highly challenging.
There's also an art gallery to view. During gameplay you'll unlock drawings of the different characters and monsters. You'll also be able to view all of the FMV here once you see it in the game. A nice little extra.
Finally there's the costume changes. This game was the only one of the series that allowed you to get the key to the wardrobe during your first play. I know, all of the re-releases give you all the costumes right from the start. But you still have to earn them here. There's a weapon in there with your new duds as well For all you Nemesis fans, getting this key will let you see what became of poor Brad after that scene in front of the station. Remember, Nemesis takes place both before and after this game.
Altogether, a very nicely cleaned up re-release of a Playstation classic. If you've never played this game, by all means get it. Even if you have one of the two PSX versions(this is a re-release of the Dual Shock version)it 's worth at least a rental.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
sportster
|
|
Location: Stamford,Ct.
Reviews written: 46
Trusted by: 35 members
About Me:
Is there some reason why Triple Play Baseball(PS2) isn't on your lists?
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.