PGC NEWS

The Resident Evil franchise, a titan in the survival horror genre, has seen its share of evolution. While not the originator of the genre, Resident Evil undoubtedly propelled it to mainstream success, shaping the landscape of horror gaming. As technology and player preferences evolved, so did the series, notably with the action-heavy Resident Evil 4. This shift, while commercially successful, left some long-time fans yearning for the classic survival horror experience.

With the rise of the remaster trend and the stumble of Resident Evil 6, Capcom saw an opportunity to appease both old and new fans. The successful Resident Evil HD Remaster proved that revitalizing classic titles could be a winning strategy, paving the way for Resident Evil 0 to receive the same treatment with Resident Evil 0: HD Remaster.

alt text describing image

A Fresh Coat of Paint on a Classic Experience

Capcom’s commitment to fully remastering its classic titles is evident in Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster. Building on the success of the Resident Evil HD Remaster, this iteration breathes new life into the prequel. The updated visuals create a sense of both familiarity and novelty for those who experienced the original GameCube release. High-resolution textures bring environments to life, showcasing gruesome details on the revitalized zombies, from their blood-soaked clothing to their decaying flesh. Enhanced effects, such as fire and rain, further immerse players in the horrifying world, surpassing the original’s dated visuals. Character animations have also been refined, resulting in smoother and more realistic movements.

Impressively, Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster maintains a stable frame rate across various graphical settings. Even on less powerful hardware, a smooth 60fps experience is achievable, avoiding frustrating performance dips. Capcom also caters to nostalgic players by offering the original 4:3 aspect ratio and classic camera angles alongside modern 16:9 widescreen options.

alt text describing image

Unleashing Albert Wesker

A significant addition to Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster is the Wesker Mode, unlocked after completing the game. This mode replaces Billy Coen’s model with Albert Wesker, while retaining Rebecca Chambers and the original dialogue. However, the change goes beyond mere aesthetics. Wesker’s unique abilities, derived from the virus, are showcased here, offering a fresh gameplay experience. His signature dash allows him to quickly traverse the environment and knock down enemies, appealing to speedrunners. His devastating “Oroboros” attack, while requiring a brief charge, can instantly obliterate nearby zombies. These abilities can drastically alter the gameplay, allowing players to bypass encounters without expending ammunition.

alt text describing image

While these powers might feel overpowered in a survival horror game, they offer a unique and entertaining twist to the Resident Evil formula.

A Familiar Flaw: The Narrative

A weakness carried over from the original Resident Evil 0 is its underwhelming narrative. The characters, particularly Rebecca and Billy, lack depth and memorable personalities. While the voice acting remains competent, the characters fail to resonate emotionally, even within the context of the Resident Evil universe. The game also lacks memorable boss battles, a staple of the series, unlike iconic encounters with William Birkin in Resident Evil 2 or Nemesis in Resident Evil 3.

alt text describing image

Keyboard Control Challenges

One notable issue with Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster lies in its control scheme. While gamepad controls are smooth and intuitive, keyboard controls feel clunky and cumbersome. The fixed camera angles make mouse control impractical, but Capcom could have optimized the keyboard layout for a more comfortable experience.

alt text describing image

Conclusion

Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster successfully revitalizes a classic entry in the series with updated visuals and the intriguing Wesker Mode. While the narrative shortcomings persist, the enhanced presentation and new gameplay option make it a worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of classic survival horror. However, the awkward keyboard controls might detract from the experience for some players. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster offers a nostalgic return to the series’ roots with a modern touch.