Resident Evil Code Veronica for Dreamcast

One of the most popular titles for the Playstation hits the Dreamcast, with an all new episode that any Resident Evil (RE) fan can not possibly miss without crying out loud like a pathetic little baby whose candy has been taken away. No sir, if you are at all into the story of RE, you can't afford to miss this game. It is too good, and explains one of the many twists in the overall RE story line. But speaking realistically, the whole thing is now a soap opera, for there is no set constant that is being followed by any new title; it seems like they just improvise a plot that has gone in a different tangent with each new addition. Its not satisfactory, but it will keep 'em buying. As unfortunate as it is, that is what this game is all about.

Game Play 8/10
Here is how it all works: you get to see your character in a highly detailed 3D environment. You move around and either shoot dead-meats, or you click a button. There are many, many puzzles throughout the game. Some are challenging, and some are simply obstacles put there to make you play just a bit longer. Most of the game revolves around finding a lock, then running half a mile across the corridoors and finding the device(s) that will open the lock. In your never-ending quest to find ways to open dozens of locks; you get to make items, kill zombies and other abominations, and follow a story line that is revealed through cut-scenes. A basic, third person adventure game with grotesque action in it. Its all too compelling, and highly entertaining. In addition, this entire game is set in a dark, ugly environment. There are monsters and zombies jumping at you from all corners in order to take a nice bite out of your neck. I promise you, RE will shock you with its disgusting scenes first time you play it.

A mild, deep tone melody follows you around like a shadow, sometimes becoming intense when the action is about to become hot. Sometimes you will hear a heart pounding, and this added to your own heart beating a tattoo on your chest will be enough to give you an adrenaline rush. The game play of RE will keep you at the edge of your seat, always scared but dying to figure out what happens next.

Although the overall game play is highly entertaining, they have truly destroyed their control scheme by using the analog joystick. Skadar, in his review, has said that Claire seems like a remote controlled character. He is absolutely correct. Pushing the joystick forward will make your character walk, backward will make her walk back. Even the slightest turn towards a direction makes her start turning at a constant speed. The usage of the analog controller is utterly useless, as there is no way to control the speed of your character unless you press the run button. Using the directional pad to choose a direction and speed as well as 2 buttons to move forward and backward would have been a good idea, but that is not what they chose to do, which really hurts the overall game play.

Graphics 10/10
The environment looks simply grotesque, with dead and dismembered people lying around in pools of blood and occasionally covered in bright flames. The monsters look better than the ones you see in most Zombie movies. 3D rendering does look more intense then a real person with make up. No console system offers the kind of environment graphics that you will find in RE.

The characters look even better. Claire is a gorgeous red-head, with mystically colored eyes and facial features guaranteed to win your heart. Sometimes, during a close up at her face, it will seem like you are looking at the most beautiful cartoon figure ever created, and then you will realize that she is indeed a cartoon -- a 3D image that looks all too real. Almost every star figure in the game follows the same concept, making you realize that the artists have truly engraved their passion into their work.

Story Line 9/10
RE always has a strong story line, but as I mentioned it has turned into a soap opera. While looking for her brother, Ms. Leon is attacked by the Umbrella Corp. and taken to their island facility, where they do grotesque experiments on live subjects. Through mysterious circumstances, the island is completely destroyed and overran by Zombies, and our sexy hero must figure out a way to get out in one piece. She meets Steve, whose father used to work for the Umbrella and they become allies. Advancing through the game will reveal the mind behind the entire operation, also showing us all the reasoning behind this hideous study. The voice acting is superb, except in those dramatic scenes where the evil guy lets out this funky chuckle that will remind you of a nightingale singing. Steve screaming, 'Father, Father, Father' also sounds quite lame. Nevertheless, there are many, many twists in the plot and revelations that will keep you on the edge. RE line offers the best story line available in games, and this one is no exception.

Innovation 0/10
Or lack of it, thereof. RE3 - Nemesis that was released for the Playstation had more new additions than this one. The puzzles aren't overly creative, and most of them could be found in RE2 that came out too long ago. If you have never played RE, than you will find this game highly innovative. However, if you did play at least RE2, prepare to be greeted by a game that is only graphically better. Capcom has released around 4 RE titles, and nothing seems to change in terms of the game play. The heavy reliance on action in RE3 - Nemesis was a good touch, but running through endless corridoors to fetch items like fido is getting way too old. That is my only beef against RE. They are badly in need of a change.

Conclusion 7/10
Although graphically superior than any other, RE - Code Veronica offers absolutely nothing new. The puzzles are all too easy to figure out, and the controls are still awkward even after 5 hours of play time. With a great story line and involving playability, this product offers many hours of enjoyment and you should definitely purchase it if you are a fan of the series. If not, then consider renting it first.