It’s no secret that Capcom likes to re-release games, especially those in the Resident Evil series. Resident Evil 4 has come out four times (Gamecube, PS2, PC, Wii); Resident Evil 2 hit the PSOne, N64, Dreamcast, Gamecube and PC, Resident Evil: Code Veronica was on the Dreamcast, PS2 and Gamecube... the list goes on. It’s refreshing then, that Capcom didn’t port these games to the Wii with tacked on IR functionality (despite the Japan-only Wii version of Resident Evil 0 due out at the beginning of summer 2008), opting instead to retell the stories of these games through a non-survival horror setting. Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles uses the House of the Dead method for dispatching zombies, turning your Wii remote into a light gun -- an enjoyable way to catch up on part of the series’ convoluted history.
"An enjoyable way to catch up on part of the series’ convoluted history."
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Umbrella Chronicles runs through the stories of three RE titles (RE0, the Gamecube remake of the original, and Resident Evil 3), and also fleshes out some of the back-story that was previously untold. The game starts out with the Resident Evil 0 scenario, putting you in the shoes of Rebecca Chambers or Billy Coen; your choice. Should you decide to play co-op (every main scenario allows for this) the two players will pick between the two characters. Like House of the Dead (and every other light-gun game, for that matter) the game is on rails, so your movement is controlled by the game. Because of the survival horror roots, the pace is more deliberate; so don’t expect a frantic tempo. The targeting reticule moves accurately, so you’re never left blaming the game if you miss a shot. As zombies, hunters and other assorted RE enemies rush the screen, it’s your job to pump them full of lead before they can damage you. You can also swing the knife (which is surprisingly effective) or throw grenades – a saving grace should you find yourself being overwhelmed by a zombie mob or murder of crows.
After completing the main stories (each one is divided into two acts) optional solo missions open up. These missions detail what was going on behind the scenes while the main story was taking place, or events that happened before that led up to it. A good example is the original Resident Evil. Wesker is skulking around the mansion trying to complete his own agenda, though you don’t have any idea what he was up to. If you were wondering what he was doing you’re in luck – this game will not only tell you, it will let you play it yourself.
Your performance is ranked at the end of each mission. The higher the rank, the more points you get to upgrade your weapons. And in traditional RE fashion, there are quite a few ways to dispatch your enemies. Series mainstays like the pistol, the shotgun and the Colt are available, as are the grenade and rocket launchers. You can choose whether to upgrade their power, ammo capacity or reload speed – a convenient feature since the enemies deal more damage toward the end of the game.
The environments are lavishly detailed and delightfully grimy, but it’s not just for looks. Shooting lights and candles will make the rooms dark, which will make enemies harder to see, but items easier. Items can be hidden anywhere – behind pictures on walls, in lights and lamps or inside glass cabinets, so it’s important to shoot everything. There are also multiple paths to choose. Some open up rooms with enemies and items, but others prolong the stage. Sometimes you’ll need to play through a scenario multiple times to see everything, which increases the replay value greatly. The game is also pretty lengthy for a light-gun game, clocking in at around five hours, not counting searching for multiple paths, hidden items or bonus missions.
"The environments are lavishly detailed and delightfully grimy..."
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Like RE4, Umbrella Chronicles features quick-time events where the player needs to press a button to avoid danger. These events pop up without warning and can result in death if performed incorrectly. It wouldn’t be such an issue if failing one didn’t mean you’ve lost a few rooms of progress, but the checkpoint system sometimes places you back rather far. It’s a small issue in an otherwise fantastic title, but it can be a pain in the ass nonetheless.
Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles is at its best in co-op, but the extra single-player missions are dynamite as well. Light-gun enthusiasts and RE fans will feel right at home in this game. This refreshing take on the early Resident Evil stories is a blast to play through, and paves the way for a sequel (which will hopefully contain Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil: Code Veronica and Resident Evil 4).
