Resident Evil

Though the game has been around for years I've never taken interest in Resident Evil until recently. I got the game for dirt cheap and was surprised how good it is. I saw my cousin play the old Playstation version years ago and was unimpressed but for the Gamecube the graphics have been re-rendered to absolute lifelike perfection. The shadows, the sound, the ambiance and those thunderclaps...all highly, highly realistic. Play this with your Gamecube hooked up to your home theatre. And like me, you'll totally jump out of your skin at the scary parts (many of them).

My main hint is conserve your ammo. If you see a zombie, put it down right away (no funny stuff) and burn it. Take care of them one at a time. And if you don't burn them they will soon come back as Crimson Heads-faster, deadlier, scarier.

Much like the Myst series, Resident Evil is one of those games where you have to keep your eyes and ears open. Clues and puzzle pieces are scattered all over the place and you need to pay attention.

Don't be put off by the size of the mansion. After a short while it's easy to get your bearing and find your way through rather easily. Though I will be honest with the fact I did not understand most of the story. I have no idea what Trevor's diary from 1968 had to do with the plot and I really didn't get why Umbrella would create the T-Virus. I know there are various ways to finish and complete the game though. Especially seeing as how there are many clips during the end credits that did not happen in my game play (I did it in just over 8 hours). If you finish it in certain time frames the next one is always different somehow. I only managed to unlock a new outfit for Chris. Wow!

My only gripe is about those boring 'door opening' cut scenes. They really got on my nerves. Still, it's a chilling game that will freak you out if you play alone in the dark. Well worth the time and money.