Resident Evil Zero

Resident Evil Zero is a survival horror game developed and published by Capcom. Originally released in 2002 for the Nintendo GameCube and later remastered for modern platforms, it serves as a prequel to the events of Resident Evil. The game explores the origins of the infamous mansion incident and provides deeper insight into the early days of the T-virus outbreak. The story is set in 1998, one day before the events of the original Resident Evil. The plot follows rookie S.T.A.R.S. member Rebecca Chambers, who is sent to investigate a series of mysterious murders in the Arklay Mountains near Raccoon City. During the mission, her Bravo Team helicopter makes an emergency landing after discovering an overturned military transport vehicle. 

Rebecca soon encounters Billy Coen, a former Marine who has been accused of murdering civilians. Although initially wary of him, she forms a reluctant partnership when they find themselves trapped on a mysterious train called the Ecliptic Express. The train becomes infested with horrifying bio-organic weapons (B.O.W.s), including zombies and mutated creatures created by the Umbrella Corporation. As the story unfolds, Rebecca and Billy uncover secrets surrounding Dr. James Marcus, one of Umbrella’s founders. Marcus, betrayed by his colleagues, plays a central role in the origin of the T-virus. 

The narrative dives deeper into Umbrella’s experiments and corruption, setting the stage for the catastrophic events that follow in Raccoon City. As the story unfolds, Rebecca and Billy uncover secrets surrounding Dr. James Marcus, one of Umbrella’s founders. Marcus, betrayed by his colleagues, plays a central role in the origin of the T-virus. The narrative dives deeper into Umbrella’s experiments and corruption, setting the stage for the catastrophic events that follow in Raccoon City. The storyline blends suspense, mystery, and horror, maintaining the tense atmosphere the series is known for. It also develops Rebecca Chambers as a capable and intelligent character, showing her growth before the mansion incident. 

Resident Evil Zero retains the classic fixed-camera angles and tank controls that defined early entries in the series. One of its most unique gameplay mechanics is the “Partner Zapping” system, which allows players to switch between Rebecca and Billy in real time. Each character has unique abilities—Billy is stronger and can take more damage, while Rebecca can mix herbs and chemicals. 

Unlike previous games, Resident Evil Zero removes the traditional item box system. Instead, players must drop items on the ground and manage inventory carefully. While this adds realism and challenge, it can sometimes feel inconvenient, especially during backtracking. The puzzles are well-designed and encourage logical thinking. Ammunition and healing items are limited, reinforcing the survival aspect. 

Enemy variety, from zombies to leech-like creatures, keeps encounters intense and unpredictable. The remastered version enhances the original’s pre-rendered backgrounds and character models, making environments more detailed and immersive. The dark corridors, abandoned facilities, and eerie soundtrack create a constant sense of danger and isolation.

Final Verdict

Resident Evil 0 is a visually impressive and atmospherically strong prequel that expands the lore of the original Resident Evil, offering fans deeper insight into the origins of the T-virus and the events leading up to the Spencer Mansion incident. The game’s unique partner-switching system between Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen adds a strategic layer to puzzles and combat, encouraging thoughtful resource management and cooperation. 

However, the lack of item boxes, occasionally frustrating enemy encounters, and a somewhat uneven story pacing can make the experience feel tedious at times. While it doesn’t quite reach the iconic heights of its predecessor, Resident Evil 0 remains a solid survival horror entry best appreciated by dedicated fans of the series who enjoy classic, methodical gameplay over fast-paced action.