Back in 1996 Capcom released their first Survival Horror game entitled, Resident Evil. The huge success of this game has allowed for many games in the series to follow. But, we're not here to praise a sequal or spin-off. We're here to rave about the re-make. Actually, to get into some technical jargan, this game is MUCH more than a re-make, this game is re-vamped classic on steroids. We'll discuss why.

You begin as either Chris Redfield, or Jill Valentine. Each character is different in their own respects. Your mission is to find a team named Bravo who have crashed their helicopter in the area. Now That's where the action begins... Stepping away from the helicopter, S.T.A.R.S. member, Joe stumbled upon a crazed dog. Soon after Joe dies the rest of the team runs off into a huge mansion in the horizon.As you enter the mansion, your first task at hand is to investigate a mysterious shot that has been fired. From there on you find yourself getting deeper and deeper in the mansion. There are new rooms this go around and some rooms have been totally moved or altered. Items from the previous version have been moved as well. New weapons have also been thrown in. The most noteable addition would be the "Silver Serpant" which has taken the place of the "Colt Pythom." This is the most powerful hand-gun, and usually kills enemies with few shots.

If new things don't float your boat, then the controls will most likely change your opinion about Resident Evil. The controls have remained intact with the addtion of new layouts, and moves. I played through with all settings and found the first setting to be the best. The basic layout for this setting is: A is Action/ Shoot, B is Run/ Cancel, L is Defensive Attack, R is Holding Gun Up, Z is Map, X or Y for Item Selection Screen, Start Pause, D-pad or Joystick for movement, Camera Stick for 180º Turn. Simple and effective, takes time to learn but once learned becomes a breeze to play.

Sound Factor:
The score in this game is dead on! Everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING in this game sounds superb. From the creaking of the floors, to the crack of the lightning, this game is the sweetest thing your ears will hear for awhile. The background music is nice too. Everything is fluid, and the sound is in score with the surroundings. Good job Capcom.

The sound also plays a very, very important role in Resident Evil. If you pay attention to the noises you can hear enemies coming, this can save yourself from blindly running into a Crimson Head, or even a Hunter. Another A+ from Capcom. The voice acting is decent, but not great. I don;t know why capcom couldn't have hired some GOOD voice actor's, but overall the voice acting is not too bad.. yet not great.

Gameplay Factor:
When you first put the controller in your hands and feast your eyes on the wonderful intro, you will feel your pulse pounding and heart pumping. You will probably hit some walls in the beginning, but it just takes times to get the control down pat. The use of the joystick over the d-pad is a must, for the d-pad is way to small to use.

The addition to the 180º turn around is helpful. Another welcome addition would be the defensive attack, this can be turned to automatic or manual, I recommend manual. With manual, you must hit the L-trigger, and the defensive attack will be used. Three different control settings will WELL make up for complaining people will make towards the controls.

Graphical Factor:
Graphics play an important role these days, and this game has not only been through a make-over but has totally been revamped. Veterans of RE will find it hard to complain about the graphics this go-around. The lighting is beyong amazing, the turning of a fan blade makes the light make a fan pattern, the light from a distant flame casts a shadow over Jill or Chris, the lightning makes the cracks in the floor light-up, the dust on the old wooden floors flies as you trample across them, and finally the light bulb burning is burning out of the porch light. All these graphical elements just make the game feel and look so real. Some complaints can and will be made, but there's nothing major to get caught up in.

There are jaggies, but they are not that visible. Also, slow-down occurred several times durring real-time cut-scenes. Another thing would be the backgrounds are non-interactive. Not that big of a deal, but shooting through window paynes or shooting bullets in the walls would have rocked. Aside from these minor draw backs, the graphic over-haul for the mini-dvd is beyond a first generation title. This game will go down as one of the most graphically suphisticated games EVER.

Replayability:
You most likely will be back for more. Once I finished I quickly started a new game. It took Fourteen hours to complete my first time through with Chris. After that I started a new game on a higher setting and busted out my skills a second time. This game is fun you will be shocked at how fun it is. I couldn't really find anything to stop me from playing or replaying. You will come back for more.

With the updated sound, controls, and visuals this game really sets a tone. If you turn up the sound, turn off the lights, you set yourself up for one hell of a scare. I found myself countless times having to go out get a bite to eat, only to find myself shaking scared, or taking half an hour breaks to calm down. This, in a game, is VERY rare. RE buffs who think they know where everything is, good luck. Everything has changed some how or another. This game is scary and very thrilling to play. It feels like a movie, only BETTER. How does ten endings sound?