Resident Evil 0

About Resident Evil 0

Resident Evil 0 serves as a prequel to the original survival horror classic. Capcom Production Studio 3 released this remastered version on January 19, 2016, bringing the story back to 1998 Raccoon City. The plot follows S.T.A.R.S. members Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen after their helicopter crashes near a stopped train called the Ecliptic Express. You play through this single-player adventure on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, or PC. The game updates the 2002 original with HD visuals and widescreen support while keeping the core tension intact. This version offers an optional modernized control scheme to smooth out the movement for players accustomed to newer titles. It remains the definitive way to see what happened before the mansion incident.

Gameplay

You control either Rebecca Chambers or Billy Coen during exploration and combat sequences. A unique mechanic lets you swap between these two characters instantly to solve puzzles or cross areas that require specific skills. Billy uses a machete and heavy firepower, while Rebecca relies on speed and medical items. You manage inventory carefully since space is limited and ammo is scarce. Combat feels deliberate with slow character movement unless you tap the sprint button. The game includes chapter-based progression where you must find keys or activate mechanisms to open new paths. Battles often involve managing health items like herbs and spray bottles while avoiding overwhelming zombie hordes. You cannot simply run past enemies without a fight in tight corridors, forcing you to make tactical choices about when to engage or flee.

What Players Think

Critics gave this title a solid 69 on Metacritic and a 72 on IGDB based on 213 ratings. The PlayPile community leans heavily into the horror elements with four users voting Creepy and three voting Dark as the primary vibes. Players have put in significant time to track down all 47 available achievements, though the average unlock rate sits at a modest 20.4 percent. The rarest achievement, "Who Needs Partners?", has only been unlocked by 3.20 percent of users who tried it. This low completion rate suggests the game offers enough difficulty or complexity to keep casual players from finishing every task. Most community members agree the atmosphere holds up well despite the age of the source material. The price point sits at a historical low of $4.99 on GOG, making it an accessible entry for those who missed the 2002 release.

PlayPile's Take

Resident Evil 0 is worth your time if you enjoy methodical survival horror with a focus on character switching mechanics. The $4.99 price tag makes it a no-brainer purchase even if you have played the original before. Expect to spend time mastering the inventory system and coordinating between Billy and Rebecca to survive the Ecliptic Express. The achievement data shows that many players struggle with the endgame requirements, so do not expect to clear all 47 trophies quickly. This is a solid prequel that sets up the Raccoon City saga without relying on modern action tropes. Buy it now while the price remains at its lowest point and prepare for some genuinely tense moments in the dark train cars.

Storyline

The story of Resident Evil 0 takes players back to 1998. Reports have been mounting about unusual murders on the outskirts of Raccoon City. The city’s Special Forces division, S.T.A.R.S., sends their Bravo Team - including rookie cop member Rebecca Chambers - to investigate. On route, the team’s helicopter suffers engine trouble and is forced to make a crash landing, where they find an overturned prisoner transport vehicle. Splitting up to search the area, Rebecca discovers the Ecliptic Express, a train stopped dead on the tracks. Inside, she meets death row convict and ex-Navy lieutenant Billy Coen. Throughout the game, you will take control of both Rebecca and Billy, at times switching between both characters in order to proceed. Learning the advantages of each character is the key to solving puzzles and surviving the nightmares that lie ahead.