Resident Evil 0

About Resident Evil 0

Resident Evil 0 is a remastered prequel to the original Resident Evil series, released in 2016. Developed by Capcom’s Production Studio 3, it revisits the 1998 events leading up to the iconic mansion incident. Players control rookie cop Rebecca Chambers and ex-con Billy Coen as they uncover a Raccoon City mystery involving a crashed helicopter and a halted train. The game blends survival horror with action, featuring split-screen gameplay between the two characters. It runs on PS3, PS4, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Switch. The remaster adds HD visuals, updated controls, and improved sound. At its heart, it’s a tense, resource-scarce experience with puzzles tied to character-specific skills. Fans of classic survival horror will recognize the formula, though modern systems may find the mechanics dated.

Gameplay

The core loop revolves around switching between Rebecca and Billy to solve puzzles and fight zombies. Rebecca has limited stamina and a weaker weapon loadout, while Billy is tankier with heavier firepower. Combat is methodical, every shotgun shell counts. You’ll scavenge items, manage inventory space, and backtrack often. The optional modern control system helps, but the original tank controls feel clunky by today’s standards. The camera is notoriously finicky, especially in tight corridors. Puzzle-solving requires memorizing object locations and syncing actions between characters. The game’s difficulty spikes unpredictably, with some sections relying on trial-and-error. While the visuals are sharper in this remaster, the gameplay still hinges on classic survival horror tropes. Newcomers might find it punishing, but veterans will appreciate the nostalgia.

What Players Think

The PlayPile community rates Resident Evil 0 at 72/100 on IGDB, with 209 ratings. Average playtime is 7.8 hours, and 42% of players complete it. Community vibes are split between “Creepy” (4 votes) and “Dark” (3 votes). Reviews highlight the remaster’s visuals and audio upgrades but criticize the outdated mechanics. One user wrote, “The HD polish is great, but the tank controls and inventory limits feel like a step back.” Others praised the story’s setup for the main series. Completion rates are low, with 58% of players dropping out before finishing. The game’s difficulty curve and dated UI are common gripes. While 72% of ratings are above 60, the lack of multiplayer or significant gameplay overhauls has left it polarizing.

PlayPile's Take

Resident Evil 0 is a mixed bag for modern audiences. The remaster’s HD assets and improved sound are worth noting, but the gameplay feels like a relic. With an average playtime of 7.8 hours and 42% completion rate, it’s a short, tough ride. Fans of classic survival horror will enjoy the puzzles and character dynamic, but casual players might struggle with the inventory limits and clunky controls. The game has 50 achievements, with the hardest tied to 100% item collection. At $20, it’s a budget pick for die-hard RE fans. However, if you’re new to the genre, this might not be the best starting point. The remaster is a solid throwback, but don’t expect it to redefine the series.

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.