Gaming Age


Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles

Author: Paul Bryant
Publisher: Capcom
Machine: Nintendo Wii (US Version)

Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles

There's always more zombies to shoot.

There is no monopoly on zombies; the concept remains unpatented. But Resident Evil comes close because the series represents some of the best uses of zombies and has grown, steady and unstoppable, (kind of like zombies) for years. Umbrella Chronicles offers zombie hunting in the dark, gritty world of Resident Evil in the form of what is, at its core, a light gun game for the Wii.

The story involves the fall of the Umbrella Corporation, the giant company that had so much to do with the events of many Resident Evil games. This look back is narrated by Albert Wesker, and his lines offer a nice mix of humor and foreboding that create a consistent personality for the whole game. There's a lot of inside information to be found - things that only players of previous games are due to appreciate. And this goes beyond the ambience, which is perfectly Resident Evil, to books and other items left laying about the scenery. You'll also still find health spray and colored herbs sitting in the strangest places to help you out, which is not exactly common in light gun games but a staple of Resident Evil.

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles

The controls fit this type of game well - point the Wiimote and shoot. Most enemies have a very small spot that makes them vulnerable to a one-hit kill, but it's very, very small and requires a healthy bit of luck. It's still worth trying for because there's no game that does exploding zombie heads and spouting neck blood like Resident Evil.

If you let a zombie get close enough to grab you, you can try shaking the remote to get rid of them but the tougher bad guys won't fall for it. There's also a knife, which is great for taking out smaller enemies that are hard to hit with bullets. Speaking of bullets, there are never enough - another bit of standard procedure for Resident Evil. Your handgun has limitless ammo but the better weapons (shotguns, RPGs, machine guns), which you really do need, do not. Each weapon can be upgraded to hold more and do more damage, but the bottom line is the same as other games in the series: conservation and aim go a long way.

Umbrella Chronicles also takes a page from Resident Evil 4 in the use of interactive cut scenes. There are occasional demands to press a button or shake the remote to escape damage during a scene. They aren't hard, but if you do fail you'll regret not paying closer attention.

The latest Resident Evil is exactly what one would expect: great zombie killing and great atmosphere. It's just a different type of game. It's a light gun game instead of an action adventure. Umbrella Chronicles remains true to the identity of the series while offering a new Resident Evil experience - something we've come to expect and enjoy.

Paul Bryant

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