Resident Evil 1 for the playstation 1 was pretty ground-breaking on its release. It spawned multiple sequels (and prequels) such as: Resident Evil: Zero and Resident Evil: Surivor. So it came as no surprise when Nintendo decided they wanted a slice of that money-making pie so they released the whole series on the GameCube platform.
For the most part the games were just mediocre ports of the original Playstation 1 and Dreamcast etc. titles (Resident Evil 2,3 and Code Veronica)
However, there was one exception; Resident Evil: 1 was re-made especially for the GameCube. It was given far superior graphics, which were pretty good for the GameCube at the time (2002). Numerous details were changed around to keep the gameplay fresh for all of the gamers who played and loved the original. (such-as; where weapons are placed and where certain rooms are located within the huge mansion the game is set it)

When you start the game you can choose between two characters (Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield) There are various differences between the two characters such as the amount of damage they can take before death and the weapons they start with. Though for the most part, the game is identical for both characters.
You can also choose either hard or easy mode. Now, the differences between these two modes are a little more drastic. Hard mode will test your survival-horror gaming abilities to their limits, by giving you fewer bullets and less health and health packs.

The story takes place in a mansion, which at the start, you know nothing about. This really sets the whole 'horror' aspect of the game in motion. All you know is that this team was sent in to track down the last team who were sent in... they were dead. The lack of back-story and the heavy emphasis on sound both add to the atmosphere. So it is safe to say that this game is not for the cowards out there. It really does a great job of setting the mood just right and the new lighting and shadows really make you think. Is there something else is out there? You are constantly reminded by flickering shadows that this is no ordinary mansion you've walked into. That and the flesh-eating zombies too.

The character's controls seem odd at first, as you control them like a tank. You turn, then move forward; you cannot side-step. This may be fan service or laziness but it does a good job of adding suspense to the whole experience. This is especially the case when a hungry flesh-eater is running towards you and all you can do is walk backwards and stab/shoot at it. These zombies do not go down easy, often sucking up a whole clip of ammo before finally going down.
To shoot you have to stand still, then aim... then fire. This of course does not seem like the best choice in their current situation but what can you do? It's clear that these control mechanisms, although good in the day, don't quite cut it in modern gaming. (Note: Resident Evil: 4 fixed these problems by giving the player free-aim of the weapon from a 3rd person perspective).

During your stay in the mansion you will have to solve several challenging, but do-able, puzzles. These usually include pushing an object into place, or taking an object from A-->B to reveal another object, so you can open a chest which reveals yet another object (and so on). These puzzles often seem forced and out of place; but never enough to take you out of the experience.

Healing is a big part of this game. Your character will endure constant attacks by zombie humans and dogs alike (and ...other things which I cant say without spoiling) To tend to these wounds the player must locate special healing weeds and medical spray. Herbs do not heal the character much on their own but can be mixed with other herbs of the same, or different colours depending on how your character needs healing. Be it a poisoning, or a severe wound etc.

Saving your game is somewhat different in the resident evil series. The player has to retrieve 'ink ribbons' and use them in type-writers to save; but the save points are few and far between. This can often get frustrating when you die and have to replay an hour of the game. On the harder difficulty there are far less ink ribbons, which means it is panfully difficult.

Overall I enjoyed this re-make. It is definitely better than the original and will take even the best gamers a long time to finish. It is about 10-20 hours long depending on skill and difficulty level.

If you have a liking for horror films / games, or have somehow missed your opportunity to play the original; this game is definitely for you. Even if you have played the original I recommend you try this out. You will not be disappointed.

8.8/10

Capcom-Resident-Evil-GameCube @ Amazon UK

http://www.play.com/Games/GameCube/4-/102188/Resident-Evil/Product.html