This game took some risks, but it still plays like a RE game.
Code: Veronica pitted your wits and stamina in an overseas setting, on a disturbed island. Naturally, Raccoon City was no longer a choice, as it was obliterated by a nuclear warhead in Nemesis, so Capcom had to find a new home for horror. Although some of the names, faces, and enemies have changed in CVX, it still looks and feels like a RE game.
Graphically speaking, this game makes some considerable headway for future Resident Evil games. Because the original adaptation of the game (Dreamcast) had more visual advantages than PSone or N64, creators had more room to work with in polishing up the blocky, look-alike creatures. Yet, the graphics seem a little held back, but this just keeps the game looking like the others, at least in many respects.
The game also sounds much like its predecessors. You still get the fast, high-pitched music when in a dangerous situation, and the zombies sound the same. It should be noted though, that the voice acting continues to get better in keeping the horror and suspense and even character development intact. But this game is very much hot and cold.
+ compelling story with all new concepts, new enemies, and a gender-confused villian
- Wesker is reintroduced with some superhuman abilities (WHY???)
+ there are plenty of places to explore, keeping the environment factor fresh
- you'll visit, revisit, and re-revisit rooms too often.. very confusing
+ the Redfield tandem was a great touch for the game, AND you'll find that they vary in terms of strenghts and weaknesses
- as Chris, you'll play Claire's first part all over again
+ the camera moves with you on certain occasions, sometimes giving you some cool angles or the ability to see more of the area
- the moving camera was never apparent in any RE game, takes away from the standard feel.. nice try though
+ this game is actually pretty hard
- you may find that the knife can get you most of the way through the game, if you know how to use it
+ keeps the replay value high, because of the mini-modes, unlockables and alternate story modes
- you may not play this game again
= good game, considering the new approach
Fans of the series should embrace this game positively. Of course, the game doesn't hold up to the others in the series, but is still better than either outbreak or survivor. First time Resident Evilers should concentrate their wallets on RE4 or Nemesis. But you can certainly appreciate what this game has to offer. Just don't compare it to the other ones.