Resident Evil is back, this time it returns as a light-gun shooter, is it a blood thirsty success or is it dead?
Story: Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles hits all the main story plots of Resident Evil Zero, Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Nemesis. I was curious for as to why Capcom didn't include Resident Evil 2, ever since Resident Evil 4 Leon has grown more popular, I suppose I can let that slide though. As hinted from the game's title, you will pretty much be following the events that lead to Umbrella's downfall. The game features many side missions that reveal hidden information you might want to know about the Resident Evil series. Although the game does a pretty good job of summarizing many of the Resident Evil games, I felt that Umbrella Chronicles only scratched the surface; it seems that there just wasn't enough depth in the games' story plots. If you really want to enjoy the full blown Resident Evil experience I suggest you play the real games, but for the mean time Umbrella Chronicles will do.
(Letter Grade: B+)
Gameplay: Who doesn't love shooting zombies? In Umbrella Chronicles you will be spending most of your time just doing that. It plays like a light-gun game, you will basically be pointing and shooting at anything that moves or tries to kill you, but I'm not complaining. You also have the ability to perform counter attacks or action sequences during cut scenes by following the button commands. The entire game is co-op except the side missions (that is unless you really want to unlock side missions in co-op) so now you don't have to slay zombies all by your lonesome. The environments are somewhat destructible with breakable things ranging from lights to paintings. Majority of the time your camera will move by itself, sometimes you will have the option to select the path you want to go, but the game still feels a bit restrictive in terms of exploration. You are able to customize your weapons in the game, but trust me, its not as great as it sounds. The shoot'em up type of gameplay in Umbrella Chronicles is fun, and simple, and in the end isn't that what matters most?
(Letter Grade: C+)
Graphics: Umbrella Chronicles retains the creepy feel and look of the environments of many of the Resident Evil games. The lighting plays a huge effect in creating that tense atmosphere many of those games are known for. (unless you're like me and just shoots off all the lights) There are some ugly looking textures here and there, and I will admit that this game doesn't have the best overall graphics on the Wii, but the environments are nicely detailed and have a distinct look from one another. I should also note that the subtitles in the game sometimes can't keep up with what the characters are saying, or sometimes just don't even appear. The in-game graphics might not be the eye candy you were looking for, but it does a good enough job.
(Letter Grade: D+)
Sound: Umbrella Chronicles features some well……decent voice actors, I can't say the same thing about Albert Wesker's voice though. His voice sounds so terrible that every time a word comes out of his mouth someone dies in the world. The in-game music is pretty bad too, not only does it do a TERRIBLE job in matching the game's atmosphere it also sounds repetitive and downright butt ugly. The sound effects, zombies, and monsters were convincing and well done, and if it wasn't for that the sound in the game would have gotten a flat F.
(Final Letter Grade: C-)
Overall: Despite some of it's flaws, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is an enjoyable game, especially if you have someone to share the zombie blood with. It doesn't really try anything innovative in story, gameplay, graphics, or even sound, but it does do one thing, it delivers a fun action-packed zombie hunting adventure. With the game being about 6 to 7 hours long (including the side missions), I would suggest you rent it first, but if you can cough up the dough then by all means get the game, just be sure to think about your decision wisely.