Nemesis brings survival horror to GameCube
3/1/2003Here's a look at some recent console releases:
Resident Evil 3 Nemesis (GameCube; MSRP $39.99)
If you feel a sense of deja vu when you see the undead creatures limping toward you in Nemesis, there's a good reason. Capcom has re-released this fantastic survival horror classic for the Nintendo GameCube. This version brings Jill Valentine back into gameplay, once again trapped in Raccoon City with legions of flesh-hungry zombies. Originally released for the PlayStation and Dreamcast consoles in 1999, this release features the exact gameplay < no more, no less - just a GameCube version of it. This is not to say the title looks dated though as the visuals, gameplay and sounds are still nearly as good as anything out there. Nemesis remains a solid title in the series, with Resident Evil 2 being the best, and fans of the genre will want to pick it up. The only real downside is the $39.99 price for a 1999 title - a bit hard for even a hungry zombie to swallow.
Vexx (PS2, Xbox, GameCube; MSRP $39.99)
As long as there are gamers there will be platform genre titles to work your way through and fans of the Mario and Starfox series will want to give Vexx a look. Armed with specially-powered combat gloves and a thirst for revenge, Vexx makes his way through volcanic islands, desert temples, frozen citadels, and giants' castles to confront Dark Yabu< the games ultra villain. Even though the game has a cutesy, cartoon look to it, the storyline does involve the murder of Vexx's grandfather and carries a teen rating for violence. The very familiar routine of exploring huge levels to fight giant bosses at the conclusion of each puts Vexx in the "fun but not incredibly innovative" category in my book. A weak storyline and lack of original ideas keep this title from being great. The wheel has not been re-invented here but it hasn't been slashed either.
Devil May Cry 2 (PS2; MSRP$49.99)
True innovation in this sequel to its delightfully dark predecessor is the only glaring flaw in this otherwise fun gothic thriller. Once again playing as Dante, the half-human, half-demon devil hunter < players make their way through huge, dimly-lit levels slaying the fierce creatures that live within. No surprise that the title carries a mature rating - age 17 and over. The only real noteworthy addition is the ability to play as a secondary character, Lucia, who comes armed with her own unique abilities and weapons. While the technical aspects of the game have received a good polishing - the graphics are really standout - DMC 2 is really just more of the same, which isn't worth crying over considering the strength of the first title, but a bit of a disappointment for this much anticipated release that could have been better.