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> Results: Resident Evil: Deadly Silence
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Homage to a classic depends on knowledge of the source material and tends to be forgiving of applicability to newer technology, while porting an older game to a new platform can be done either as nostalgia or as a reimagining of classic material. Resident Evil is one of the true classics of video gaming, and has spawned a very successful series of sequels. Capcom brings back the original for the Nintendo DS, with changes that take advantage of the unique control options available on the handheld. Unfortunately, while the excellence of the original is apparent throughout, some elements which were effective ten years ago fall flat now, and other things that were less effective back then are grating and annoying now.
The classic status of the game was earned by an innovative story and presentation combined with challenging and thought-provoking gameplay, all of which are present and successfully implemented in the new version. The game offers two modesﾗClassic and Rebirth. Classic is simply a retelling with a few new options introduced, whereas Rebirth uses the touch-screen more extensively and offers different challenges and combat modes. New features include an always-ready knife attack and quick turn in both modes, and a first-person knife battle mode to handle the additional zombies Rebirth sends at you. Taken alone the new control modes work well. But since most of the game is playable using the standard controls and the combat is real-time, it's frustrating to stay ready for touchscreen control, often resulting in needless damage or death. The directional controls take some getting used to, because they are the same regardless of contextﾗthis means that ﾑup' is always forward, even if that translates into moving your character toward you on the screen.  There are many good elements in the game, but it ultimately fails to excel. It fails as nostalgia because the weaknesses of the original get in the way of the fun. It also fails as a new game because neither the environment nor the story create a unique or even scary experience anymore. It's still very much a game for adults, and retains everything that helped it energize the action-horror genre and inspire hordes of followers. It is full of challenging puzzles and surprising attacks, but also situations that have become clichéd and some of the worst voice acting you've ever experienced in a video game. It's unclear who the audience is for the game. Those who played the original have little reason to buy this version unless they are die-hard fans looking to experience the new Rebirth mode. Also, unlike truly excellent DS games like Advance Wars Dual Strike, this one is not likely to win any converts to the genre or the series that were not already fans. For those who have heard about or seen the original, and don't have access to a console to play Resident Evil 4ﾗor who want to take it handheldﾗthis entry provides several hours of reasonable horror-action fun.  
Some parents I know believe that Nintendo equals kid-friendly. This is true in many cases, but an M-rated game is not likely to be kid-friendly for a nine year old regardless. There is also a perception that in the same way that cable television has made things that seemed shocking ten years ago seem quaint now, so do technology changes in gaming over the last decade mean that something scary back then will not be a problem now. One of the parents I know asked me specifically about Resident Evil: Deadly Silence. They had played the original game on the Playstation years ago and remember it as scary, but very pixilated and unrealistic compared to many of the games his kids are playing today. And, of course, one of those kids wants the game for his DS.
Capcom has actually done a wonderful job of bringing the feel of Resident Evil to the DS. You get the full-motion video cutscenes and lots of creepy moments and tense music along with well-rendered zombies and gore. Hardly a moment does by when your character isn't in peril or witnessing something horrible. While this is not in the league with last year's powerful Resident Evil 4 in terms of realistic horror, it's still an M-rated experience intended for adults. This review edited by Dave Long Comments? Chat about it in our forums! Format For Printing | Tell A Friend | Digg | Slashdot | del.icio.us | Buy This Game Browse Amazon.com's selection of "resident evil" themed games Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: Resident Evil: Deadly Silence |
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