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BIOHAZARD 15TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK THE ELEMENTS
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Released: 20/09/2011
Hardcover: 112 pages Publisher: CAPCOM ISBN-10: 4862333095 ISBN-13: 9784862333094 |
THE BIRTH OF THE HORROR GAME MASTERPIECE, "BIOHAZARD" (p.009-011)
BIOHAZARD
Amidst a surge of bizarre incidents, Chris & Jill of S.T.A.R.S. head into the mountains to search for their comrades and are attacked by strange creatures. The mansion they flee into on Wesker's orders is filled with unprecedented terror and mystery, forcing the pair into a desperate struggle for survival.
In the early 1990s, as Japan's economy spiraled downward after the bubble burst, the gaming industry was increasingly vibrant. This was driven by the emergence of "next-generation hardware" to replace the conventional 16-bit and 32-bit game consoles: Sony Computer Entertainment's (SCE) PlayStation (PS) and SEGA Enterprises' (now SEGA) SEGA Saturn (SS).
The home console market was rapidly transitioning from 2D graphics to 3D graphics using the new "polygon" technology, and game developers were pouring their efforts into creating software centered around three-dimensional expression. However, when it came to the actual games released, they mostly followed traditional genres like racing and RPGs, failing to fully leverage the hardware's capabilities.
Amidst this, CAPCOM, having entered both the PS and SS camps early on, primarily releasing fighting games, announced a new title. That title was "BIOHAZARD" (hereafter "1"). Its genre was "survival horror," a first for home console games. It began as an experimental project within CAPCOM's consumer development team before expanding into a company-wide initiative.
Its development concept was pure horror action, enhancing player immersion by eliminating all on-screen parameter displays. While horror-themed games existed before, few emphasized horror and action as prominently as BIO, drawing attention from some gaming fans as a promising new title. However, the hurdles for a new title were high, and it reached its release date without much fanfare.
On March 22nd 1996, "1" launched as a PlayStation exclusive. With the tagline "A game beyond movies! The chilling survival horror arrives!", the BIO series took its historic first step. Initial sales were strong for a rookie title, and while it ranked lower in game magazines, it became a regular on the charts. Its appeal gradually spread by word of mouth, and as if waiting for the right moment, it finally achieved million-seller status nearly a year later. The reasons for its massive success can be attributed to its deep gameplay, cinematic presentation reminiscent of movies, and meticulous storytelling that gripped players and wouldn't let go.
Its use of live-action footage in the opening movie, rare for the time, as well as the inclusion of English voice acting with subtitles clearly reflected a film-conscious approach. Furthermore, moments like creatures suddenly smashing through glass to attack, while a classic horror movie technique, delivered such an impact in the game that players couldn't help but scream in surprise.
The story unfolds from the dual perspectives of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, members of the special forces unit S.T.A.R.S., employing a multi-scenario format where player actions and choices lead to branching paths. Chris' and Jill's campaigns feature significant differences in character combat abilities, available weapons, and partner companions. Chris' knife, in particular, boasts high attack power, leading to hardcore playthroughs among fans where they attempt to clear the game using only the knife.
While rooted in gory horror, the game masterfully blends puzzle-solving logic (represented by key seals and cranks), realistic firearm combat action, and abundant hidden elements like infinite ammo weapons and costume changes. This allows players to experience the catharsis of overcoming fear through their own efforts and the satisfaction of gaming achievement. The balance is remarkably satisfying. The climactic escape sequence from the countdown has become a staple adrenaline-pumping event, firmly carried forward in subsequent series entries.
While it initially appears to be a simple haunted house exploration game, it actually contains a suspenseful narrative where a giant corporation's conspiracy swirls behind the scenes, constantly subverting the player's expectations in the best possible way.
At the time, there were various opinions about the "RC car-like controls" that caused confusion about movement direction whenever the viewpoint shifted, and the fixed camera angles that created complete blind spots. However, it's also true these elements directly contributed to the game's appeal. That very frustration actually heightened the terror during exploration and naturally encouraged player immersion. It stands as a valuable success story born from hardware constraints.
Furthermore, the "door sequence" inserted every time you move between maps also plays a role in heightening the sense of dread. This door sequence was actually an idea implemented late in development since a simple black loading screen during map transitions felt somewhat bland. Playing it reveals that even though it's just a door slowly zooming in and opening, it stirs fear of whatever lurks beyond, effectively sustaining the player's tension.
In this way, BIOHAZARD overturned the conventions of home video games across all fronts while simultaneously forging a new path for entertainment unique to next-generation hardware.
Five months after BIOHAZARD's release, the first Tokyo Game Show was held. The emergence of this international-level festival signaled the gaming industry's burgeoning prosperity, with BIOHAZARD continuing its triumphant march.
It achieved a rare long-selling record in PS history, porting to the SS then the PC the following year. That same year, BIOHAZARD DIRECTORS CUT (hereafter "1DC") was released, packed with numerous new elements: episodes not depicted in the original version, and a "Beginner Mode" doubling ammunition in response to PS users' cries of "It's too hard to clear!" This steadily won over fans.
BIOHAZARD
Amidst a surge of bizarre incidents, Chris & Jill of S.T.A.R.S. head into the mountains to search for their comrades and are attacked by strange creatures. The mansion they flee into on Wesker's orders is filled with unprecedented terror and mystery, forcing the pair into a desperate struggle for survival.
In the early 1990s, as Japan's economy spiraled downward after the bubble burst, the gaming industry was increasingly vibrant. This was driven by the emergence of "next-generation hardware" to replace the conventional 16-bit and 32-bit game consoles: Sony Computer Entertainment's (SCE) PlayStation (PS) and SEGA Enterprises' (now SEGA) SEGA Saturn (SS).
The home console market was rapidly transitioning from 2D graphics to 3D graphics using the new "polygon" technology, and game developers were pouring their efforts into creating software centered around three-dimensional expression. However, when it came to the actual games released, they mostly followed traditional genres like racing and RPGs, failing to fully leverage the hardware's capabilities.
Amidst this, CAPCOM, having entered both the PS and SS camps early on, primarily releasing fighting games, announced a new title. That title was "BIOHAZARD" (hereafter "1"). Its genre was "survival horror," a first for home console games. It began as an experimental project within CAPCOM's consumer development team before expanding into a company-wide initiative.
Its development concept was pure horror action, enhancing player immersion by eliminating all on-screen parameter displays. While horror-themed games existed before, few emphasized horror and action as prominently as BIO, drawing attention from some gaming fans as a promising new title. However, the hurdles for a new title were high, and it reached its release date without much fanfare.
On March 22nd 1996, "1" launched as a PlayStation exclusive. With the tagline "A game beyond movies! The chilling survival horror arrives!", the BIO series took its historic first step. Initial sales were strong for a rookie title, and while it ranked lower in game magazines, it became a regular on the charts. Its appeal gradually spread by word of mouth, and as if waiting for the right moment, it finally achieved million-seller status nearly a year later. The reasons for its massive success can be attributed to its deep gameplay, cinematic presentation reminiscent of movies, and meticulous storytelling that gripped players and wouldn't let go.
Its use of live-action footage in the opening movie, rare for the time, as well as the inclusion of English voice acting with subtitles clearly reflected a film-conscious approach. Furthermore, moments like creatures suddenly smashing through glass to attack, while a classic horror movie technique, delivered such an impact in the game that players couldn't help but scream in surprise.
The story unfolds from the dual perspectives of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, members of the special forces unit S.T.A.R.S., employing a multi-scenario format where player actions and choices lead to branching paths. Chris' and Jill's campaigns feature significant differences in character combat abilities, available weapons, and partner companions. Chris' knife, in particular, boasts high attack power, leading to hardcore playthroughs among fans where they attempt to clear the game using only the knife.
While rooted in gory horror, the game masterfully blends puzzle-solving logic (represented by key seals and cranks), realistic firearm combat action, and abundant hidden elements like infinite ammo weapons and costume changes. This allows players to experience the catharsis of overcoming fear through their own efforts and the satisfaction of gaming achievement. The balance is remarkably satisfying. The climactic escape sequence from the countdown has become a staple adrenaline-pumping event, firmly carried forward in subsequent series entries.
While it initially appears to be a simple haunted house exploration game, it actually contains a suspenseful narrative where a giant corporation's conspiracy swirls behind the scenes, constantly subverting the player's expectations in the best possible way.
At the time, there were various opinions about the "RC car-like controls" that caused confusion about movement direction whenever the viewpoint shifted, and the fixed camera angles that created complete blind spots. However, it's also true these elements directly contributed to the game's appeal. That very frustration actually heightened the terror during exploration and naturally encouraged player immersion. It stands as a valuable success story born from hardware constraints.
Furthermore, the "door sequence" inserted every time you move between maps also plays a role in heightening the sense of dread. This door sequence was actually an idea implemented late in development since a simple black loading screen during map transitions felt somewhat bland. Playing it reveals that even though it's just a door slowly zooming in and opening, it stirs fear of whatever lurks beyond, effectively sustaining the player's tension.
In this way, BIOHAZARD overturned the conventions of home video games across all fronts while simultaneously forging a new path for entertainment unique to next-generation hardware.
Five months after BIOHAZARD's release, the first Tokyo Game Show was held. The emergence of this international-level festival signaled the gaming industry's burgeoning prosperity, with BIOHAZARD continuing its triumphant march.
It achieved a rare long-selling record in PS history, porting to the SS then the PC the following year. That same year, BIOHAZARD DIRECTORS CUT (hereafter "1DC") was released, packed with numerous new elements: episodes not depicted in the original version, and a "Beginner Mode" doubling ammunition in response to PS users' cries of "It's too hard to clear!" This steadily won over fans.
AN AMBITIOUS SEQUEL SET IN THE CITY (p.012-014)
BIOHAZARD 2
Two months after the mansion nightmare, Raccoon City had become a city overrun by Zombies due to a virus outbreak. Claire, searching for her brother Chris, and Leon, a rookie police officer on his first day, aim to escape the city alongside the young girl Sherry and the mysterious woman Ada.
"Honestly, we didn't think it'd sell."
This was a comment made by the main staff responsible for developing BIO at the time. They revealed this in the "Director's Hazard" feature included on the bonus DVD of "BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica Complete Edition" (hereafter referred to as "Veronica Complete Edition"). And no wonder, they'd suddenly released a horror game on a new hardware platform, targeting a completely nebulous audience. Business-wise it must've been a huge gamble. Upon opening the lid though, it turned out to be an unexpected smash hit. It sold over one million copies domestically alone, and the international version, Resident Evil, recorded global sales exceeding three million copies, rapidly bolstering its fame.
In response, CAPCOM decided to produce a sequel, BIOHAZARD 2 (hereafter "2"). The main scenario was entrusted to "FLAGSHIP," a professional scenario writer collective established as a CAPCOM affiliate at the time. The development team retained staff from the previous game, launching the project with an ironclad lineup.
It was far from smooth sailing however, a major accident struck, bringing it to a standstill. Soon a "development delay" was announced. Given it was a sequel to a popular title, everyone was stunned by the shocking reason: despite being about 70% complete, the producer scrapped it due to its low level of polish, forcing a complete restart from scratch.
The version shelved due to this incident's commonly known as BIOHAZARD 1.5 (hereafter "1.5"). While it shared the same two-protagonist setup (one male, one female) as the final version, it differed significantly in that the female protagonist was a motorcycle racer named "Elza Walker." Furthermore, the roles of sub-characters like Marvin, the black police officer who appears near death in the final version, and the female spy Ada Wong, were also different, suggesting major scenario changes. This naturally makes one want to see the actual gameplay of "1.5". Fortunately, the "DC" console released in 1997 included a bonus disc with rare footage from "1.5". Fans should definitely check it out. Elza's brave fight against hordes of Zombies and Marvin's energetic actions are must-sees. Even though it was scrapped, the impression conveyed by the screenshots is pure BIO. Particularly intriguing's the appearance of creatures and maps absent from the final version, offering a glimpse into the staff's passion for creating a new BIO experience.
Incidentally, the game engine developed for "1.5" wasn't discarded. Instead, it was utilized in "Onimusha", released for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) in 2001.
Following scathing criticism that it was "uninteresting as a game," development of "2" was restarted from scratch. The announcement of its delayed release understandably disappointed many fans. Though if development of "1.5" had continued as planned and officially released as "2" as originally intended, would fans have been satisfied with the result? The answer's a resounding "NO." Had "2" been merely a product of compromise, the series would never have achieved its current status. That's how high fans' expectations were for "2" at the time, desperately desiring a game that surpassed its predecessor. Releasing something half-baked simply wasn't an option. It was the agony of creation inherent to making a sequel.
After many twists and turns, development took about two years. Then, roughly one month after the PlayStation surpassed ten million units shipped in Japan, and about two years after the first game's release, on January 29th 1998, "2" finally revealed itself to fans. Since gameplay footage had already been publicly shown at the inaugural Tokyo Game Show in 1996, fans felt they'd been made to wait even longer. But the wait was worth it. While the first game was a dark, orthodox gothic horror, "2" became a highly entertaining, Hollywood-style blockbuster. It was essentially the world depicted in the commercial that became a talking point at the time of release, directed by the legendary zombie film maestro George A. Romero.
The protagonists were now rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy, and Claire Redfield, sister of the previous game's protagonist, Chris. The setting scaled up dramatically from the confined space of a mansion to the vast field of Raccoon City. The visuals became more spectacular, with a significant increase in both the number of supporting characters and variety of creatures.
Regarding the story, adopting the "Zapping System" where the player's actions in the main and alternate storylines influence each other ensured a volume far surpassing the previous installment. The story unfolds around the Umbrella conspiracy revealed in the previous game's finale. It captivated eagerly awaiting players by carefully depicting the budding romance between Leon and the spy Ada (featuring the first kiss scene for polygon characters!) and the sibling love of Claire, an ordinary person facing terror to find her brother.
Moreover, the two-CD-ROM set isn't just for show, 2's packed with replay value! It included hidden scenarios like "The 4th Survivor," starring HUNK (who only appeared in a cutscene in the main game), and "The Tofu Survivor," where for some reason tofu speaks Osaka dialect while surviving. It even packed in popular elements from the previous game like infinite ammo weapons and costume changes, leaving nothing out. It offered such extensive content that thoroughly playing through everything demanded a significant time commitment. Consequently, "2" naturally earned high praise from gaming magazines and fans alike. It sold over one million copies in just four days after release, swiftly achieving the remarkable feat of double million sales, far surpassing its predecessor.
Following this, like the first game, it was actively ported to other platforms. Between 1999 and 2000, it was ported not only to PC but also to SEGA's Dreamcast (DC) and Nintendo's Nintendo 64, effectively conquering all major hardware.
Particularly noteworthy's the DC-exclusive title BIOHAZARD 2 Value Plus, released in December 1999. Building upon the PS version BIOHAZARD 2 DualShock Ver. (hereafter "2 DualShock Ver.") released the previous year with support for the new DualShock controller, it incorporated further new elements. Leveraging the DC's high hardware specs, the graphics saw a significant quality boost, and bonus content was also substantially enhanced. While retaining the "Extreme Battle" mode where players retrieve four anti-virus bombs from the police station, it introduced the "NIGHTMARE MODE", an advanced difficulty mode with enemy attack power and durability even higher than the North American version's "U.S.A." mode (equivalent to the difficulty of "2 DualShock Ver.") to create a challenge for advanced players. It also included a "Data Gallery" allowing players to thoroughly view development design illustrations, rough sketches, 3D models, and movies, making it the definitive, ultimate version of "2".
BIOHAZARD 2
Two months after the mansion nightmare, Raccoon City had become a city overrun by Zombies due to a virus outbreak. Claire, searching for her brother Chris, and Leon, a rookie police officer on his first day, aim to escape the city alongside the young girl Sherry and the mysterious woman Ada.
"Honestly, we didn't think it'd sell."
This was a comment made by the main staff responsible for developing BIO at the time. They revealed this in the "Director's Hazard" feature included on the bonus DVD of "BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica Complete Edition" (hereafter referred to as "Veronica Complete Edition"). And no wonder, they'd suddenly released a horror game on a new hardware platform, targeting a completely nebulous audience. Business-wise it must've been a huge gamble. Upon opening the lid though, it turned out to be an unexpected smash hit. It sold over one million copies domestically alone, and the international version, Resident Evil, recorded global sales exceeding three million copies, rapidly bolstering its fame.
In response, CAPCOM decided to produce a sequel, BIOHAZARD 2 (hereafter "2"). The main scenario was entrusted to "FLAGSHIP," a professional scenario writer collective established as a CAPCOM affiliate at the time. The development team retained staff from the previous game, launching the project with an ironclad lineup.
It was far from smooth sailing however, a major accident struck, bringing it to a standstill. Soon a "development delay" was announced. Given it was a sequel to a popular title, everyone was stunned by the shocking reason: despite being about 70% complete, the producer scrapped it due to its low level of polish, forcing a complete restart from scratch.
The version shelved due to this incident's commonly known as BIOHAZARD 1.5 (hereafter "1.5"). While it shared the same two-protagonist setup (one male, one female) as the final version, it differed significantly in that the female protagonist was a motorcycle racer named "Elza Walker." Furthermore, the roles of sub-characters like Marvin, the black police officer who appears near death in the final version, and the female spy Ada Wong, were also different, suggesting major scenario changes. This naturally makes one want to see the actual gameplay of "1.5". Fortunately, the "DC" console released in 1997 included a bonus disc with rare footage from "1.5". Fans should definitely check it out. Elza's brave fight against hordes of Zombies and Marvin's energetic actions are must-sees. Even though it was scrapped, the impression conveyed by the screenshots is pure BIO. Particularly intriguing's the appearance of creatures and maps absent from the final version, offering a glimpse into the staff's passion for creating a new BIO experience.
Incidentally, the game engine developed for "1.5" wasn't discarded. Instead, it was utilized in "Onimusha", released for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) in 2001.
Following scathing criticism that it was "uninteresting as a game," development of "2" was restarted from scratch. The announcement of its delayed release understandably disappointed many fans. Though if development of "1.5" had continued as planned and officially released as "2" as originally intended, would fans have been satisfied with the result? The answer's a resounding "NO." Had "2" been merely a product of compromise, the series would never have achieved its current status. That's how high fans' expectations were for "2" at the time, desperately desiring a game that surpassed its predecessor. Releasing something half-baked simply wasn't an option. It was the agony of creation inherent to making a sequel.
After many twists and turns, development took about two years. Then, roughly one month after the PlayStation surpassed ten million units shipped in Japan, and about two years after the first game's release, on January 29th 1998, "2" finally revealed itself to fans. Since gameplay footage had already been publicly shown at the inaugural Tokyo Game Show in 1996, fans felt they'd been made to wait even longer. But the wait was worth it. While the first game was a dark, orthodox gothic horror, "2" became a highly entertaining, Hollywood-style blockbuster. It was essentially the world depicted in the commercial that became a talking point at the time of release, directed by the legendary zombie film maestro George A. Romero.
The protagonists were now rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy, and Claire Redfield, sister of the previous game's protagonist, Chris. The setting scaled up dramatically from the confined space of a mansion to the vast field of Raccoon City. The visuals became more spectacular, with a significant increase in both the number of supporting characters and variety of creatures.
Regarding the story, adopting the "Zapping System" where the player's actions in the main and alternate storylines influence each other ensured a volume far surpassing the previous installment. The story unfolds around the Umbrella conspiracy revealed in the previous game's finale. It captivated eagerly awaiting players by carefully depicting the budding romance between Leon and the spy Ada (featuring the first kiss scene for polygon characters!) and the sibling love of Claire, an ordinary person facing terror to find her brother.
Moreover, the two-CD-ROM set isn't just for show, 2's packed with replay value! It included hidden scenarios like "The 4th Survivor," starring HUNK (who only appeared in a cutscene in the main game), and "The Tofu Survivor," where for some reason tofu speaks Osaka dialect while surviving. It even packed in popular elements from the previous game like infinite ammo weapons and costume changes, leaving nothing out. It offered such extensive content that thoroughly playing through everything demanded a significant time commitment. Consequently, "2" naturally earned high praise from gaming magazines and fans alike. It sold over one million copies in just four days after release, swiftly achieving the remarkable feat of double million sales, far surpassing its predecessor.
Following this, like the first game, it was actively ported to other platforms. Between 1999 and 2000, it was ported not only to PC but also to SEGA's Dreamcast (DC) and Nintendo's Nintendo 64, effectively conquering all major hardware.
Particularly noteworthy's the DC-exclusive title BIOHAZARD 2 Value Plus, released in December 1999. Building upon the PS version BIOHAZARD 2 DualShock Ver. (hereafter "2 DualShock Ver.") released the previous year with support for the new DualShock controller, it incorporated further new elements. Leveraging the DC's high hardware specs, the graphics saw a significant quality boost, and bonus content was also substantially enhanced. While retaining the "Extreme Battle" mode where players retrieve four anti-virus bombs from the police station, it introduced the "NIGHTMARE MODE", an advanced difficulty mode with enemy attack power and durability even higher than the North American version's "U.S.A." mode (equivalent to the difficulty of "2 DualShock Ver.") to create a challenge for advanced players. It also included a "Data Gallery" allowing players to thoroughly view development design illustrations, rough sketches, 3D models, and movies, making it the definitive, ultimate version of "2".
ANOTHER SURVIVAL DRAMA LABELED "THE FINAL CHAPTER" (p.015-016)
BIOHAZARD 3 LAST ESCAPE
Jill, who remained in Raccoon City to investigate Umbrella alone, encounters Carlos, a member of the U.B.C.S. They aim to survive and escape the city together, but face numerous crises: a relentless Pursuer, battles, and the treachery of U.B.C.S. member Nikolai.
At the end of "2", protagonist Leon tells Claire who survived alongside him: "We're gonna crush Umbrella!" This line was originally intended to leave players with the lingering impact of the battle against Umbrella, the embodiment of ultimate evil. However, following the double million-seller success of "2", it inadvertently became a setup for future sequels.
The BIO series, already a driving force for PS hardware sales, made sequels inevitable. Thus, while the excitement of "2" was still fresh, development of "BIO1.9" was secretly underway, with it officially being announced as "BIOHAZARD 3 LAST ESCAPE" (hereafter "3"). Its release date, September 22nd 1999, came less than two years after 2's launch. Considering the previous game's significant delay due to sudden development postponement, this marked an exceptionally rapid release pace.
The protagonist was S.T.A.R.S. survivor Jill, making her return in a sexy tube top. Carlos Oliveira, a member of Umbrella's special ops unit U.B.C.S., debuted as her partner character. Rather than a direct continuation of "2", the story serves as a side-story following the same events from Jill's perspective. The timeline's set two months after the Mansion Incident in the first game when Jill and the others survived, meaning it takes place immediately before "2". Consequently, Jill retraces parts of the map Leon and Claire explored, offering a nostalgic experience for players familiar with the previous game.
You may wonder if exploring the same Raccoon City again could get tedious, but worry not. True to its subtitle "Last Escape," the primary goal of "3" is to escape the city. This means even with the same setting, the exploration feels fresh and engaging.
Furthermore, throughout the game you constantly directly witness the process of the city's collapse, a process not depicted in the previous game. This setup inevitably heightens the player's sense of crisis. The opening movie depicts the Raccoon Police Department's armed squads and the prized U.B.C.S. unit being wiped out effortlessly. The survivors Jill encounters also fall victim to the biological weapons one after another. Moreover, "3" introduces the "Pursuer," the strongest creature yet, relentlessly pursuing the player. This relentless pressure ensures everyone will think, "I need to get out of this dangerous city fast!"
System-wise, new features like "Live Selection” (timed choices during crises), "Quick Turn" (swiftly turning around), and "Emergency Evasion" (dodging enemy attacks with well-timed button presses) support the high-speed escape drama. To avoid the stagnation common in series entries, the development team's passion bore fruit through meticulous refinement. "3" became a true survival horror experience, delivering more heart-pounding map exploration and exhilarating action to overcome crises than any previous installment.
Consequently, it achieved massive success with 3.52 million units shipped worldwide during its initial period, matching the previous game's impact and earning strong fan support. "3" played a significant role within the series: it brought the story to a conclusion with the fall of Raccoon City, evolved the gameplay, and introduced "The Mercenaries" mode for the first time. This mode would later evolve into a standalone game.
It was precisely because of this title that the BIO series maintained its popularity. It returned to fans the following year with an unexpected approach, under the catchphrase "Next Generation BIOHAZARD."
BIOHAZARD 3 LAST ESCAPE
Jill, who remained in Raccoon City to investigate Umbrella alone, encounters Carlos, a member of the U.B.C.S. They aim to survive and escape the city together, but face numerous crises: a relentless Pursuer, battles, and the treachery of U.B.C.S. member Nikolai.
At the end of "2", protagonist Leon tells Claire who survived alongside him: "We're gonna crush Umbrella!" This line was originally intended to leave players with the lingering impact of the battle against Umbrella, the embodiment of ultimate evil. However, following the double million-seller success of "2", it inadvertently became a setup for future sequels.
The BIO series, already a driving force for PS hardware sales, made sequels inevitable. Thus, while the excitement of "2" was still fresh, development of "BIO1.9" was secretly underway, with it officially being announced as "BIOHAZARD 3 LAST ESCAPE" (hereafter "3"). Its release date, September 22nd 1999, came less than two years after 2's launch. Considering the previous game's significant delay due to sudden development postponement, this marked an exceptionally rapid release pace.
The protagonist was S.T.A.R.S. survivor Jill, making her return in a sexy tube top. Carlos Oliveira, a member of Umbrella's special ops unit U.B.C.S., debuted as her partner character. Rather than a direct continuation of "2", the story serves as a side-story following the same events from Jill's perspective. The timeline's set two months after the Mansion Incident in the first game when Jill and the others survived, meaning it takes place immediately before "2". Consequently, Jill retraces parts of the map Leon and Claire explored, offering a nostalgic experience for players familiar with the previous game.
You may wonder if exploring the same Raccoon City again could get tedious, but worry not. True to its subtitle "Last Escape," the primary goal of "3" is to escape the city. This means even with the same setting, the exploration feels fresh and engaging.
Furthermore, throughout the game you constantly directly witness the process of the city's collapse, a process not depicted in the previous game. This setup inevitably heightens the player's sense of crisis. The opening movie depicts the Raccoon Police Department's armed squads and the prized U.B.C.S. unit being wiped out effortlessly. The survivors Jill encounters also fall victim to the biological weapons one after another. Moreover, "3" introduces the "Pursuer," the strongest creature yet, relentlessly pursuing the player. This relentless pressure ensures everyone will think, "I need to get out of this dangerous city fast!"
System-wise, new features like "Live Selection” (timed choices during crises), "Quick Turn" (swiftly turning around), and "Emergency Evasion" (dodging enemy attacks with well-timed button presses) support the high-speed escape drama. To avoid the stagnation common in series entries, the development team's passion bore fruit through meticulous refinement. "3" became a true survival horror experience, delivering more heart-pounding map exploration and exhilarating action to overcome crises than any previous installment.
Consequently, it achieved massive success with 3.52 million units shipped worldwide during its initial period, matching the previous game's impact and earning strong fan support. "3" played a significant role within the series: it brought the story to a conclusion with the fall of Raccoon City, evolved the gameplay, and introduced "The Mercenaries" mode for the first time. This mode would later evolve into a standalone game.
It was precisely because of this title that the BIO series maintained its popularity. It returned to fans the following year with an unexpected approach, under the catchphrase "Next Generation BIOHAZARD."
A TALE OF CONTRASTING LOVE: THE BEAUTIFUL SIBLINGS & THE MAD SIBLINGS (p.017-018)
BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica
After failing to infiltrate Umbrella's Paris facility, Claire was transferred to Rockfort Island prison, only to be freed immediately upon arrival. In Antarctica, where the transport plane she shared with fellow prisoner Steve made an emergency landing, a tragic fate awaited them.
In early 2000, after the global Y2K crisis passed without incident, CAPCOM released a new entry in the BIO series, previously primarily on PlayStation, for SEGA's Dreamcast. The title "BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica" (hereafter "Veronica"). Coincidentally, this occurred just one month before Sony Computer Entertainment released the PlayStation 2, the PS's successor.
While CAPCOM wasn't abandoning the PS, the fact the latest installment in the series used the DC as its platform was a sensational event for fans. What would the story be like? What about the graphics? How would the controls feel? Amidst a mix of high expectations and anxiety among fans, the game launched. However, even with a new hardware platform, BIO remained true to itself. Veronica once again showcased the series' signature overwhelming level of polish, leaving players utterly stunned.
Graphics, already proven by the previous year's BIOHAZARD 2 Value Plus, saw a significant quality leap thanks to the DC's superior hardware specs. What had been fixed-angle cutscenes pieced together from map sections due to PS performance limitations became fluid, character-tracking movement in Veronica, enabled by fully polygonized maps and exquisite camera work.
Regarding controls, while the larger, round controller differed significantly in form from the PS version, stress-free operation was pursued through appropriate action assignments matching the button layout. Players migrating from the PS experienced some initial awkwardness, but it became manageable with practice.
While Veronica's evolution as an action game is remarkable, its truly outstanding scenario deserves even greater attention. The story focuses on Claire's journey after searching for her brother Chris in "2". It movingly depicts her reunion with Chris, intertwined with the sorrow surrounding the new character Steve Burnside. Simultaneously, it touches on the founding secrets of Umbrella and the development of the new virus. Furthermore, it brings back the arch-enemy Albert Wesker, believed dead at the end of the first game, highlighting his longstanding feud with Chris.
Throughout the entire story, the profound bond between Chris and Claire's vividly conveyed. This is starkly contrasted by the twisted love of Alfred and Alexia Ashford, siblings who appear as enemies in the game. The beautiful siblings who would sacrifice their own lives to save their family, versus the mad siblings who would sacrifice their family's lives to fulfill their own ambitions. The reason Veronica's called a psychological horror lies precisely in the existence of these Ashford siblings, brimming with madness.
The main game unfolds in two parts: the first half's Claire's story, set on Rockfort Island where Umbrella's prison is located, and the second half's Chris' story. Perhaps because the Normal difficulty's set relatively high from the start, Easy Mode and even Very Easy Mode are available from the outset, making it a game even beginners can clear.
While it sold a modest 730,000 copies worldwide, Veronica's a must-have for fans, given its direct story connections to 1&2.
BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica
After failing to infiltrate Umbrella's Paris facility, Claire was transferred to Rockfort Island prison, only to be freed immediately upon arrival. In Antarctica, where the transport plane she shared with fellow prisoner Steve made an emergency landing, a tragic fate awaited them.
In early 2000, after the global Y2K crisis passed without incident, CAPCOM released a new entry in the BIO series, previously primarily on PlayStation, for SEGA's Dreamcast. The title "BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica" (hereafter "Veronica"). Coincidentally, this occurred just one month before Sony Computer Entertainment released the PlayStation 2, the PS's successor.
While CAPCOM wasn't abandoning the PS, the fact the latest installment in the series used the DC as its platform was a sensational event for fans. What would the story be like? What about the graphics? How would the controls feel? Amidst a mix of high expectations and anxiety among fans, the game launched. However, even with a new hardware platform, BIO remained true to itself. Veronica once again showcased the series' signature overwhelming level of polish, leaving players utterly stunned.
Graphics, already proven by the previous year's BIOHAZARD 2 Value Plus, saw a significant quality leap thanks to the DC's superior hardware specs. What had been fixed-angle cutscenes pieced together from map sections due to PS performance limitations became fluid, character-tracking movement in Veronica, enabled by fully polygonized maps and exquisite camera work.
Regarding controls, while the larger, round controller differed significantly in form from the PS version, stress-free operation was pursued through appropriate action assignments matching the button layout. Players migrating from the PS experienced some initial awkwardness, but it became manageable with practice.
While Veronica's evolution as an action game is remarkable, its truly outstanding scenario deserves even greater attention. The story focuses on Claire's journey after searching for her brother Chris in "2". It movingly depicts her reunion with Chris, intertwined with the sorrow surrounding the new character Steve Burnside. Simultaneously, it touches on the founding secrets of Umbrella and the development of the new virus. Furthermore, it brings back the arch-enemy Albert Wesker, believed dead at the end of the first game, highlighting his longstanding feud with Chris.
Throughout the entire story, the profound bond between Chris and Claire's vividly conveyed. This is starkly contrasted by the twisted love of Alfred and Alexia Ashford, siblings who appear as enemies in the game. The beautiful siblings who would sacrifice their own lives to save their family, versus the mad siblings who would sacrifice their family's lives to fulfill their own ambitions. The reason Veronica's called a psychological horror lies precisely in the existence of these Ashford siblings, brimming with madness.
The main game unfolds in two parts: the first half's Claire's story, set on Rockfort Island where Umbrella's prison is located, and the second half's Chris' story. Perhaps because the Normal difficulty's set relatively high from the start, Easy Mode and even Very Easy Mode are available from the outset, making it a game even beginners can clear.
While it sold a modest 730,000 copies worldwide, Veronica's a must-have for fans, given its direct story connections to 1&2.
THE WORLD'S FIRST 3D FREE-ROAMING SYSTEM VIA THE GUNCON (p.019)
BIOHAZARD GUN SURVIVOR
A young man lying near a crashed helicopter wakes up unable to recall even his own name. A city overrun by Zombies, a boy and girl who flee upon seeing him, someone's diary... bit by bit, he traces his memories and draws closer to the truth.
Just before Veronica launched on the Dreamcast, a new title that broke from the traditional BIO series was released on the PlayStation. That was "BIOHAZARD GUN SURVIVOR" (hereafter "GUN SURVIVOR"), compatible with the PS peripheral, the gun-shaped controller "Guncon". This title, which became the final series entry for the PS, appeared during the transitional period when the gun shooting game movement was permeating from arcades to home consoles. Its genre, inspired by survival horror, was branded "Survival Gun Shooting".
Unlike traditional gun shooters where players fought enemies while forced to move along set paths, GUN SURVIVOR pioneered the world's first three-dimensional free movement system using the Guncon. This allowed players to enjoy the signature BIO series elements of map exploration and puzzle-solving.
FLAGSHIP continued handling scenarios after "2". The story primarily focused on Another Story after Raccoon City's collapse in "3", featuring a stage-clear structure with branching routes. The protagonist's a new character named Ark Thompson, a private investigator. As his connection as Leon's friend suggests, he's linked to "2". Furthermore, the setting of the fight, an isolated European island where a biohazard outbreak occurred, shares common ground with CODE:Veronica. Additionally, this game's events are properly referenced in the later-released biohazard 0 (hereafter "0") as the "Second Raccoon City."
The gameplay style, where the player directly controls the character's movement and engages creatures in combat from a first-person perspective, is quintessential first-person shooter (FPS). To enhance the virtual sense of being surrounded by enemies, 3D surround sound's employed, delivering an immersive play experience.
The variety of creatures ranges from familiar ones like Zombies and Tyrants to original designs like the U.T. Unit and Hypnos-T. The staple mechanic of bosses changing forms during combat is faithfully carried over from the numbered titles. The weapons available remain as niche as ever, with the game even featuring the Imperial Japanese Army's standard-issue pistol, a rare inclusion in the series.
BIOHAZARD GUN SURVIVOR
A young man lying near a crashed helicopter wakes up unable to recall even his own name. A city overrun by Zombies, a boy and girl who flee upon seeing him, someone's diary... bit by bit, he traces his memories and draws closer to the truth.
Just before Veronica launched on the Dreamcast, a new title that broke from the traditional BIO series was released on the PlayStation. That was "BIOHAZARD GUN SURVIVOR" (hereafter "GUN SURVIVOR"), compatible with the PS peripheral, the gun-shaped controller "Guncon". This title, which became the final series entry for the PS, appeared during the transitional period when the gun shooting game movement was permeating from arcades to home consoles. Its genre, inspired by survival horror, was branded "Survival Gun Shooting".
Unlike traditional gun shooters where players fought enemies while forced to move along set paths, GUN SURVIVOR pioneered the world's first three-dimensional free movement system using the Guncon. This allowed players to enjoy the signature BIO series elements of map exploration and puzzle-solving.
FLAGSHIP continued handling scenarios after "2". The story primarily focused on Another Story after Raccoon City's collapse in "3", featuring a stage-clear structure with branching routes. The protagonist's a new character named Ark Thompson, a private investigator. As his connection as Leon's friend suggests, he's linked to "2". Furthermore, the setting of the fight, an isolated European island where a biohazard outbreak occurred, shares common ground with CODE:Veronica. Additionally, this game's events are properly referenced in the later-released biohazard 0 (hereafter "0") as the "Second Raccoon City."
The gameplay style, where the player directly controls the character's movement and engages creatures in combat from a first-person perspective, is quintessential first-person shooter (FPS). To enhance the virtual sense of being surrounded by enemies, 3D surround sound's employed, delivering an immersive play experience.
The variety of creatures ranges from familiar ones like Zombies and Tyrants to original designs like the U.T. Unit and Hypnos-T. The staple mechanic of bosses changing forms during combat is faithfully carried over from the numbered titles. The weapons available remain as niche as ever, with the game even featuring the Imperial Japanese Army's standard-issue pistol, a rare inclusion in the series.
THE COMMEMORATIVE YEAR OF THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY (p.020)
GUN SURVIVOR 2 BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica
Captured by Umbrella, Claire's imprisoned on Rockfort Island, but escapes when the guards disappear. What she sees outside is a vast horde of Zombies. Teaming up with fellow prisoner Steve, her fight to escape the island begins.
The year 2001, marking the dawn of the 21st century, was inevitably overshadowed by the September 11th terrorist attacks in the US. For the BIO series, however, it was a significant year celebrating its 5th anniversary.
On March 22nd, Veronica's revamped version, Veronica Complete Edition, was released for the PS2. By significantly enhancing events involving Wesker, it made Chris' confrontation more thrilling, delighting longtime fans.
On the same day, CAPCOM released a limited edition "BIOHAZARD 5th Anniversary Special Package Nightmare Returns." This package included the new Veronica Complete Edition software, three titles originally released on PlayStation, commemorative accessories like a special ballpoint pen and dog tags, as well as the DVD video "Wesker's Report" (originally a pre-order bonus for Veronica), all packed into a serial-numbered aluminum attaché case. This release became a major talking point among fans.
The release of Veronica Complete Edition paved the way for BIO series titles to launch on PS2. That November saw the PS2 version of GUN SURVIVOR 2 BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica (hereafter GUN SURVIVOR 2), the first BIO arcade title developed jointly by CAPCOM and Namco (now Bandai Namco Games). This was the first gun-shooting game to support the PS2-exclusive Guncon 2 pistol controller, featuring PS2-exclusive game modes and new elements.
GUN SURVIVOR 2's true appeal lies in freely exploring Veronica's setting, Rockfort Island, as either Claire or Steve. As a game purely focused on escaping the island, it has no connection to the main story like GUN SURVIVOR did. Its originality shines through in details like the appearance of the Pursuer from "3" when the time limit's exceeded. Set in a world that feels like Veronica's graphics adapted for a first-person perspective, it delighted fans by allowing them to fully enjoy Claire and Steve's co-op play, two-player simultaneous play in the arcade version, or one character controlled by AI in the PS2 version.
GUN SURVIVOR 2 BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica
Captured by Umbrella, Claire's imprisoned on Rockfort Island, but escapes when the guards disappear. What she sees outside is a vast horde of Zombies. Teaming up with fellow prisoner Steve, her fight to escape the island begins.
The year 2001, marking the dawn of the 21st century, was inevitably overshadowed by the September 11th terrorist attacks in the US. For the BIO series, however, it was a significant year celebrating its 5th anniversary.
On March 22nd, Veronica's revamped version, Veronica Complete Edition, was released for the PS2. By significantly enhancing events involving Wesker, it made Chris' confrontation more thrilling, delighting longtime fans.
On the same day, CAPCOM released a limited edition "BIOHAZARD 5th Anniversary Special Package Nightmare Returns." This package included the new Veronica Complete Edition software, three titles originally released on PlayStation, commemorative accessories like a special ballpoint pen and dog tags, as well as the DVD video "Wesker's Report" (originally a pre-order bonus for Veronica), all packed into a serial-numbered aluminum attaché case. This release became a major talking point among fans.
The release of Veronica Complete Edition paved the way for BIO series titles to launch on PS2. That November saw the PS2 version of GUN SURVIVOR 2 BIOHAZARD CODE:Veronica (hereafter GUN SURVIVOR 2), the first BIO arcade title developed jointly by CAPCOM and Namco (now Bandai Namco Games). This was the first gun-shooting game to support the PS2-exclusive Guncon 2 pistol controller, featuring PS2-exclusive game modes and new elements.
GUN SURVIVOR 2's true appeal lies in freely exploring Veronica's setting, Rockfort Island, as either Claire or Steve. As a game purely focused on escaping the island, it has no connection to the main story like GUN SURVIVOR did. Its originality shines through in details like the appearance of the Pursuer from "3" when the time limit's exceeded. Set in a world that feels like Veronica's graphics adapted for a first-person perspective, it delighted fans by allowing them to fully enjoy Claire and Steve's co-op play, two-player simultaneous play in the arcade version, or one character controlled by AI in the PS2 version.
BEYOND IMMERSION: TRUE TERROR (p.020-022)
On September 13th 2001, at a "BIOHAZARD Strategy Presentation" held at a hotel in Akasaka, Tokyo, CAPCOM announced a shocking major project to the press that would determine the future of the BIOHAZARD series.
It was an exclusive supply agreement for the BIOHAZARD series on Nintendo's new hardware, the Nintendo GameCube (hereafter GC), set for release the very next day. The primary reason for the Nintendo exclusivity was a deep resonance with the company's unwavering commitment to creating games that are fun to watch and play, prioritizing this above specializing solely in visuals or sound.
By consolidating the platform to the GC, all development efforts could be focused entirely on the series. The then-overall producer of the BIOHAZARD series defined this as "over-quality," further describing the visual realism the GC would bring as "raw sensation" and "raw terror."
biohazard
While battling Zombies and exploring the mansion, Chris & Jill discovered a lab underground, eventually uncovering Umbrella's horrific research and Wesker's other face. Just as they seemed to have escaped their predicament, the formidable Tyrant stood in their way.
The lineup announced at the presentation included six titles: ports of existing series entries already released on PS and DC, the full remake of the first game, "biohazard" (hereafter "Remake 1"), the prequel "biohazard 0", and the completely new "biohazard 4" (hereafter "4").
With this project's launch, the BIOHAZARD series title logo changed from its previous all-caps English to "biohazard". Regarding "Remake 1", it was revealed development was already underway for a 2002 release, marking six years since its PS debut. Stills and background videos were also shown to the press. The realistic footage, radiating a palpable "raw" sensation that transcended mere "realism," sent ripples through the venue.
What exactly does it mean to surpass realism? True to the announcement, on March 22nd the following year, "Remake 1" appeared before fans with astonishing graphics that vividly demonstrated its development concept.
Subtle background effects rarely seen before like forest foliage gently swaying in the wind, shadows reflecting on wet ground, and flickering candlelight illuminating the darkness, draw players into the game world while delivering a raw, visceral experience.
Creatures are rendered with an unparalleled level of detail far surpassing the original version's polygon-based appearance. Realism's pursued relentlessly, from texture to motion. Arthropods like spiders and centipedes, crafted with such meticulous detail even the creators themselves find them repulsive, stand out as exceptionally unsettling.
"The terror of walking there." ----This was the tagline used in advertising for "Remake 1". It's by no means an exaggeration, players will unquestionably experience genuine terror through the game. While fundamentally a remake of the original BIOHAZARD, "Remake 1" rebuilt nearly 70% of its mechanics and significantly altered the playthrough routes, making it essentially a completely new title.
Though set in the same mansion, the building now features a complex three-story structure. The addition of a new outdoor map with a courtyard leading to the dormitory offers a fresh experience even for those who played the original. Puzzles in particular often appear familiar at first glance but reveal entirely different mechanisms when attempted, rendering prior knowledge largely useless.
Speaking of additions, the appearance of new creatures offers a surprise moment especially for those familiar with the original. Take the Crimson Head Zombies, for instance. If you get cocky and start mowing down the slow-moving Zombies, over time, the ones you thought you defeated will suddenly rise, transform into Crimson Heads, and attack at breakneck speed, so you can't let your guard down. What's more, these transformed Zombies are often placed in key puzzle-solving locations you revisit multiple times. So the more Zombies you kill, the more you're actually making things harder for yourself.
Lisa Trevor, who appears at crucial moments with her eerie moans, is another new creature fans will find intriguing. Her true identity's the beloved daughter of the mansion's architect George Trevor, and she holds crucial knowledge about the origins on virus development which has been shrouded in mystery until now. This Lisa storyline isn't new, it's based on the backstory told in Wesker's Report, the bonus DVD included with Veronica. Therefore, watching the DVD allows for a deeper enjoyment of the game and reveals the full scope of the virus development, previously depicted only in fragments.
Thus, while "Remake 1" has been thoroughly revamped from its mechanics to its creatures, the crucial action and story elements have also been meticulously reworked, avoiding a mere rehash.
First, regarding the action: a new system called "Emergency Evasion" has been implemented. While "3" also featured a player evasion system, "Remake 1" provides defensive items like dagger knives, flash grenades, and stun guns. Equipping these allows players to counterattack and deal significant damage when attacked by enemies. This adjustment addresses the higher difficulty level of "Remake 1", serving as a form of "relief" for newcomers who started the series on the GameCube.
The story gained heightened drama through extensive use of cutscenes. The opening movie, which was live-action in the original version, was replaced with a pre-rendered movie directed by film director Masako Sato. This transition now plunges players into the mansion lobby with powerful visuals. The so-called "polygon puppet shows" inserted between events in the PS version have all been replaced with movies, carefully depicting the teamwork with partner characters like Rebecca Chambers and Barry Burton. For the climactic scene where Chris and Jill confront Wesker, additional cuts hinting Wesker's staging his own death have been added, leaving just the right amount of mystery for future series entries.
Of course, the traditional bonus modes are also substantial, covering hidden modes that will impress hardcore players, such as the "Real Survival Mode" with specifications identical to the PS version prototype, and the ultra-difficult "Invisible Enemy Mode" where the creatures' forms are completely invisible.
Thanks to its uncompromising craftsmanship, "Remake 1" swept the 2002 gaming industry as a killer title for the GameCube, making a smooth start on the new platform.
On September 13th 2001, at a "BIOHAZARD Strategy Presentation" held at a hotel in Akasaka, Tokyo, CAPCOM announced a shocking major project to the press that would determine the future of the BIOHAZARD series.
It was an exclusive supply agreement for the BIOHAZARD series on Nintendo's new hardware, the Nintendo GameCube (hereafter GC), set for release the very next day. The primary reason for the Nintendo exclusivity was a deep resonance with the company's unwavering commitment to creating games that are fun to watch and play, prioritizing this above specializing solely in visuals or sound.
By consolidating the platform to the GC, all development efforts could be focused entirely on the series. The then-overall producer of the BIOHAZARD series defined this as "over-quality," further describing the visual realism the GC would bring as "raw sensation" and "raw terror."
biohazard
While battling Zombies and exploring the mansion, Chris & Jill discovered a lab underground, eventually uncovering Umbrella's horrific research and Wesker's other face. Just as they seemed to have escaped their predicament, the formidable Tyrant stood in their way.
The lineup announced at the presentation included six titles: ports of existing series entries already released on PS and DC, the full remake of the first game, "biohazard" (hereafter "Remake 1"), the prequel "biohazard 0", and the completely new "biohazard 4" (hereafter "4").
With this project's launch, the BIOHAZARD series title logo changed from its previous all-caps English to "biohazard". Regarding "Remake 1", it was revealed development was already underway for a 2002 release, marking six years since its PS debut. Stills and background videos were also shown to the press. The realistic footage, radiating a palpable "raw" sensation that transcended mere "realism," sent ripples through the venue.
What exactly does it mean to surpass realism? True to the announcement, on March 22nd the following year, "Remake 1" appeared before fans with astonishing graphics that vividly demonstrated its development concept.
Subtle background effects rarely seen before like forest foliage gently swaying in the wind, shadows reflecting on wet ground, and flickering candlelight illuminating the darkness, draw players into the game world while delivering a raw, visceral experience.
Creatures are rendered with an unparalleled level of detail far surpassing the original version's polygon-based appearance. Realism's pursued relentlessly, from texture to motion. Arthropods like spiders and centipedes, crafted with such meticulous detail even the creators themselves find them repulsive, stand out as exceptionally unsettling.
"The terror of walking there." ----This was the tagline used in advertising for "Remake 1". It's by no means an exaggeration, players will unquestionably experience genuine terror through the game. While fundamentally a remake of the original BIOHAZARD, "Remake 1" rebuilt nearly 70% of its mechanics and significantly altered the playthrough routes, making it essentially a completely new title.
Though set in the same mansion, the building now features a complex three-story structure. The addition of a new outdoor map with a courtyard leading to the dormitory offers a fresh experience even for those who played the original. Puzzles in particular often appear familiar at first glance but reveal entirely different mechanisms when attempted, rendering prior knowledge largely useless.
Speaking of additions, the appearance of new creatures offers a surprise moment especially for those familiar with the original. Take the Crimson Head Zombies, for instance. If you get cocky and start mowing down the slow-moving Zombies, over time, the ones you thought you defeated will suddenly rise, transform into Crimson Heads, and attack at breakneck speed, so you can't let your guard down. What's more, these transformed Zombies are often placed in key puzzle-solving locations you revisit multiple times. So the more Zombies you kill, the more you're actually making things harder for yourself.
Lisa Trevor, who appears at crucial moments with her eerie moans, is another new creature fans will find intriguing. Her true identity's the beloved daughter of the mansion's architect George Trevor, and she holds crucial knowledge about the origins on virus development which has been shrouded in mystery until now. This Lisa storyline isn't new, it's based on the backstory told in Wesker's Report, the bonus DVD included with Veronica. Therefore, watching the DVD allows for a deeper enjoyment of the game and reveals the full scope of the virus development, previously depicted only in fragments.
Thus, while "Remake 1" has been thoroughly revamped from its mechanics to its creatures, the crucial action and story elements have also been meticulously reworked, avoiding a mere rehash.
First, regarding the action: a new system called "Emergency Evasion" has been implemented. While "3" also featured a player evasion system, "Remake 1" provides defensive items like dagger knives, flash grenades, and stun guns. Equipping these allows players to counterattack and deal significant damage when attacked by enemies. This adjustment addresses the higher difficulty level of "Remake 1", serving as a form of "relief" for newcomers who started the series on the GameCube.
The story gained heightened drama through extensive use of cutscenes. The opening movie, which was live-action in the original version, was replaced with a pre-rendered movie directed by film director Masako Sato. This transition now plunges players into the mansion lobby with powerful visuals. The so-called "polygon puppet shows" inserted between events in the PS version have all been replaced with movies, carefully depicting the teamwork with partner characters like Rebecca Chambers and Barry Burton. For the climactic scene where Chris and Jill confront Wesker, additional cuts hinting Wesker's staging his own death have been added, leaving just the right amount of mystery for future series entries.
Of course, the traditional bonus modes are also substantial, covering hidden modes that will impress hardcore players, such as the "Real Survival Mode" with specifications identical to the PS version prototype, and the ultra-difficult "Invisible Enemy Mode" where the creatures' forms are completely invisible.
Thanks to its uncompromising craftsmanship, "Remake 1" swept the 2002 gaming industry as a killer title for the GameCube, making a smooth start on the new platform.
NEW INITIATIVES BOOST RECOGNITION (p.023)
BIOHAZARD GAIDEN
A B.O.W. developed by Umbrella, capable of mimicking humans, has escaped onto a luxury cruise ship. Leon, a member of an underground organization, infiltrates the ship under orders to eliminate the B.O.W. When contact's lost however, Barry, also belonging to the same organization, heads out to rescue him.
In 2002, just one week after the GameCube remake of the first game launched, the BIO series also debuted on Nintendo's handheld hardware, the Game Boy Color. The title was BIOHAZARD GAIDEN (hereafter Gaiden). Developed by the UK's M4 Ltd., it unfolded as an unrelated side-story, true to its name.
Characters Barry from "1" and Leon from "2" appear as members of an anti-Umbrella underground organization. Set aboard a luxury cruise ship, it offers the series' signature closed-space mystery-solving exploration. Due to hardware limitations however, it adopted a 2D top-down view and changed to a button-timing combat system, resulting in a playstyle completely different from previous series entries.
The appearance of spin-off titles on handheld hardware's proof the BIO series has gained widespread recognition, meaning it has targeted a broader audience. In fact, BIO's success overseas led to it finally being made into a Hollywood movie, which was released in Japan in August the same year. The original story of the film, directed by Paul Anderson and starring Milla Jovovich, gained popularity in various countries and was subsequently made into a series. This was CAPCOM's second film adaptation of one of its own works since Street Fighter in 1994, demonstrating the high quality of CAPCOM's works and their recognition in the global market.
BIOHAZARD GAIDEN
A B.O.W. developed by Umbrella, capable of mimicking humans, has escaped onto a luxury cruise ship. Leon, a member of an underground organization, infiltrates the ship under orders to eliminate the B.O.W. When contact's lost however, Barry, also belonging to the same organization, heads out to rescue him.
In 2002, just one week after the GameCube remake of the first game launched, the BIO series also debuted on Nintendo's handheld hardware, the Game Boy Color. The title was BIOHAZARD GAIDEN (hereafter Gaiden). Developed by the UK's M4 Ltd., it unfolded as an unrelated side-story, true to its name.
Characters Barry from "1" and Leon from "2" appear as members of an anti-Umbrella underground organization. Set aboard a luxury cruise ship, it offers the series' signature closed-space mystery-solving exploration. Due to hardware limitations however, it adopted a 2D top-down view and changed to a button-timing combat system, resulting in a playstyle completely different from previous series entries.
The appearance of spin-off titles on handheld hardware's proof the BIO series has gained widespread recognition, meaning it has targeted a broader audience. In fact, BIO's success overseas led to it finally being made into a Hollywood movie, which was released in Japan in August the same year. The original story of the film, directed by Paul Anderson and starring Milla Jovovich, gained popularity in various countries and was subsequently made into a series. This was CAPCOM's second film adaptation of one of its own works since Street Fighter in 1994, demonstrating the high quality of CAPCOM's works and their recognition in the global market.
THE STORY OF THE BEGINNING, WOVEN BY THE BOND BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE (p.023-024)
biohazard 0
The helicopter carrying Rebecca and S.T.A.R.S. made an emergency landing in the forest, and while investigating the area, she encountered Billy, a deserter, inside a stopped train. The two escaped from the train filled with Zombies and Leeches and end up at the Umbrella Executive Training School.
"We won't make you wait a year after "Remake 1" for "0"." True to that promise, it launched on November 21st 2002, roughly eight months after "Remake 1".
What "0" depicts is the tragedy that befell the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team, shrouded in mystery in "1", and the events leading up to survivor Rebecca's arrival at the mansion. In other words, players can actually play through this game to learn how the team disbanded and how the new member Rebecca survived.
The key figure here's the new character Billy Coen. As a prisoner sentenced to death for murder, he has a rather villainous setting for a protagonist, but his presence is refreshing and he entertains players with a very mysterious story development.
0's biggest feature's the "Partner Zapping System," which puts the joint exploration of Billy and Rebecca at the forefront. Unlike previous games which had separate scenarios for each character players would play through alternately, this game changes the style to one where players advance their exploration by switching between characters in real-time with button inputs. As a result, it's no exaggeration to say 0's one of the top games in the series in terms of its puzzle-like mystery solving, making it a cerebral game that can't be cleared by brute force alone.
One reason its puzzles are outstanding is the requirement to play by understanding each character's unique abilities. Rebecca can't move heavy objects for example but Billy can move them easily. Therefore if you encounter a situation while controlling Rebecca where you need to move a heavy platform to reach a high place, you must switch to controlling Billy to overcome the obstacle.
The second reason's the removal of the series' traditional item boxes. Previously items had to be stored in item boxes, but in this game, items can be placed directly on the map. This necessitates techniques like memorizing the map and mentally mapping out routes.
In "0", complex puzzles stemming from these system changes are scattered throughout the entire game. Solving even a single puzzle often requires multiple steps, meaning the difficulty can be either easy or severe depending on your playstyle.
The scenario serves as a crucial bridge between the previously unexplored events of the "Remake 1" and "2", covering the origins of the virus development, the cause of the biohazard outbreak, and the schemes of Wesker and William Birkin. This makes the immense sense of accomplishment and satisfaction awaiting those who struggle to clear it truly unparalleled. Naturally, numerous series staples like hidden modes and costume changes are also included, ensuring dedicated players will find plenty to satisfy them.
Particularly, the infinite rocket launcher and submachine gun granted only to those who clear the main story with an S rank are incredibly satisfying secret weapons. They instantly dispel any frustration built up during your first playthrough, transforming even the toughest boss battles into laughably easy victories.
biohazard 0
The helicopter carrying Rebecca and S.T.A.R.S. made an emergency landing in the forest, and while investigating the area, she encountered Billy, a deserter, inside a stopped train. The two escaped from the train filled with Zombies and Leeches and end up at the Umbrella Executive Training School.
"We won't make you wait a year after "Remake 1" for "0"." True to that promise, it launched on November 21st 2002, roughly eight months after "Remake 1".
What "0" depicts is the tragedy that befell the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team, shrouded in mystery in "1", and the events leading up to survivor Rebecca's arrival at the mansion. In other words, players can actually play through this game to learn how the team disbanded and how the new member Rebecca survived.
The key figure here's the new character Billy Coen. As a prisoner sentenced to death for murder, he has a rather villainous setting for a protagonist, but his presence is refreshing and he entertains players with a very mysterious story development.
0's biggest feature's the "Partner Zapping System," which puts the joint exploration of Billy and Rebecca at the forefront. Unlike previous games which had separate scenarios for each character players would play through alternately, this game changes the style to one where players advance their exploration by switching between characters in real-time with button inputs. As a result, it's no exaggeration to say 0's one of the top games in the series in terms of its puzzle-like mystery solving, making it a cerebral game that can't be cleared by brute force alone.
One reason its puzzles are outstanding is the requirement to play by understanding each character's unique abilities. Rebecca can't move heavy objects for example but Billy can move them easily. Therefore if you encounter a situation while controlling Rebecca where you need to move a heavy platform to reach a high place, you must switch to controlling Billy to overcome the obstacle.
The second reason's the removal of the series' traditional item boxes. Previously items had to be stored in item boxes, but in this game, items can be placed directly on the map. This necessitates techniques like memorizing the map and mentally mapping out routes.
In "0", complex puzzles stemming from these system changes are scattered throughout the entire game. Solving even a single puzzle often requires multiple steps, meaning the difficulty can be either easy or severe depending on your playstyle.
The scenario serves as a crucial bridge between the previously unexplored events of the "Remake 1" and "2", covering the origins of the virus development, the cause of the biohazard outbreak, and the schemes of Wesker and William Birkin. This makes the immense sense of accomplishment and satisfaction awaiting those who struggle to clear it truly unparalleled. Naturally, numerous series staples like hidden modes and costume changes are also included, ensuring dedicated players will find plenty to satisfy them.
Particularly, the infinite rocket launcher and submachine gun granted only to those who clear the main story with an S rank are incredibly satisfying secret weapons. They instantly dispel any frustration built up during your first playthrough, transforming even the toughest boss battles into laughably easy victories.
ORIGINAL SCENARIOS: DISTINCTIVE SPIN-OFFS (p.024-025)
GUN SURVIVOR 4 BIOHAZARD HEROES NEVER DIE
After the virus is stolen from an Umbrella research facility, a luxury cruise ship owned by Umbrella carrying VIPs from various countries is hijacked at sea. U.S. operative Bruce begins operations to resolve the situation, but a conspiracy's already swirling.
In 2003, as Nintendo's Famicom celebrated its 20th anniversary, the company's GameCube saw a steady stream of BIO series ports released from the start of the year through August: "2", "3", and Veronica Complete Edition. GC users could follow BIO's story chronologically by playing these sequentially, alongside the previously released "Remake 1" and "0". While numbered titles expanded the series on the GC, spin-off titles with distinct gameplay from the main series began appearing on the PS2.
First came "GUN SURVIVOR 4 BIOHAZARD HEROES NEVER DIE" (hereafter GUN SURVIVOR 4), released the month after 3's GameCube version. While this was the third BIO-themed entry in the GUN SURVIVOR series, it was numbered "4" since "GUN SURVIVOR 3" had been based on Dino Crisis, a survival horror game akin to a BIO sibling title.
Set aboard the luxury cruise ship "Spencer Rain" sailing the seas after Raccoon City's collapse, the game features two playable characters: Bruce McGivern, a U.S. military operative from the Anti-Umbrella Pursuit & Investigation Team, and Fong Ling, a female operative from the Chinese Ministry of State Security. It employed an innovative system where exploration typically occurred in third-person view, switching to first-person shooting only upon encountering creatures.
Against enemy attacks, simple button inputs enabled emergency dodges similar to those in "3". Weapons ranged from familiar handguns to an Umbrella-developed charged particle rifle. Ammo for handguns wasn't infinite, requiring players to constantly monitor their remaining rounds while fighting, creating the signature tension of BIO's gunplay.
GUN SURVIVOR 4 offers greater story depth and content than previous entries in the GUN SURVIVOR series. Combined with realistic creature animations and graphics, it has earned high praise from fans despite being a spin-off.
GUN SURVIVOR 4 BIOHAZARD HEROES NEVER DIE
After the virus is stolen from an Umbrella research facility, a luxury cruise ship owned by Umbrella carrying VIPs from various countries is hijacked at sea. U.S. operative Bruce begins operations to resolve the situation, but a conspiracy's already swirling.
In 2003, as Nintendo's Famicom celebrated its 20th anniversary, the company's GameCube saw a steady stream of BIO series ports released from the start of the year through August: "2", "3", and Veronica Complete Edition. GC users could follow BIO's story chronologically by playing these sequentially, alongside the previously released "Remake 1" and "0". While numbered titles expanded the series on the GC, spin-off titles with distinct gameplay from the main series began appearing on the PS2.
First came "GUN SURVIVOR 4 BIOHAZARD HEROES NEVER DIE" (hereafter GUN SURVIVOR 4), released the month after 3's GameCube version. While this was the third BIO-themed entry in the GUN SURVIVOR series, it was numbered "4" since "GUN SURVIVOR 3" had been based on Dino Crisis, a survival horror game akin to a BIO sibling title.
Set aboard the luxury cruise ship "Spencer Rain" sailing the seas after Raccoon City's collapse, the game features two playable characters: Bruce McGivern, a U.S. military operative from the Anti-Umbrella Pursuit & Investigation Team, and Fong Ling, a female operative from the Chinese Ministry of State Security. It employed an innovative system where exploration typically occurred in third-person view, switching to first-person shooting only upon encountering creatures.
Against enemy attacks, simple button inputs enabled emergency dodges similar to those in "3". Weapons ranged from familiar handguns to an Umbrella-developed charged particle rifle. Ammo for handguns wasn't infinite, requiring players to constantly monitor their remaining rounds while fighting, creating the signature tension of BIO's gunplay.
GUN SURVIVOR 4 offers greater story depth and content than previous entries in the GUN SURVIVOR series. Combined with realistic creature animations and graphics, it has earned high praise from fans despite being a spin-off.
A NEW STYLE OF HORROR MADE POSSIBLE BY ONLINE PLAY (p.025)
BIOHAZARD OUTBREAK
When the citizens of Raccoon City became aware of the Zombies, it simultaneously marked the beginning of their survival. Plumbers, doctors, waitresses, security guards-- ordinary citizens utilize their skills and cooperate to escape from this hellish city.
BIOHAZARD OUTBREAK FILE 2
In the chilling town of Raccoon City, various citizens meet: police officer Kevin, newspaper reporter Alyssa, college student Yoko, and others. Strange beasts attack at the zoo, and even the police station's overrun by Zombies attacking them without mercy. Yet they pool their strength and push forward, together.
Another spin-off that mustn't be forgotten is BIOHAZARD OUTBREAK (hereafter OUTBREAK), the first title in the series to support online play.
This title appeared on the PS2 in late 2003, coinciding with the rapid spread of broadband internet access driven by the expansion of infrastructure like ADSL and fiber optics, along with the falling cost of services.
The true thrill of online play lies in cooperative gameplay: up to four players exploring Raccoon City in real-time, sharing the same timeline as 2&3, and aiming to escape the city. While previous series entries offered a sense of teamwork through partner characters, the depth differs significantly between computer-controlled and human players. Each player acts with intent, making flexible judgments on the fly. The ever-changing companions you encounter each time you play, and the inevitable camaraderie that forms, are precisely what make online play so compelling.
OUTBREAK's a game that truly elevates this teamwork between companions within the survival horror genre, featuring multiple ingenious touches that feel quintessentially BIO.
One's the differentiation of player characters. OUTBREAK features eight distinct player characters, including a police officer, waitress, and subway employee, each with their own gender. They come equipped with "Personal Items" and "Special Actions" reflecting their professions. For example, the doctor's Personal Item's a "Medical Kit" that allows effective use of herbs, while their Special Action's a "Dodge Tackle" that can take down enemies without using weapons. This character differentiation naturally led to role division among participating players, fostering teamwork where each member used their unique abilities to compensate for others' weaknesses.
Another key innovation was enhancing communication tools for teammates. Since players could exchange items in OUTBREAK, cooperation almost always prevented shortages. Crucial communication tools included buttons for ad-libs and appeals. Using character phrases like "HELP!" or "COME ON!", players could convey their intentions or situation to others, making communication entirely possible even without a chat function.
These elements combined to create a game where the true thrill of online play was fully experienced within the BIO world. While the restriction that infection levels rose during exploration and reaching 100% turned players into Zombies sparked debate, it earned a solid reputation as the first online BIO game. Following OUTBREAK's success, the sequel BIOHAZARD OUTBREAK FILE 2 (hereafter OUTBREAK 2) arrived the following year, depicting Another Story. It featured a completely new scenario, added new actions and creatures, and even incorporated character compatibility elements.
Furthermore, OUTBREAK 2 included a data conversion feature from OUTBREAK. Players with save data from the previous game could transfer their collected items directly into OUTBREAK 2, making it invaluable for offline players aiming to complete hidden elements.
Unfortunately, the "Multi-Matching BB Service" ended on June 30th 2011. As a result, the game's now only playable offline in single-player mode alongside NPCs.
BIOHAZARD OUTBREAK
When the citizens of Raccoon City became aware of the Zombies, it simultaneously marked the beginning of their survival. Plumbers, doctors, waitresses, security guards-- ordinary citizens utilize their skills and cooperate to escape from this hellish city.
BIOHAZARD OUTBREAK FILE 2
In the chilling town of Raccoon City, various citizens meet: police officer Kevin, newspaper reporter Alyssa, college student Yoko, and others. Strange beasts attack at the zoo, and even the police station's overrun by Zombies attacking them without mercy. Yet they pool their strength and push forward, together.
Another spin-off that mustn't be forgotten is BIOHAZARD OUTBREAK (hereafter OUTBREAK), the first title in the series to support online play.
This title appeared on the PS2 in late 2003, coinciding with the rapid spread of broadband internet access driven by the expansion of infrastructure like ADSL and fiber optics, along with the falling cost of services.
The true thrill of online play lies in cooperative gameplay: up to four players exploring Raccoon City in real-time, sharing the same timeline as 2&3, and aiming to escape the city. While previous series entries offered a sense of teamwork through partner characters, the depth differs significantly between computer-controlled and human players. Each player acts with intent, making flexible judgments on the fly. The ever-changing companions you encounter each time you play, and the inevitable camaraderie that forms, are precisely what make online play so compelling.
OUTBREAK's a game that truly elevates this teamwork between companions within the survival horror genre, featuring multiple ingenious touches that feel quintessentially BIO.
One's the differentiation of player characters. OUTBREAK features eight distinct player characters, including a police officer, waitress, and subway employee, each with their own gender. They come equipped with "Personal Items" and "Special Actions" reflecting their professions. For example, the doctor's Personal Item's a "Medical Kit" that allows effective use of herbs, while their Special Action's a "Dodge Tackle" that can take down enemies without using weapons. This character differentiation naturally led to role division among participating players, fostering teamwork where each member used their unique abilities to compensate for others' weaknesses.
Another key innovation was enhancing communication tools for teammates. Since players could exchange items in OUTBREAK, cooperation almost always prevented shortages. Crucial communication tools included buttons for ad-libs and appeals. Using character phrases like "HELP!" or "COME ON!", players could convey their intentions or situation to others, making communication entirely possible even without a chat function.
These elements combined to create a game where the true thrill of online play was fully experienced within the BIO world. While the restriction that infection levels rose during exploration and reaching 100% turned players into Zombies sparked debate, it earned a solid reputation as the first online BIO game. Following OUTBREAK's success, the sequel BIOHAZARD OUTBREAK FILE 2 (hereafter OUTBREAK 2) arrived the following year, depicting Another Story. It featured a completely new scenario, added new actions and creatures, and even incorporated character compatibility elements.
Furthermore, OUTBREAK 2 included a data conversion feature from OUTBREAK. Players with save data from the previous game could transfer their collected items directly into OUTBREAK 2, making it invaluable for offline players aiming to complete hidden elements.
Unfortunately, the "Multi-Matching BB Service" ended on June 30th 2011. As a result, the game's now only playable offline in single-player mode alongside NPCs.
A SHOCKING HIT ABOUT SURVIVING THE EXTREME (p.031-033)
biohazard 4
Leon, an agent directly under the U.S. President, travels to a remote European village to rescue the kidnapped President's daughter, Ashley. The village is under the control of the evil religious cult, Los Iluminados, with a grand conspiracy swirling in its wake.
That summer, the iTunes Store launched in Japan. Entertainment delivered via the internet and mobile tools began diversifying, and the gaming industry underwent a major shift into an era where only truly compelling software would sell.
CAPCOM announced "4" would be released on PS2 in addition to the GameCube version. While PS2 users naturally cheered, confusion also spread among fans. At this point, CAPCOM's sole mission as a game developer was to deliver an outstanding product and delight its fans. Nothing else mattered. Should they betray fan expectations, it could spell the end for a series cherished for so many years... Fate now rested entirely on the quality of "4", which was in the thick of development at that very moment.
In developing "4", the core development team felt a crisis in maintaining the status quo. After agonizing over the issue, they reached a bold conclusion: total overhaul. Using "Remake 1" as a foundation, they resolved to create a new BIO that faithfully inherited the series' unique atmosphere and worldview, stepping on a thorny path.
"4" set its theme as the "struggle to survive in extreme conditions" and underwent a long development period. The goal wasn't to easily show scary visuals, but create horror entertainment where players could truly experience fear and enjoy it thoroughly. The bar was set extremely high but the development team never compromised, repeatedly refining the game to enhance its quality.
The day finally arrived when BIOHAZARD would face judgment. On January 27th, the GameCube version of "4" was unveiled.
The arduous journey's immediately apparent when watching the trailer included on the "Secret DVD" distributed as a first-print bonus for "4". The gap between the initial version and the final version's staggering. So what exactly was this completely overhauled "4"?
Here we highlight several notable changes.
The first thing that jumps out is the drastically changed screen layout. In "4" the camera angle shifted from the traditional fixed view to a behind-the-player camera that follows the character from behind. This means you always play with a clear view of the protagonist's front.
Alongside this viewpoint change came the addition of aiming functions, exemplified by the laser pointer on the handgun. During combat, players could now aim like in an FPS for precise shooting. When overwhelmed by enemy groups, tactical techniques became possible such as sniping nearby explosives to trigger detonations and take out surrounding enemies.
Regarding item carrying, the introduction of an attaché case that stored weapons and healing items in block units changed usability. Storage space is limited, frequently forcing players to agonize over what to keep and what to discard to free up blocks. Items aren't only placed on the map but also obtained as loot by defeating enemies. The act of continuously defeating enemies while collecting dropped items feels distinctly like a shooter game.
Another notable new system, reminiscent of a different genre, is the series' first introduction of a money concept. Money acquired during exploration can be used to purchase items from shady arms dealers or to modify weapons. Modifying weapons, in particular, offers benefits like improved reload speed and increased magazine capacity, similar to previous entries, making it a crucial factor for progressing through the game.
Other changes include button actions where you must input buttons displayed on-screen in sequence without mistakes at specific locations, and a typewriter that now allows unlimited saves. Given the series' long history, it's easy to imagine such a large-scale overhaul required considerable courage. Surprisingly, when actually played, the game strongly retains its BIO essence, making it a resounding success.
"4" was a bold full model change that charted a new direction for the series and undeniably became a turning point.
This title marks the first installment set after Umbrella's collapse, making its existence a crucial foundation for the series' subsequent development.
Leon, the protagonist from "2", makes a comeback as a dependable U.S. agent, and the setting expands from America to Europe. The story begins with the kidnapping of the U.S. President's daughter, leading to a battle against a sinister religious cult. This escalates into a fierce struggle over a parasitic organism known as the "Plaga," with the remaining mysteries carried over into the sequel.
Various episodes are depicted in greater detail in the additional mode "the another order," included in the PS2 version released in December 2005, making it well worth experiencing. This mode offers another take on "4", playable from the perspective of Ada Wong, the female spy who fell in love with Leon in "2". It also significantly expands events featuring Wesker, the arch-enemy who could be considered the true protagonist behind the scenes. What's Ada's true purpose? Where will the relationship between Leon and Ada lead? What are Wesker's new ambitions? ...In short, 4's packed with elements sure to keep longtime fans on the edge of their seats.
In this way "4" reset everything from story to systems, becoming the new standard for the BIO series. Its meticulously crafted content was highly praised by many fans and industry professionals immediately upon release. As a result, the GameCube version won the Excellence Award at the CESA GAME AWARDS 2004-2005 held that same year. Furthermore, the following year both the GameCube and PS2 versions achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prize at the Famitsu Awards 2005.
Moreover, despite nearly four years passing without a sequel after the PS2 version of "4" launched, the series' popularity never waned. This was entirely due to "4" being ported to various platforms and gaining widespread player support. This alone demonstrates how highly polished "4" was as a single game, a masterpiece anyone could play and lose track of time enjoying.
biohazard 4
Leon, an agent directly under the U.S. President, travels to a remote European village to rescue the kidnapped President's daughter, Ashley. The village is under the control of the evil religious cult, Los Iluminados, with a grand conspiracy swirling in its wake.
That summer, the iTunes Store launched in Japan. Entertainment delivered via the internet and mobile tools began diversifying, and the gaming industry underwent a major shift into an era where only truly compelling software would sell.
CAPCOM announced "4" would be released on PS2 in addition to the GameCube version. While PS2 users naturally cheered, confusion also spread among fans. At this point, CAPCOM's sole mission as a game developer was to deliver an outstanding product and delight its fans. Nothing else mattered. Should they betray fan expectations, it could spell the end for a series cherished for so many years... Fate now rested entirely on the quality of "4", which was in the thick of development at that very moment.
In developing "4", the core development team felt a crisis in maintaining the status quo. After agonizing over the issue, they reached a bold conclusion: total overhaul. Using "Remake 1" as a foundation, they resolved to create a new BIO that faithfully inherited the series' unique atmosphere and worldview, stepping on a thorny path.
"4" set its theme as the "struggle to survive in extreme conditions" and underwent a long development period. The goal wasn't to easily show scary visuals, but create horror entertainment where players could truly experience fear and enjoy it thoroughly. The bar was set extremely high but the development team never compromised, repeatedly refining the game to enhance its quality.
The day finally arrived when BIOHAZARD would face judgment. On January 27th, the GameCube version of "4" was unveiled.
The arduous journey's immediately apparent when watching the trailer included on the "Secret DVD" distributed as a first-print bonus for "4". The gap between the initial version and the final version's staggering. So what exactly was this completely overhauled "4"?
Here we highlight several notable changes.
The first thing that jumps out is the drastically changed screen layout. In "4" the camera angle shifted from the traditional fixed view to a behind-the-player camera that follows the character from behind. This means you always play with a clear view of the protagonist's front.
Alongside this viewpoint change came the addition of aiming functions, exemplified by the laser pointer on the handgun. During combat, players could now aim like in an FPS for precise shooting. When overwhelmed by enemy groups, tactical techniques became possible such as sniping nearby explosives to trigger detonations and take out surrounding enemies.
Regarding item carrying, the introduction of an attaché case that stored weapons and healing items in block units changed usability. Storage space is limited, frequently forcing players to agonize over what to keep and what to discard to free up blocks. Items aren't only placed on the map but also obtained as loot by defeating enemies. The act of continuously defeating enemies while collecting dropped items feels distinctly like a shooter game.
Another notable new system, reminiscent of a different genre, is the series' first introduction of a money concept. Money acquired during exploration can be used to purchase items from shady arms dealers or to modify weapons. Modifying weapons, in particular, offers benefits like improved reload speed and increased magazine capacity, similar to previous entries, making it a crucial factor for progressing through the game.
Other changes include button actions where you must input buttons displayed on-screen in sequence without mistakes at specific locations, and a typewriter that now allows unlimited saves. Given the series' long history, it's easy to imagine such a large-scale overhaul required considerable courage. Surprisingly, when actually played, the game strongly retains its BIO essence, making it a resounding success.
"4" was a bold full model change that charted a new direction for the series and undeniably became a turning point.
This title marks the first installment set after Umbrella's collapse, making its existence a crucial foundation for the series' subsequent development.
Leon, the protagonist from "2", makes a comeback as a dependable U.S. agent, and the setting expands from America to Europe. The story begins with the kidnapping of the U.S. President's daughter, leading to a battle against a sinister religious cult. This escalates into a fierce struggle over a parasitic organism known as the "Plaga," with the remaining mysteries carried over into the sequel.
Various episodes are depicted in greater detail in the additional mode "the another order," included in the PS2 version released in December 2005, making it well worth experiencing. This mode offers another take on "4", playable from the perspective of Ada Wong, the female spy who fell in love with Leon in "2". It also significantly expands events featuring Wesker, the arch-enemy who could be considered the true protagonist behind the scenes. What's Ada's true purpose? Where will the relationship between Leon and Ada lead? What are Wesker's new ambitions? ...In short, 4's packed with elements sure to keep longtime fans on the edge of their seats.
In this way "4" reset everything from story to systems, becoming the new standard for the BIO series. Its meticulously crafted content was highly praised by many fans and industry professionals immediately upon release. As a result, the GameCube version won the Excellence Award at the CESA GAME AWARDS 2004-2005 held that same year. Furthermore, the following year both the GameCube and PS2 versions achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prize at the Famitsu Awards 2005.
Moreover, despite nearly four years passing without a sequel after the PS2 version of "4" launched, the series' popularity never waned. This was entirely due to "4" being ported to various platforms and gaining widespread player support. This alone demonstrates how highly polished "4" was as a single game, a masterpiece anyone could play and lose track of time enjoying.
THE PROCESS LEADING TO UMBRELLA'S COLLAPSE (p.034-035)
BIOHAZARD UMBRELLA CHRONICLES
Chris and Jill, members of a private anti-biohazard unit, infiltrate the Russian branch to destroy Umbrella. "Umbrella's End" depicts the fierce battle in the frigid land. Other entries include "The Ecliptic Express Incident," "The Mansion Incident," and "The Raccoon City Incident."
After 4's release, the gaming industry entered a new hardware competition with the arrival of Microsoft's "Xbox 360" in December 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment's "PlayStation 3" (PS3) in 2006, and Nintendo's "Wii" in the same year.
The Wii adopted a groundbreaking and innovative control method: intuitive operation via the "Wii Remote" using wireless communication. This approach attracted even those previously uninterested in games and supplied a diverse range of game software unconstrained by existing genres.
CAPCOM had announced support for all three consoles, but the BIO series first launched on Wii. Released on May 31st 2007 was the port "biohazard 4 Wii Edition" (hereafter "4 Wii"), based on the PS2 version of "4".
This version featured a shooting system where players moved the pointer with the remote to aim guns, and a Search Knife that automatically scanned nearby enemies and objects for attack simply by swinging the remote. While sharing the same content as the PS2 "4", it offered a completely different play experience. "4 Wii" earned high praise from Wii users, partly due to the original game's excellence, demonstrating the series' continued vitality to the world.
Then, in the same year, the long-awaited flagship title for the BIO series on Wii finally appeared.
Its title was BIOHAZARD UMBRELLA CHRONICLES (hereafter "UC"). As the first original BIO title for Wii, anticipation among fans skyrocketed when its trailer was included as bonus footage in biohazard 4 Wii Edition. Attention focused on its high level of story depth, characteristic of the BIO series, ensuring it wouldn't be just another gun shooter.
UC launched approximately six months after "4 Wii", on November 15, 2007. After release, it became a massive hit, shipping 1.06 million copies worldwide in just four months and significantly boosting Wii console sales.
Its popularity stemmed not only from its core shooter appeal but also from its supplementary scenarios. These scenarios delved into past events depicted in the series, unraveling the hidden truths behind them. Particularly after Veronica Complete Edition, seeing Chris and Jill join a private anti-biohazard unit to fight Umbrella, along with the episodes spanning from "0" to "Remake 1" depicting Wesker's rebellion against Umbrella, all eventually converging in the Umbrella collapse scenario, was a masterful touch for fans.
Playing UC alone allows you to grasp the full scope of the battle against Umbrella and deepens your understanding of subsequent stories. In other words, you can't truly discuss the BIO series without playing this game!
BIOHAZARD UMBRELLA CHRONICLES
Chris and Jill, members of a private anti-biohazard unit, infiltrate the Russian branch to destroy Umbrella. "Umbrella's End" depicts the fierce battle in the frigid land. Other entries include "The Ecliptic Express Incident," "The Mansion Incident," and "The Raccoon City Incident."
After 4's release, the gaming industry entered a new hardware competition with the arrival of Microsoft's "Xbox 360" in December 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment's "PlayStation 3" (PS3) in 2006, and Nintendo's "Wii" in the same year.
The Wii adopted a groundbreaking and innovative control method: intuitive operation via the "Wii Remote" using wireless communication. This approach attracted even those previously uninterested in games and supplied a diverse range of game software unconstrained by existing genres.
CAPCOM had announced support for all three consoles, but the BIO series first launched on Wii. Released on May 31st 2007 was the port "biohazard 4 Wii Edition" (hereafter "4 Wii"), based on the PS2 version of "4".
This version featured a shooting system where players moved the pointer with the remote to aim guns, and a Search Knife that automatically scanned nearby enemies and objects for attack simply by swinging the remote. While sharing the same content as the PS2 "4", it offered a completely different play experience. "4 Wii" earned high praise from Wii users, partly due to the original game's excellence, demonstrating the series' continued vitality to the world.
Then, in the same year, the long-awaited flagship title for the BIO series on Wii finally appeared.
Its title was BIOHAZARD UMBRELLA CHRONICLES (hereafter "UC"). As the first original BIO title for Wii, anticipation among fans skyrocketed when its trailer was included as bonus footage in biohazard 4 Wii Edition. Attention focused on its high level of story depth, characteristic of the BIO series, ensuring it wouldn't be just another gun shooter.
UC launched approximately six months after "4 Wii", on November 15, 2007. After release, it became a massive hit, shipping 1.06 million copies worldwide in just four months and significantly boosting Wii console sales.
Its popularity stemmed not only from its core shooter appeal but also from its supplementary scenarios. These scenarios delved into past events depicted in the series, unraveling the hidden truths behind them. Particularly after Veronica Complete Edition, seeing Chris and Jill join a private anti-biohazard unit to fight Umbrella, along with the episodes spanning from "0" to "Remake 1" depicting Wesker's rebellion against Umbrella, all eventually converging in the Umbrella collapse scenario, was a masterful touch for fans.
Playing UC alone allows you to grasp the full scope of the battle against Umbrella and deepens your understanding of subsequent stories. In other words, you can't truly discuss the BIO series without playing this game!
BONDS FORGED ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT (p.035-038)
BIOHAZARD 5
After Umbrella's collapse, its technology fell into the hands of terrorists worldwide. Chris, a member of the anti-bioterror unit BSAA, lands in Africa to participate in an operation to apprehend a B.O.W. smuggler, where he joins forces with his local "partner," Sheva.
From the moment the Xbox 360 and PS3 were announced, one killer title stood out: "BIOHAZARD 5" (hereafter "5").
Looking back to its planning stages, the highly anticipated "5" took approximately four years from the previous game's release to completion, hinting at considerable difficulties encountered along the way.
The merits and demerits of "4". Precisely because it was a masterpiece, it placed an immense burden on the staff tasked with its sequel: they had to surpass the previous work. How could they create a numbered title worthy of succeeding "4"? As a year passed with no clear answer, a proposal emerged: adopting the series' first two-player cooperative play, or "Co-op Mode," leveraging the online environment.
Convinced leaving 4's shadow and forging a unique path befitting next-generation consoles was the key to success, the staff immediately began designing the Co-op gameplay. Being a first attempt, various ideas were initially proposed to encourage player cooperation, such as diverse combo operations and formation building. None felt quite right however. Consequently, the producer sought assistance from the development team behind Lost Planet, which had launched on Xbox 360 in 2006 and achieved success with its online mode. After discussions, they arrived at a single conclusion. That conclusion was: "The creators should provide the playground, not the play." In fact, in Lost Planet, players seeking more than the pre-set battle rules could be seen night after night devising their own rules and enjoying online battles. Therefore, for co-op play it was decided to limit the provided features to the bare minimum, such as item transfer and health recovery, leaving the rest of the fun up to the players.
Balance is maintained by eliminating the initial ability gap between Chris and Sheva Alomar at the start. The game's designed to end if either character dies, forcing players to constantly be aware of covering each other. The higher difficulty of the action sequences is also intended to strongly emphasize this is a game only viable through the cooperation of both players. This naturally raises the question: what about players without an online environment? As a solution, the game offers offline co-op play via split-screen, ensuring co-op's fully accessible. Even with the split screen, the 16:9 aspect ratio's maintained, so there's absolutely no concern a narrower field of view would diminish the sense of terror.
Even in single-player, AI characters with human-like movements allow you to enjoy a simulated co-op experience, creating a well-balanced difficulty level for a satisfying playthrough.
"5" has two themes, one of which is "bonds." This element's deeply woven not only into the co-op gameplay where two players help each other, but also into the story itself. Moreover, it was skillfully presented right from the advertising phase. The image from early ads showing Chris standing before Jill's grave with a bouquet was so shocking it sparked debate among fans. However, this game depicts the strong bond between Chris and Jill, former S.T.A.R.S. members, throughout the entire story, making it deeply memorable for longtime fans.
After Umbrella's collapse, they storm Oswell E. Spencer's hideout to corner the root of all evil. There they encounter an unexpected situation: a reunion with their arch-nemesis, Wesker. The battle against Wesker in "5" is the biggest highlight, and attention's focused on how the long-running conflict between Chris and Jill, which has continued since "1", will finally be resolved. For those wanting to delve deeper into the story, Chris and Jill's exploits during their BSAA days are explored in greater detail in "BIOHAZARD 5 Alternative Edition" (hereafter "5AE"), released for PS3 the following February, and in the Xbox 360 downloadable content "LOST IN NIGHTMARES".
Now, another central theme of "5" is "light and darkness." A major departure from previous series entries is the shift to an open-space setting: the scorching African wilderness. This change owes much to hardware evolution as the visual expression achieved here would've been impossible without the arrival of next-generation consoles boasting superior graphics capabilities. The vast outdoor maps and indoor maps like buildings and tunnels create a striking contrast of light and shadow. Realistic lighting effects immerse players in an unparalleled sense of presence, sometimes even making them feel the smell and temperature of the environment. And even in brightly lit areas where the sun blazes down, players will relish the desperate struggle for survival while fearing the new enemies that swarm and attack.
Numerous scenes utilizing vehicles are also a defining feature of "5". Chase sequences, particularly those involving groups of enemies pursuing you on bikes or in cars, are unprecedented, delivering fresh thrills and excitement. The fact every creature introduced is new and unpredictable in its movements is a delight for fans who've played through the entire BIO series.
As a familiar post-main-story bonus, the highly requested "The Mercenaries" mode returns. In "5", this mode also supports co-op play, allowing for a different kind of intense score attack experience with human teammates. Online, numerous downloadable content packs were released, including two additional episodes, the new "Versus" mode supporting online battles for up to four players, and extra costume packs. This provided a new form of play that fully utilized online features and was well-received.
"5" implemented the series' first online co-op mode, dramatically evolved the visuals, and significantly shifted the story. It recorded the series' highest initial shipment of over four million units worldwide. As initially expected, it accelerated the adoption of both the PS3 and Xbox 360 hardware. Furthermore, at the Japan Game Awards 2009 held during the Tokyo Game Show in September 2009, its tremendous achievements were honored, and it brilliantly won the Excellence Award.
BIOHAZARD 5
After Umbrella's collapse, its technology fell into the hands of terrorists worldwide. Chris, a member of the anti-bioterror unit BSAA, lands in Africa to participate in an operation to apprehend a B.O.W. smuggler, where he joins forces with his local "partner," Sheva.
From the moment the Xbox 360 and PS3 were announced, one killer title stood out: "BIOHAZARD 5" (hereafter "5").
Looking back to its planning stages, the highly anticipated "5" took approximately four years from the previous game's release to completion, hinting at considerable difficulties encountered along the way.
The merits and demerits of "4". Precisely because it was a masterpiece, it placed an immense burden on the staff tasked with its sequel: they had to surpass the previous work. How could they create a numbered title worthy of succeeding "4"? As a year passed with no clear answer, a proposal emerged: adopting the series' first two-player cooperative play, or "Co-op Mode," leveraging the online environment.
Convinced leaving 4's shadow and forging a unique path befitting next-generation consoles was the key to success, the staff immediately began designing the Co-op gameplay. Being a first attempt, various ideas were initially proposed to encourage player cooperation, such as diverse combo operations and formation building. None felt quite right however. Consequently, the producer sought assistance from the development team behind Lost Planet, which had launched on Xbox 360 in 2006 and achieved success with its online mode. After discussions, they arrived at a single conclusion. That conclusion was: "The creators should provide the playground, not the play." In fact, in Lost Planet, players seeking more than the pre-set battle rules could be seen night after night devising their own rules and enjoying online battles. Therefore, for co-op play it was decided to limit the provided features to the bare minimum, such as item transfer and health recovery, leaving the rest of the fun up to the players.
Balance is maintained by eliminating the initial ability gap between Chris and Sheva Alomar at the start. The game's designed to end if either character dies, forcing players to constantly be aware of covering each other. The higher difficulty of the action sequences is also intended to strongly emphasize this is a game only viable through the cooperation of both players. This naturally raises the question: what about players without an online environment? As a solution, the game offers offline co-op play via split-screen, ensuring co-op's fully accessible. Even with the split screen, the 16:9 aspect ratio's maintained, so there's absolutely no concern a narrower field of view would diminish the sense of terror.
Even in single-player, AI characters with human-like movements allow you to enjoy a simulated co-op experience, creating a well-balanced difficulty level for a satisfying playthrough.
"5" has two themes, one of which is "bonds." This element's deeply woven not only into the co-op gameplay where two players help each other, but also into the story itself. Moreover, it was skillfully presented right from the advertising phase. The image from early ads showing Chris standing before Jill's grave with a bouquet was so shocking it sparked debate among fans. However, this game depicts the strong bond between Chris and Jill, former S.T.A.R.S. members, throughout the entire story, making it deeply memorable for longtime fans.
After Umbrella's collapse, they storm Oswell E. Spencer's hideout to corner the root of all evil. There they encounter an unexpected situation: a reunion with their arch-nemesis, Wesker. The battle against Wesker in "5" is the biggest highlight, and attention's focused on how the long-running conflict between Chris and Jill, which has continued since "1", will finally be resolved. For those wanting to delve deeper into the story, Chris and Jill's exploits during their BSAA days are explored in greater detail in "BIOHAZARD 5 Alternative Edition" (hereafter "5AE"), released for PS3 the following February, and in the Xbox 360 downloadable content "LOST IN NIGHTMARES".
Now, another central theme of "5" is "light and darkness." A major departure from previous series entries is the shift to an open-space setting: the scorching African wilderness. This change owes much to hardware evolution as the visual expression achieved here would've been impossible without the arrival of next-generation consoles boasting superior graphics capabilities. The vast outdoor maps and indoor maps like buildings and tunnels create a striking contrast of light and shadow. Realistic lighting effects immerse players in an unparalleled sense of presence, sometimes even making them feel the smell and temperature of the environment. And even in brightly lit areas where the sun blazes down, players will relish the desperate struggle for survival while fearing the new enemies that swarm and attack.
Numerous scenes utilizing vehicles are also a defining feature of "5". Chase sequences, particularly those involving groups of enemies pursuing you on bikes or in cars, are unprecedented, delivering fresh thrills and excitement. The fact every creature introduced is new and unpredictable in its movements is a delight for fans who've played through the entire BIO series.
As a familiar post-main-story bonus, the highly requested "The Mercenaries" mode returns. In "5", this mode also supports co-op play, allowing for a different kind of intense score attack experience with human teammates. Online, numerous downloadable content packs were released, including two additional episodes, the new "Versus" mode supporting online battles for up to four players, and extra costume packs. This provided a new form of play that fully utilized online features and was well-received.
"5" implemented the series' first online co-op mode, dramatically evolved the visuals, and significantly shifted the story. It recorded the series' highest initial shipment of over four million units worldwide. As initially expected, it accelerated the adoption of both the PS3 and Xbox 360 hardware. Furthermore, at the Japan Game Awards 2009 held during the Tokyo Game Show in September 2009, its tremendous achievements were honored, and it brilliantly won the Excellence Award.
CHRONICLES OF LOVE & HATE LURKING IN THE DARKNESS (p.039)
BIOHAZARD THE DARKSIDE CHRONICLES
Agent Leon, alongside Krauser of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, pursues a former Umbrella researcher to a village in South America. Finally closing in on drug lord Javier in "Operation Javier." Also includes "Memory of a Lost City" & "Game of Oblivion."
The year after "5" became a global smash hit, the Wii saw the release of "BIOHAZARD THE DARKSIDE CHRONICLES" (hereafter DC), a horror gun-shooter following Unlocked. This collection depicts events Leon experienced from "2" to "4" in first-person perspective. It includes three scenarios: Memory of a Lost City based on "2", Game of Oblivion based on "Veronica", and Operation Javier where Leon, now a U.S. agent after "2", executes a top-secret mission in South America.
Operation Javier, a completely original scenario, features Jack Krauser, Leon's sworn adversary from "4", as a partner, showcasing their legendary teamwork. Furthermore, the reason behind Krauser's hatred for Leon's revealed in this scenario's ending.
System-wise, it introduces the money concept already adopted in the main series starting with "4". Paying allows weapon upgrades, giving combat an advantage. Another new feature's the "Shakey Camera," which intensely shakes the screen in sync with character movements. Added as a new camera technique for fixed-route gunplay, it heightens immersion, though it may feel slightly jarring for those unaccustomed to 3D visuals.
The consistent theme throughout "DC" is familial love. Each scenario delves into the core of its events through the tragedies and bonds of specific families: the Birkin family in Memory of a Lost City, the Redfield siblings in Game of Oblivion, and the Hidalgo family in Operation Javier. Consequently, the episodes in "2" and Veronica emphasize drama, featuring some rearrangements from the original versions. Additional events and new dialogue further highlight familial bonds. Episodes and battles seemingly unrelated to the theme have been boldly trimmed, resulting in a condensed, rich experience focused on the essential elements.
BIOHAZARD THE DARKSIDE CHRONICLES
Agent Leon, alongside Krauser of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, pursues a former Umbrella researcher to a village in South America. Finally closing in on drug lord Javier in "Operation Javier." Also includes "Memory of a Lost City" & "Game of Oblivion."
The year after "5" became a global smash hit, the Wii saw the release of "BIOHAZARD THE DARKSIDE CHRONICLES" (hereafter DC), a horror gun-shooter following Unlocked. This collection depicts events Leon experienced from "2" to "4" in first-person perspective. It includes three scenarios: Memory of a Lost City based on "2", Game of Oblivion based on "Veronica", and Operation Javier where Leon, now a U.S. agent after "2", executes a top-secret mission in South America.
Operation Javier, a completely original scenario, features Jack Krauser, Leon's sworn adversary from "4", as a partner, showcasing their legendary teamwork. Furthermore, the reason behind Krauser's hatred for Leon's revealed in this scenario's ending.
System-wise, it introduces the money concept already adopted in the main series starting with "4". Paying allows weapon upgrades, giving combat an advantage. Another new feature's the "Shakey Camera," which intensely shakes the screen in sync with character movements. Added as a new camera technique for fixed-route gunplay, it heightens immersion, though it may feel slightly jarring for those unaccustomed to 3D visuals.
The consistent theme throughout "DC" is familial love. Each scenario delves into the core of its events through the tragedies and bonds of specific families: the Birkin family in Memory of a Lost City, the Redfield siblings in Game of Oblivion, and the Hidalgo family in Operation Javier. Consequently, the episodes in "2" and Veronica emphasize drama, featuring some rearrangements from the original versions. Additional events and new dialogue further highlight familial bonds. Episodes and battles seemingly unrelated to the theme have been boldly trimmed, resulting in a condensed, rich experience focused on the essential elements.
ADVANCING TO NEW HARDWARE: CHALLENGING THE NEXT ERA (p.040-041)
BIOHAZARD REVIVAL SELECTION
This set includes two titles: "4", where Leon shines as an agent, and Veronica Complete Edition, depicting Claire and Steve's survival. This remastered edition features HD graphics at 720p resolution, delivering sharper and more beautiful visuals.
BIOHAZARD THE MERCENARIES 3D
Characters like the physically formidable Chris, the cool Wesker, and the “Grim Reaper” HUNK wield weapons and skills to battle formidable foes such as the Chainsaw Maniac, Garrador, and Duvalia. A survival action game where battles unfold within a time limit.
After the release of "5AE" in February 2010 and the addition of downloadable content for Xbox 360 around the same time, the BIO series saw little notable movement, yet the gaming industry was on the cusp of a new era for handheld consoles. At the Nintendo Conference 2010 held in September of that same year, Nintendo announced the "Nintendo 3DS" (hereafter 3DS), the successor to the DS. Meanwhile SCE announced the new PSP model "NGP" (official name: PlayStation Vita) at the PlayStation Meeting 2011 held in January 2011. The 3DS launched from Nintendo the month after the NGP announcement, as originally planned, and early 2011 was expected to be dominated by these two major handheld consoles. However...
On March 11th, the Tohoku Pacific Offshore Earthquake struck, an unprecedented disaster involving a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and massive tsunami that devastated the Tohoku region, plunging Japan into its greatest national crisis since the war. Naturally, this directly impacted the Japanese economy, including the gaming industry, putting the production and supply of hardware and software by various manufacturers at risk. The sheer scale of the damage led many to fear the industry might decline permanently. Yet, signs of recovery gradually began to appear, and people's interest started shifting back toward entertainment like games and movies.
CAPCOM's first release for the 3DS after the disaster was the survival action game "BIOHAZARD THE MERCENARIES 3D" (hereafter THE MERCENARIES 3D). This title's a spin-off of the bonus mode that debuted in "3". Its intense gameplay resonated with hardcore players, making it a staple of the main series.
While it focuses entirely on score attacks and has no connection to the main story, it offers the delightful freedom to choose and control any character, from villains like Krauser and Wesker to supporting characters like HUNK and Barry. Using the 3DS's communication features allows for co-op play, similar to "5", making it easy to form dream teams like the fated rivals Chris and Wesker.
THE MERCENARIES 3D gained massive support even beyond BIO fans, thanks to its simple gameplay, top-tier 3DS graphics, and accessible content independent from the main series.
While the BIO series was thriving on handhelds at this point, the console version BIOHAZARD REVIVAL SELECTION had already launched for PS3 and Xbox 360. This remastered package included the popular titles Veronica Complete Edition and "4", retaining their original content while upgrading them to HD resolution (720p). Crucially, it also included "the another order" which depicts Ada's story within "4", making it great news for those about to play "4".
Fifteen years have passed since the BIO series was born. Amidst a declining gaming population year after year, it's astonishing that this series not only maintains its popularity but continues to expand its fanbase. What began as an experimental title is now a major franchise representing Japan, played worldwide, successfully adapted into Hollywood films, and poised to leap into a new stage.
The BIO series is no longer just a game, it's truly the crystallization of the creators' souls and the fans' love. I sincerely hope the BIO series continues its relentless pursuit of challenge, delivering new surprises and excitement
BIOHAZARD REVIVAL SELECTION
This set includes two titles: "4", where Leon shines as an agent, and Veronica Complete Edition, depicting Claire and Steve's survival. This remastered edition features HD graphics at 720p resolution, delivering sharper and more beautiful visuals.
BIOHAZARD THE MERCENARIES 3D
Characters like the physically formidable Chris, the cool Wesker, and the “Grim Reaper” HUNK wield weapons and skills to battle formidable foes such as the Chainsaw Maniac, Garrador, and Duvalia. A survival action game where battles unfold within a time limit.
After the release of "5AE" in February 2010 and the addition of downloadable content for Xbox 360 around the same time, the BIO series saw little notable movement, yet the gaming industry was on the cusp of a new era for handheld consoles. At the Nintendo Conference 2010 held in September of that same year, Nintendo announced the "Nintendo 3DS" (hereafter 3DS), the successor to the DS. Meanwhile SCE announced the new PSP model "NGP" (official name: PlayStation Vita) at the PlayStation Meeting 2011 held in January 2011. The 3DS launched from Nintendo the month after the NGP announcement, as originally planned, and early 2011 was expected to be dominated by these two major handheld consoles. However...
On March 11th, the Tohoku Pacific Offshore Earthquake struck, an unprecedented disaster involving a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and massive tsunami that devastated the Tohoku region, plunging Japan into its greatest national crisis since the war. Naturally, this directly impacted the Japanese economy, including the gaming industry, putting the production and supply of hardware and software by various manufacturers at risk. The sheer scale of the damage led many to fear the industry might decline permanently. Yet, signs of recovery gradually began to appear, and people's interest started shifting back toward entertainment like games and movies.
CAPCOM's first release for the 3DS after the disaster was the survival action game "BIOHAZARD THE MERCENARIES 3D" (hereafter THE MERCENARIES 3D). This title's a spin-off of the bonus mode that debuted in "3". Its intense gameplay resonated with hardcore players, making it a staple of the main series.
While it focuses entirely on score attacks and has no connection to the main story, it offers the delightful freedom to choose and control any character, from villains like Krauser and Wesker to supporting characters like HUNK and Barry. Using the 3DS's communication features allows for co-op play, similar to "5", making it easy to form dream teams like the fated rivals Chris and Wesker.
THE MERCENARIES 3D gained massive support even beyond BIO fans, thanks to its simple gameplay, top-tier 3DS graphics, and accessible content independent from the main series.
While the BIO series was thriving on handhelds at this point, the console version BIOHAZARD REVIVAL SELECTION had already launched for PS3 and Xbox 360. This remastered package included the popular titles Veronica Complete Edition and "4", retaining their original content while upgrading them to HD resolution (720p). Crucially, it also included "the another order" which depicts Ada's story within "4", making it great news for those about to play "4".
Fifteen years have passed since the BIO series was born. Amidst a declining gaming population year after year, it's astonishing that this series not only maintains its popularity but continues to expand its fanbase. What began as an experimental title is now a major franchise representing Japan, played worldwide, successfully adapted into Hollywood films, and poised to leap into a new stage.
The BIO series is no longer just a game, it's truly the crystallization of the creators' souls and the fans' love. I sincerely hope the BIO series continues its relentless pursuit of challenge, delivering new surprises and excitement