Excellent game. If you buy this for one reason, buy it for the control system.
This was an amazing game on the Dreamcast, however the Gamecube port, which Nintendo and Capcom signed a deal to bring Resident Evil to the Gamecube, seems fairly outdated at 3 years past its initial release. But the revamped Code Veronica X released on PS2 a year after the Dreamcast, and adds slight details.
The most noticeable is the added cut scenes, which make the game seem longer and adds incentives to buy. Also noticeable is a slight improvement in graphics, and would take a keen eye to notice the Dreamcast and the Gamecube version.
Apart from the fact the Gamecube version is a port, the game itself is fantastic, fans of previous Resident Evils will be pleased to know that this story carries on from where Resident Evil 1 and 2 left off. You take control of the Redfield siblings, as Claire is caught in Umbrella HQ in Paris, and is sent to a prison island. Chris receives an email from her, and goes to rescue her. Accompanying Claire is Steve, a fellow prisoner of the island. The deranged leader of the island Alfred Ashford and the return of the protagonist of the first Resident Evil heightens the feeling of fear.
The most important question to answer when deciding whether to buy Code Veronica is, what’s new in this game? Firstly the weapons and enemies, there are a vast array of weapons, with the most obvious being the ability to wield double weapons as well as firing at two different targets. This comes in the form of submachine guns and semi-automatic pistols. There is also a sniper rifle and Linear Launcher, which add first-person perspective to weapons. Certain bosses would require a part of their body to be hit, which would enable a swift defeat. Finally there’s the new ammo available. The bow gun has the ability to make explosive bows, and the grenade launcher allows you to have B.O.W ammo that is strong against all monsters and weaken them continuously with gas.
The enemies of Code Veronica are unique to this chapter of the series. The most obvious is the Bandersnatchers. These monsters have stretchy arms so they can hit you from a distance, or can climb great areas to reach you. This alone makes the game worth buying, just to experience the fear of facing a Bandersnatcher. There are also the usual zombies, dogs and Tyrants. In replacement of the birds, Capcom have opted for bats. They can easily be stopped by equipping a lighter to warn them away.
Gameplay wise, it is a long stretch rather then a sprint. The game covers a prison island to Antarctica, and is large enough to be delivered in two discs. Capcom have made an attempt to put the fear back into the game, by limiting weapons, ammo and health so that they are more spread out. This is also true for enemies. For starters, you have to face off a graveyard of zombies with a knife before having a pistol. Capcom have truly put the fear back into Code Veronica, and it works better with the lack of supplies.
As for sound, Capcom have spent more money on voice acting, music and sound effects. The voice acting with earlier Resident Evils have been known to be poor, and with Code Veronica Capcom has rectified this. Capcom have delivered stunning voice acting, as well as a vast range of music and sound effects to please every scenario.
Finally, if there is one reason to buy this game then buy it for the control system. Even though Resident Evil appeared on the Playstation and Saturn first, the use of a control stick is much easier to handle. The Gamecube also provides an excellent controller for Resident Evil. The big A button allowing easier shooting, the Z button is perfect for the map because it’s away from other buttons, and the trigger button feels more natural. Overall, I have been thoroughly impressed with the Gamecube controls, and feel that Resident Evil has a natural home with the Gamecube.
Code Veronica X on the Gamecube may just be a port, but it is an amazing game. The mix of new enemies, new weapons, a very large game and the constant fear of dying mean that Code Veronica X is a great game. Forget that it's a port, and the experience becomes hugely unique and very satisfying. The control system leads me to say that the Gamecube port is by far the best of Code Veronica. At the maximum of £15 from shops or eBay, this game is an instant classic.