Another mediocre Resident Evil spin-off title that redeems itself with some good ideas.
The chronology runs from Resident Evil 0 up to (in series time) 2003, where Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine attack and destroy Umbrella's Russian facility, supposedly ending the corporation.
Numerous characters from the series make an appearance and this also marks the first game where you can play as antagonist Albert Wesker in a "proper" sense, in other words not as a character in a bonus game as seen in Resident Evil 4 for example. In gameplay terms this unfortunately means nothing at all, which by contrast isn't a totally bad thing as it means ability is solely down to that of the player and not each character having their own strengths and weaknesses - although that part is surely an accident.
Gameplay-wise, the action can get quite hectic at times, with numerous monsters and zombies attacking requiring a cool head and a steady hand to dispatch efficiently. Some levels add clever atmospherics, such as when playing as Jill or Carlos Oliveira in the Resident Evil 2 timeline, and you're on the Raccoon City subway in the darkness with only your torch to light the groaning zombies hidden around. This adds a lot of tension, but is itself a rarity in the game.
Boss battles are quite challenging at times and some are quite outlandish and will require more than a few attempts to beat. Weaponry can be upgraded and hidden items and documents dotted around flesh out the backstory. The soundtrack also conveys creepiness and threat in equal measure.
The problems lie in the fact that as an on-rails shooter, it's a linear experience that is fundamentally restricted in how much it can offer. It lacks the frantic action of an arcade shooter, and enemies rarely attack en masse, instead they seem to form an orderly queue whilst they attack one by one, which ironically doesn't make them easier to deal with. The control seems shaky which isn't conducive to a good aim, and because the remote is held at what becomes an awkward angle, it doesn't get any easier as you progress.
In a contradictory fashion that only a Resident Evil title could pull off, despite all that, the difficulty can be tougher than a barbequed hobnail boot, as the strangely patient yet relentless enemies wittle away your health with infuriating ease, often leaving you limping towards the checkpoint only to be picked off by a bug that decides that now is the best time to make an appearance as you give yourself RSI vainly attempting to ward them all off with the knife.
It lacks replay value once completed, because unless you're out to upgrade every weapon and get an S rank on each level, the gameplay isn't clever enough to entice you back for more. This makes you unlikely to attempt such feats. The convoluted story and retconning of the plot also comes off as flawed because it makes you indifferent to the game's aim, which is to plug the gaps in the story over the years.
The Umbrella Chronicles is a game the fans will pick up and enjoy, but if you are one, don't be surprised to find it gathering dust shortly after you're done with it - and being happy about it.