Resident Evil Official Strategy Guide review

By Louis Bedigian

Resident Evil may have an easy mode intended for beginners, but let me tell you, there is nothing "easy" about it.  From the new hidden areas to the brand-new zombies and bosses, Resident Evil is packed with dozens of difficult objectives.  The only way you're ever going to fight your fears and survive is by...

A. Waste valuable ammo, disposable keys and herbs early on in the game because you don't know any better.  Struggle to solve each puzzle.  And die by the hands of an unkillable monster.

B. Buy BradyGames' Official Strategy Guide and find the location of every item, learn how to solve every puzzle and discover all of the hidden secrets without much frustration.

As usual, the majority of the guide is dedicated to Chris and Jill's main scenarios.  The walkthrough is very thorough for both characters, but it's not quite perfect.  There were a few small (but important) things missing.  Other than that though, I have no complaints.

The layout of the walkthrough is really nice.  I've read almost all of Dan Birlew's guides, and while he always does a good job, this is by far his best work.  As I said before, the walkthrough is very thorough, outlining the details of each and every area in the game.  When I beat Resident Evil for the first time last week, I ended up leaving two MO Disks behind.  Two doors were also left unopened, as I could not figure out how to release the lock.  But since these are optional rooms with "extra" items that aren't necessary to beat the final boss, I was able to finish the game.  Barry got on board the helicopter, but Chris did not.  Maybe that was his blood after all...

Most of the important items are written in bold, making it easy to spot them when glancing at a page.  All of the rooms, locks, keys and MO Disks are covered in the guide, meaning that I can finally go back and unlock the secrets.  The truth about Chris and Barry's lives (or Jill and Rebecca, depending on which character you're playing as) is also revealed.  Hint: much like Meryl in Metal Gear Solid, none of the characters that can be saved are supposed to die!  It's up to YOU to save them.  How do you do that, you ask?  Buy the guide and find out.

Within the walkthrough you'll find several detailed maps (one for each area).  If you're having trouble finding your way around Raccoon City's largest, most horrifying mansion, then you will love this guide.  I was amazed by how intricate the maps were -- even the most minute things are noted (crates, boxes, debris, etc.).  Each map is presented from a top-down view, but all of the three-dimensional layers (for stairs, ladders, etc.) are clearly indicated to ensure that you know where you are and where you're going.  If water, or a gigantic shark or any other uncommon thing appears in the area, it too will be noted on the map.  The exact location of every item is also...well, you get the picture! :)

Once the credits roll (in the game), flip to page 154 for the Secrets section.  This chapter covers all of the hidden modes, enemies and weapons in the game.  I won't tell you who the hidden monster is, but I will tell you that there is a key that unlocks a secret costume change room.  Inside the room you'll have access to four new outfits (two for each main character), as well as a new outfit for everyone's favorite scaredy-cat, Rebecca Chambers.  (Note: Rebecca's second outfit is automatically activated once you acquire and Chris's second outfit.)

The beloved unlimited Rocket Launcher returns, and the awesome weapon that Barry carries (called the Samurai Edge) has also been added.  Barry's weapon is a blast (pun intended), and is a bit more useful than the Rocket Launcher.  Both weapons come equipped with unlimited ammo, so you don't have to worry about collecting shotgun shells anymore.  Just grab the important items and leave the ammo behind for Wesker, because we all know how badly he's going to need it (hehe!).

At the end of the guide, there's a handy, easy-to-use mini-walkthrough flowchart.  The flowchart is mainly intended for gamers who want to know exactly what will happen when they decide to do or not do something.  There are several different endings (at least 12!), and the ending you are expected to receive can change in an instant if you make the wrong decision.  It is best to use the full walkthrough on your first time through, but once you're familiar with the mansion's layout, the flowchart can be pretty useful.  It won't tell you exactly how to get each ending, but it will help you get the best one.

This guide includes a brief interview with Shinji Mikami (creator and director of Resident Evil) and Hiroyuki Kobayashi (producer), and a poster from the game.  The interviews are pretty interesting.  Mr. Mikami reveals that his next game will be "an original title for the GameCube."  Nothing is currently known about the game, but I'm willing to bet it's going to be another Resident Evil spin-off.  Thus far, Resident Evil has inspired Dino Crisis, Onimusha and Devil May Cry.  Who knows what Shinji Mikami will think of next!

BradyGames has created a terror-ific guide that should please every stumped Resident Evil fan.  If you have not picked up Resident Evil yet, do so immediately.  It's the best game on GameCube right now, and is one of the best games to ever grace a Nintendo console.  It ranks up there with Mario 64, Mario World and The Legend of Zelda.  There has never been a survival/horror game more worthy of the word "masterpiece."  I've played through it twice now, and I still want more.  I'm sure I'll want more after beating it for the fifth time too.  There is no better strategy guide to go with this game, so make sure you get it.

To Buy the Strategy Guide Click Here