I like Signalis. Hollowbody and Crow Country are both solid variations on the survival horror theme. Even on the occasions that I found it frustrating, it was hard to put down Conscript. But if we’re making a direct comparison to old-school Resident Evil – if we’re talking about games that could actually pass for a canceled RE that’s somehow been brought back to life – Phase Zero is without a doubt the most authentic I’ve ever seen. Resident Evil 9 might still be happening, or maybe a remake of Code Veronica. But if you want to relive the experience of playing Capcom’s original zombie trilogy for the first time, Phase Zero is almost certainly going to be your game.
It’s 1994. It’s a small, faded industrial town called Flint Peak. There are two protagonists, pre-rendered backgrounds, and, of course, zombies. Right away, you can see where this is going. Phase Zero’s former rustbelt is an affectionate substitute for Raccoon City. Its dual heroes fill the shoes of Jill and Chris, Claire and Leon, and Jill and Carlos. Its visual style, right down to the costumes and even the stylization of the logo, which has the same ‘0’ with a line through it as Resident Evil Zero, is all RE, all day. But from what I’ve seen so far, Phase Zero has an appreciation for Capcom’s horror games that is more than superficial.
I see libraries. I see hospitals. I see big, chunky hazmat suits. There’s a generous helping of zombie blood and the trailer ends with a squishy little creature reminiscent of the G-Virus spawn from Resident Evil 2.
This is what the original Resident Evil trilogy actually looked like: bold colors, lots of imaginative and varied locations, and campy, schlocky body horror. It’s early days and we don’t have a release date yet, but based on first impressions, Phase Zero has a sense of humor and a playfulness that I think captures an underappreciated part of the Resident Evil spirit. You can wishlist it now on Steam.
Otherwise, try some of the best zombie games, or maybe treat yourself to some nostalgia thanks to the best old games on PC.
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