Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Wii, Wii U
- Developers: Cavia
- Publishers: Capcom
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007)
Introduction
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a 2007 on-rails shooter video game developed by Capcom for the Wii console. It is the first Resident Evil game to be developed natively for the Wii and the ninth installment in the main Resident Evil series. The game was released in Japan on November 22, 2007, and in North America and Europe in March 2008.
Gameplay
Unlike other Resident Evil games, which focus on free exploration, The Umbrella Chronicles is an on-rails shooter with fixed movement and perspectives. Players control one of two characters, Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, from a first-person perspective and shoot enemies on the screen using the Wii Remote. The game supports the Wii Zapper peripheral, which can be attached to the Wii Remote to provide a more immersive shooting experience.
The game features a variety of weapons, including handguns, shotguns, and sniper rifles. Players can also pick up ammo, health kits, and other items to help them survive. In some situations, the Wii Remote can also be used as a melee weapon or in timed sequences.
Some levels feature multiple paths, and there are regular checkpoints. At the end of a level, the player’s performance is awarded by stars, which can be exchanged for weapon upgrades. The game also features cooperative gameplay for up to two players.
Plot
The game’s story is set in the year 2003, shortly after the events of Resident Evil 4. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine are members of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA), a global organization dedicated to combating bioterrorism. They are sent to investigate an abandoned Umbrella Corporation facility in Russia, where they uncover a plot to unleash a deadly new virus upon the world.
Chris and Jill must fight their way through hordes of zombies, mutants, and other creatures to stop the virus from spreading. Along the way, they learn more about the Umbrella Corporation’s dark past and the true nature of the virus.
Development
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles was developed by Capcom’s Osaka studio, which had previously developed Resident Evil 4. The game was directed by Hiroyuki Kobayashi, who had also directed Resident Evil 4.
The game was designed to be a more accessible entry point for new players to the Resident Evil series. The on-rails shooting gameplay was chosen to make the game more user-friendly for casual players, while still retaining the series’ signature horror elements.
The game’s story was written by Haruo Miyata and Hiroyuki Kobayashi. The story was designed to be a prequel to Resident Evil 5, which was released in 2009.
Reception
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s intense action and immersive atmosphere, while others criticized its on-rails gameplay and repetitive level design.
The game was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. It was followed by a sequel, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, which was released in 2009.
Legacy
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a significant entry in the Resident Evil series. It was the first game in the series to be developed natively for the Wii console, and it helped to popularize the on-rails shooter genre on the Wii.
The game’s story also helped to expand the Resident Evil universe and provide more backstory for the series’ main characters. The game’s success also led to the development of a sequel, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, which was released in 2009.
Conclusion
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a solid on-rails shooter that offers an intense and immersive experience. The game’s story is well-written and expands on the Resident Evil universe, and the gameplay is fun and challenging. While the game’s on-rails gameplay may not be to everyone’s taste, it is still a worthwhile entry in the Resident Evil series.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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