Resident Evil: Code Veronica Preview
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom/Sega
Players: 1
Genre: Adventure
Release: March 2000
Console(s): Dreamcast
Web Address: Capcom
Code Veronica picks up where Resident Evil 2 left off with Claire going to the Umbrella HQ in Europe to find her brother, Chris. It is supposed to be taking off three months after the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3. Upon her arival she gets captured by Umbrella and taken to a remote prison facility on a desolate island far, far away. After a mysterious attack on the prison base leaves the place in shambles, Claire manages to escape. I don't want to give too much away of the plot but I can say some little things. First off, the prison island isn't the only place you explore. About midway through the game, things will shift to an entirely different place-Antarctica. If you're wondering why the game is titled "Code: Veronica," here's your explanation. Veronica is the head of the Ashford family-the family that formed Umbrella, Inc. She's long gone now, but you'd have to figure something is up if her name is included in the game's title. Finally, the main adversaries in CV are Alfred Ashford, the current head of the Ashford family, and his sister Alexia. Both are descendants of Veronica.
Chris and Claire aren't the only main characters in CV. Some other characters are A1fred and Alexis Asford, Steve Burnside, and a mystery man which some people say go by the name Rodrigo.
Now that was the preview of the story now on to the features preview. The graphics of this game are just amazing thanks to the great Dreamcast. And just wait until you see the facial features of the characters and the lighting effects. This time around there are no prerendered backgrounds instead there are real time enviroments! There is a 1st person view that allows you to play from the characters perspective but there is a slight chance of it being dropped from the game but it is 95% likely to make it.
Now this game, just like Resident Evil 2, will have 2 disks. Most likely one for Claire and the other for Chris. Remember how in Resident Evil 2 how the 2 disks were the pretty much the same. This time they are a little the same but with one diffrence. Actions of the two main characters, Chris and Claire, will affect each others quests. But this time you won't see two different stories unfold, the events are sequential. So the things you do as Claire--doors you open, items you pick up or leave behind, puzzles you solve--will be apparent later in the game when you follow her trail as Chris.
One thing I find totally awesome about this game is the ability to hold two guns at once. There are a few weapons in the game (such as the Calico M-100P or the submachine gun) that come in pairs, and not only does it look cool but it comes in handy when you have 2 guns at once and your battling a huge freak or a hoard of zombies. And also they auto-aim independently! Something else that sounds like no big deal but is very helpful is the new map system. The maps have colored doors telling you if you have been through the door or not and if you have the proper key to get in the door. The map also shows save points, item boxes and any objects you may have left behind. Also the Visual Memory Unit (VMU) will alow you to look at it and see your current health rather than switching to your item screen.
Now I am sorry to say this but there are a few minor problems. Some of the cool features that were introduced in Nemesis (being able to blow up barrels, the ammo mixing feature, walking up the stairs without having to push the action button) are missing in Code: Veronica. The decision-making element ("Fight Nemesis or run like a puss?")is also gone. And the dodge feature that worked sometimes but didn't in other instances in also gone. This is all disapointing and if you are really that stuborn that these minor drawbacks upset you I have one suggestion, DON'T GET THE GAME! But I don't think you will even be worrying about those features after playing this great game. But they did keep one feature that was introduced in Nemesis, the 180 degree quick turn feature.
There are also extra modes you enable after beating the game (I don't know what they are but they do exsist) that will not make you shelf your Code: Veronica game after beating it. The game has been in development for over two years and it will be no disapointment for the fans or the people that will be making money of it. This game will make playstation owning, Resident Evil fans make the jump to Sega Dreamcast. I already have it, thank God! If you don't and you love RE Games than I suggest you make the Dreamcast jump too!
--Scott (Owner of Site)