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Resident Evil Gaiden

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Resident Evil Gaiden
North American box art
Developer(s)M4[a]
Publisher(s)
Designer(s)Tim Hull
Programmer(s)
  • James Cox
  • Kieron Wheeler
Artist(s)
  • Stefan Barnett
  • Mark Brown
Writer(s)Hiroki Kato
Composer(s)Shahid Ahmad
SeriesResident Evil
Platform(s)Game Boy Color
Release
  • PAL: December 14, 2001
  • JP: March 29, 2002
  • NA: June 4, 2002
Genre(s)Action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Resident Evil Gaiden[b] is a 2001 action-adventure game developed by M4 for the Game Boy Color. It was published by Capcom in Japan and North America, and by Virgin Interactive in Europe. Receiving generally mixed reviews by critics, the game marks a departure from other entries in the series, insofar as areas are explored with the playable character seen from a top-down perspective and with battles fought in first-person view. The story revolves around a viral outbreak on a passenger ship and has Leon S. Kennedy and Barry Burton return as protagonists. This game is non-canon, as its plot is contradicted by the main series in key parts, and its events are ignored.[1]

Gameplay

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When the playable character is attacked by a monster, the game changes from a top-down perspective to a first-person view with a reticle.

The game features three playable characters and consists of exploring areas, collecting items and combating enemies in the process.[2] Unlike previous entries in the series, Resident Evil Gaiden assumes a top-down perspective for the environment portions that, upon approaching an enemy, changes to a first-person combat mode with a reticle constantly moving to the left and right.[2] To attack, the player has to press the action button while the reticle is in range of the enemy.[2]

Plot

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The game introduces an underground organization formed to put an end to the global operations of the Umbrella Corporation, the corporate entity responsible for the Raccoon City disaster. Leon S. Kennedy, one of the protagonists of Resident Evil 2, joined the initiative and received orders to investigate the luxurious ocean cruiser, the Starlight, rumored to be carrying a new type of bio-organic weapon (BOW) developed by Umbrella. However, the organization’s headquarters lose contact with Leon soon after he boards the ship; Barry Burton, a supporting character from the original Resident Evil, is sent in to find out Leon’s whereabouts.

After discovering that the crew and the passengers on the ship have turned into zombies, Barry comes across an orphan girl[3] named Lucia, who can sense the presence of Umbrella’s new BOW[4] and also possesses some other mysterious abilities,[5] which makes Barry suspicious of her origins. Lucia is later kidnapped by the BOW, but Barry reunites with Leon; working together, they defeat the BOW and save Lucia. Headquarters inform Barry that the BOW is supposed to have green blood.[6] Soon after, the Starlight is rocked by a powerful explosion which sets part of the ship on fire. The group split up; Leon and Lucia activate the sprinkler system to prevent the fire from reaching the engine room.[7] However, the two overhear Barry communicating with Umbrella to arrange some sort of an exchange.[8] Their suspicions are confirmed upon meeting him again: holding Leon at gunpoint, Barry kidnaps Lucia and boards an Umbrella submarine with her.[9] A second explosion hits the Starlight, and Leon makes his way to the engine room to investigate its source.[10] He finds out that the BOW has destroyed the fuel converter in an attempt to blow up the ship.[11] Leon successfully fights the monster off, but realizes that damage done to the ship is too severe.[12]

Aboard the Umbrella submarine, Barry reveals to the sub’s captain that he only pretended to abduct Lucia to trick Umbrella into evacuating them off the Starlight,[13] having figured out that the company is actually interested in a different BOW – a genetically engineered parasite growing inside of Lucia, expected to brutally emerge from the girl within ten days.[14] Barry forces the surgeons on board to surgically remove the parasite from the Lucia,[15] and the operation is a success. However, despite its incomplete development, the parasite is able to break through the containment glass and attacks the sub’s captain, “draining the life from him” and turning him into a zombie.[16] The parasite escapes, quickly turning the whole crew into zombies, and rapidly matures into a large, monstrous BOW. Barry and Lucia navigate the submarine back to the Starlight and board it in order to rescue Leon, but the BOW manages to board the sinking ship ahead of them.[17] Although they quickly discover what appears to be Leon, the two find out that the BOW is actually a shape-shifter and that it has assumed the form of their partner.[18] They to escape and come across another Leon in the engine room,[19] who Barry believes to be the real one. Together, the three go back to the deck, where the BOW pulls Lucia into the sea.[20] Barry rescues her, only for another Lucia to appear right behind them.[21] The real girl grabs a knife and cuts her hand to show her red blood, confirming her identity.[22] The group then defeat the BOW in one last battle and board the Umbrella submarine[23] as the Starlight sinks. Lucia, having lost her mysterious powers following the parasite’s extraction,[24] is offered to live with Barry’s family.[25]

In the game’s final shot before the credits, Leon’s neck is shown bleeding green blood, revealing him to be the BOW in disguise, which Lucia is now unable to sense. What happened to the real Leon is not revealed, but he is implied to have died.

Development

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Soon after the release of the Capcom game Dino Crisis (1999), its European publisher Virgin Interactive commissioned a small British studio, M4, to develop a proof-of-concept port for the Game Boy Color.[26] Virgin had been publishing Capcom games in Europe for some time, including Resident Evil games, and was hoping to deepen their ties with Capcom by developing original titles.[26] Capcom was impressed with the Dino Crisis demo, and asked M4 to create an original Resident Evil game using the engine.[26] Capcom was intent on creating a successful handheld Resident Evil game; they had previously encountered issues porting their home console games to less powerful handheld systems, namely Resident Evil 2 on the Game.com, and an unfinished Resident Evil port for the Game Boy Color.[26] Capcom abandoned the Resident Evil Game Boy Color port upon green lighting Resident Evil Gaiden.[26]

Resident Evil Gaiden was chiefly developed by M4.[26][27] The company was composed of former members of Bits Studio. They used a set of development tools they had created previously for streamlining Game Boy Color development.[26] The team received minimal involvement from Capcom, and were left mostly to develop the game independently.[26][27] Hiroki Kato wrote an original plot for the game and sent it to M4, but did not interact with the development team directly.[26] Shinji Mikami served as a content advisor but remained mostly hands-off, except for recommending the use of a sliding reticle during the first-person combat sequences.[26] The battle scene concept, inspired by the 1987 role-playing video game Dungeon Master, was designed by M4 and the staff believe it was a significant reason why Capcom contracted them to develop the game.[27]

Nintendo's successor to the Game Boy Color, the Game Boy Advance, was released in March 2001. With consumer attention having shifted to the new handheld system, M4 pushed to have development of Resident Evil Gaiden moved over as well and created a prototype showcasing improved graphics. However, Capcom and Virgin decided to keep development on the Game Boy Color, citing the high costs of recreating assets, reprogramming, and the low margins on Game Boy cartridges.[26][27]

The game was first released in PAL territories on December 14, 2001.[28] It was released in Japan on March 29, 2002,[29] and in North America on June 4, 2002.[30]

Reception

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Resident Evil Gaiden received generally mixed reviews from critics. Mike Major of GamePro remarked that the visual presentation detracts from the intended creepy atmosphere.[33] IGN's Craig Harris criticized the game's unpractical save system for a handheld game (the player can save only at limited save points) and was unsatisfied with the puzzles being reduced to collecting keys and items.[2] GameSpot's Frank Provo addressed the same issues in their review, though they applauded the clever storyline for its many twists and turns.[34] Computer and Video Games also criticized the graphics, but found the puzzles to be on par with that of other installments in the series, and commended the battle system.[32] Retro Gamer included it on their list of top ten Game Boy Color games as a "superb actioner with a gripping storyline" and "an underrated classic."[35]

Notes

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  1. ^ With an original plot and advising from Capcom
  2. ^ Known in Japan as Biohazard Gaiden (Japanese: バイオハザード外伝, Hepburn: Baiohazādo Gaiden)

References

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  1. ^ Björn Balg (25 February 2009). "Resident Evil Retrospective". Eurogamer.de (in German). Eurogamer Network Ltd. Retrieved 7 April 2010. Gaiden zählt als einziges Spiel nicht zur offiziellen Kanon" / "Gaiden is the only game not to belong to the official canon
  2. ^ a b c d e Harris, Craig (26 June 2002). "Resident Evil Gaiden Review". IGN. IGN Entertainment, Inc. Archived from the original on 13 June 2011. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  3. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Leon: About two years ago, she was adopted from an orphanage. [...] She said that things got so bad, her foster parents decided to send her to some relatives in Europe. That's why she's on this ship.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry: How did you know that thing would be here? Lucia: I told you I can feel its presence.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Leon: Apparently, she has an acute sense of hearing, not to mention her other senses. She also told me that she healed quicker than most.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. HQ: We've received some new info on the B.O.W. that might help you identify the creature. It has green blood.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry: Listen, Leon, I need you to see if there's a sprinkler system or something you can get working to slow down the fire. That way we might be able to buy some time 'til the chopper gets here. Leon: What are you going to do? Barry: Trust me. I'll be right back!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry: Well? What's your answer? Do I have to remind you that I have Lucia? That doesn't leave you with too many options now, does it? Voice: You do have a point. Proceed as planned, but don't go getting any strange ideas. We have eyes watching your every move... Barry: You're just gonna have to trust me. Over and out. Leon: Who in the world was he talking to? It almost sounded like he was trying to sell us out to Umbrella or something.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Leon follows Barry and Lucia to the Upper Deck, where Barry forces Lucia to descend a rope ladder to a mysterious submarine that waits below. The submarine has the markings of the Umbrella Corporation.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. HQ: Good to hear your voice Leon, I'm afraid we have some bad news, our sensors indicate that there is a massive build-up of power around the Engine Room. Going by what the sensors are telling us, it could blow in minutes. Leon: Things are really not going my way today. I'll make my way to the Engine Room and see if I can stop whatever is causing the power build-up.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Inside the engine room, the B.O.W. proceeds to wreck the ship's fuel converter. In an attempt to blow up the ship and destroy all the evidence of his activities.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Leon: It looks like I finally ran out of luck... the damage that monster has done is so severe, there's no way back now. I never thought it would end like this! My only regret is that Barry isn't here to share the moment...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Capt: You back-stabbing... You set me up. You offered Umbrella the girl so you could hijack my sub! Barry: Very good, Captain. Being aboard a sinking ship with no hope of being picked up, I figured I'd see what Umbrella had in mind for recovering their precious B.O.W. I offered the girl, and here you are, my own underwater limousine service!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry: What I can't figure out is why you want the girl. I thought the amoeba-thing was what you were after... Capt: B.O.W.? amoeba...? You mean you didn't know that we were after the girl, all this time? Barry: Don't give me that, the B.O.W. is supposed to have green Blood! Lucia's blood is red! Capt: Of course her blood is red! She's the host. The B.O.W. is a parasite! It's inside her body! Barry: What? Capt: In another ten days, the B.O.W. will mature and reach a stage where it can eat its way out of the girl.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry: It's all right, Lucia! I'm sure I can persuade the ship's Captain to lend us his ship's surgeon to extract the parasite. Capt: Don't be stupid, who knows what complications an early extraction might cause! Barry: Listen carefully, Captain. I'll give you a simple choice... Extraction or extinction!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Suddenly, the parasite breaks free from the glass and attacks the Captain. The parasite drains the life from the Captain, turning him into a Zombie.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry: Sounds like that thing's attacking anything in sight! We've got to get to the bridge to turn this sub around and rescue Leon!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry: Leon! you're alive. Leon: You came back?! Barry: What did you expect?! Now c'mon, let's get out of here! Lucia: Barry I... I don't think that's Leon. Barry: What?! Lucia: I mean what I said... I don't think that's Leon.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. As Barry and Lucia enter the engine room, they see Leon sitting on the floor. Leon: Barry? Barry: Hold it right there, Leon. If you are Leon? Leon: What? First, you leave me behind on this sinking ship, and now you're trying to order me around! I oughtta wring your... Barry: It is you, chill out man! I can explain...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Suddenly, out of the darkness, the creature lunges, grabbing Lucia and pulling her into the sea.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Leon waits for Barry to surface. Pulling Lucia from the ocean, they both make it onto the deck of the ship. [...] Eerily standing behind Barry and Lucia is another Lucia.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Lucia nicks her hand with a knife and oozes red blood. Barry: Ouch! Good thinking, Lucia.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry, Leon, and Lucia finally make it onto the deck of the Sub.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (3 June 2002). Resident Evil Gaiden. Capcom Entertainment, Inc. Barry: Your hand.. it's cut and it's not healing... Lucia: You're right! And my ears aren't ringing anymore! Barry: That means... Lucia: I've lost my power! I'm normal!{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ Capcom Co., Ltd.; M4 Limited (29 March 2002). Biohazard Gaiden. Capcom Co., Ltd. バリー: ここから脱出したらオレの家にこないかルシア？むすめはおおいほうがにぎやかでいいからな。 ルシア: ありがとうバリー。とてもうれしいわ。 / Barry: Why don't you come live with my family once we escape from here, Lucia? That is, if you're okay with my daughters who are quite a bit noisier than you. Lucia: Thank you, Barry. I'm so happy.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Aniel, Alex (2021). Itchy, Tasty: An Unofficial History of Resident Evil. England: Unbound. pp. 127–131. ISBN 978-1-80018-212-7. OCLC 1322180112.
  27. ^ a b c d "Retro: The Making Of Resident Evil Gaiden". NowGamer. 2011-06-27. Archived from the original on 2016-03-06. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
  28. ^ IGN Staff (2001-11-09). "Zombies Arrive for Christmas". IGN. Retrieved 2023-06-29.
  29. ^ "全作品一覧". Capcom Co., Ltd. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2009.
  30. ^ "Press Releases". 2002-08-09. Archived from the original on 2002-08-09. Retrieved 2023-04-21.
  31. ^ "Resident Evil Gaiden for Game Boy Color". GameRankings. CBS Interactive Inc. Archived from the original on 5 January 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  32. ^ a b Skittrell, Lee (31 December 2001). "Resident Evil Gaiden Review". ComputerAndVideoGames.com. Dennis Publishing Limited. Archived from the original on 2 December 2006. Retrieved 1 September 2010.
  33. ^ a b Major Mike (5 June 2002). "Resident Evil Gaiden Review". GamePro. GamePro Media, Inc. Archived from the original on 2009-03-18. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  34. ^ a b Provo, Frank (31 July 2002). "Resident Evil Gaiden Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive Inc. Archived from the original on 10 August 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  35. ^ "Top 10 Game Boy Color Games | Retro Gamer". 3 December 2013. Archived from the original on 2015-05-30. Retrieved 2015-04-08.
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