Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles Review

I have eagerly anticipated a game in this series in which we get to see not only the origins of Jack Krauser, but the story behind Leon’s status in RE4. However, after playing Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, the previous instalment in the franchise, I was not overly keen on playing another ‘first-person shooter’ interpretation of Resi’s past events. Eventually I buckled and purchased the game, and now I feel even more dissatisfied than before I played it!

The game-play is nothing special; in fact there are times when I find myself shooting everything on screen (including allies and my own reflection) just to break away from the tedium. Also, the playability is constantly interrupted by ‘shakey’ camera work and Blair Witch styled fleeing from enemies, who usually could be killed within a matter of seconds. To top this off, any gamer equipped with moderate skill and a reasonable grasp of common sense will find the Boss fights ending a bit too quickly, as the character’s dialogue makes very clear, “Claire, we can’t stop it!”*Boss falls down, dead*

Throughout the game, we are constantly barraged by circus freaks, clichéd locations and acting that wouldn’t look out of place in a 90’s Teen Horror. Despite all this, you keep playing, because the game does have its moments, such as Albert Wesker’s cameo and Alexia Ashford’s hibernation chamber.

Alright, the storyline is predictable, but this is horror we’re talking about! The genre is crammed full of predictability, and when it is not predictable we find ourselves gawping (with a sense of gloom and despair) at a Human Centipede! I, for one, like the storyline behind the whole RE franchise and will never view it negatively. The plot somehow bypasses my cynicism and takes me back to my childhood with every blood-spattering, gun-wielding, parasite-eradicating moment.

In short, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is adequately successful in filling in some of the blanks of Resident Evil’s Story. However, as a game, it is quite ordinary and pretty forgettable to play.