E3 2015: Resident Evil Zero HD continues Capcom’s good work

What was it?

A 20-minute hands-on demo on Xbox One.

What did we learn?

– Near-complete graphical overhaul is impressive.

– Controls are a little loose at this time.

– The dialogue is still absolutely atrocious.

How was it?

Impressively good-looking. The remaster of the original remake hit a level of visual fidelity that fans had dreamed of for years, but this is even better still. Backgrounds have been extensively redrawn, with much-improved texture work and character integration. The net result is that Rebecca and Billy both fit nicely in the world, rather than appearing to float (or skate) through it.

Poly counts for the player and NPC models have also been boosted, and although it gives Rebecca a rather glassy-eyed look, the zombies are menacing and suitably grotesque. Weather effects also benefit, with the scramble across the top of the Elliptical Express in a storm seeming almost as dangerous as the Z’s in the train car below. There were some issues, particularly with Billy’s model – his arms seemed slightly too long somehow, especially in a scene where he uses a bannister to climb some stairs. There were also minor texture issues, but visually this has taken Resident Evil HD Remaster’s lead and run with it.

Anything Else?

Billy’s tattoo is still really stupid.