Resident Evil Zero for Wii

By Robert Purchese Published 27 February, 2008

Capcom re-fiddling another one.

Capcom is going to tinker with Gamecube title Resident Evil Zero and release it on Wii.

The first snaps were found in Japanese magazine Famitsu (and spotted by Resident Evil Horror).

Zero, just like Resident Evil 4, will be given Wii remote controls and probably some extra story fluff.

However, it was a weaker instalment in the series than RE4 and, if given the same ham-fisted Wii controls, could be a less appealing package. Plus you can already play it on Wii using backwards compatibility.

If and when the new version does come out in Europe it will probably carry a cut-down price-tag like RE4, which was GBP 25. But if you hunt around you can find the original for much less.

Capcom Europe was unavailable for comment at the time of writing.

Head over to our Resident Evil Zero review from a whole five years ago for more information. Or glance at our Resident Evil 4 Wii review to put ports into perspective.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (62) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Darren #1 4 years ago

    I actually enjoyed Resident Evil Zero more than RE Remake on the GameCube but I'm curious as to why Capcom are bothering with these for the Wii since they use fixed camera angles, not the over-the-shoulder one of RE 4, which is what made the Wiimote controls so terrific in that game. Or are Capcom remaking it so it is in the style of RE4? I can't see how the Wiimote controls would work in this game at all otherwise; you might as well just buy the original GC game and play that on the Wii. :?
    Edited by 1 at 27/02/08 @ 14:39

  • J.C #2 4 years ago

    Stupid idea. who the fuck is going to buy this?

  • bigbadbeasty #3 4 years ago

    "ham-fisted controls" ?!

    What the hell are they talking about, the controls were fantastic, and much improved on the Gamecube version

  • neilka #4 4 years ago

    "Stupid idea. who the fuck is going to buy this?"

    You haven't looked at the UK game charts recently, have you?

  • dk_rare #5 4 years ago

    It's good for those that don't already own Zero on the Cube. I however already own Zero on the Cube, and it plays just fine on my Wii.

  • Hughes. #6 4 years ago

    People used to say good things about this. I can't remeber which people, but I definitely read it somewhere. It was one of the reasons I finally picked up a Gamecube, and then, curiously, I never got around to buying the game.

    It looks like Capcom have it in mind to do with the Resi series what Squenix have done with Final Fantasy. The poor udders!

  • KingOfSpain #7 4 years ago

    However, it was a weaker instalment in the series than RE4 and, if given the same ham-fisted Wii controls

    If they did zero with RE4's controls I would buy it again. However, looking at the pics I dont think they will be doing. RE4 was a over-the-shoulder game and the shots shown show a more static 3D camera.

    Can you clarify EG?

  • WinstonChurchill #8 4 years ago

    I still don't understand how EG thought the RE4 Wii controls were worse than the normal GC pad.

  • systems #9 4 years ago

    It'll be exactly the same but with widescreen mode and progressive scan support. They're not going to change the aiming system to match RE:4.

    But then again, there's the Wii Zapper. Will they make it useable with that, I wonder.

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #10 4 years ago

    I can see why Capcom are doing this as the Wii installed base is already larger then the GC one so why not try and make some more money of one of their less succesful titles. However I wished they go the whole hog and package all the RE (bar 4) into one with added Wii waggle.

  • Eraser #11 4 years ago

    Bullshit release.
    They should focus on making something like... oh, say Zack & Wiki 2 instead of releasing old games over again and again. RE4 Wii was bullshit as well.

  • spekkeh #12 4 years ago

    I loved REmake and Re4, but never got to finish Zero. At one point in the mansion, with enemies respawning but not the health herbs, I saved the game low on health and ammo. After that it just became impossible. The gameplay and balancing of items is completely broken in this game in my opinion, and I sure as hell didn't want to start over.

  • tap #13 4 years ago

    Ham-fisted *reviewer* was the consensus I believe.

  • jmctavish #14 4 years ago

    10/10 for the windup attempt in this article.

  • kincaide #15 4 years ago

    "However, it was a weaker instalment in the series than RE4 and, if given the same ham-fisted Wii controls, could be a less appealing package" - I loved the RE4 Wii controls. Made it a better game, and more accessible in my eyes.

    Still, each to their own

  • twinbee #16 4 years ago

    Wrong Resi game Capcom! Everyone wants RE2 and you gives us 0 instead? The mind boggles.

  • Eraser #17 4 years ago

    I'm getting a little ticked off at games developers. While the XBox gets games like Halo, Gears of War, Bioshock and Mass Effect, all they give to Wii owners is recycled garbage. And with "give" I mean making you pay 60 euros for their recycled shovelware.
    Edited by 1 at 27/02/08 @ 15:38

  • JetSetWilly #18 4 years ago

    You never see Rob Purchese and Dave Mcarthy in the same place.

  • Muddtallica #19 4 years ago

    Maybe I'm biased, because I never played RE4 on GCN or PS2. but like many gamers (and most reviewers) I had a great time playing Resi 4 Wii Edition, and as such find the tone of this news piece irritatingly judgemental and condescending. I hate it when writers try and sneak editorial comment into basic news reports; I just need the basic information, and I can make my mind up about what to think of it myself, thanks.

  • MBar #20 4 years ago

    Ham-fisted *reviewer* was the consensus I believe.

    /applaud

  • Darren #21 4 years ago

    @Eraser - Well Capcom did release the rather wonderful Zack & Wiki for the Wii so not all their games are lazy shovelware.

    Yeah, there's a lot of shit on the Wii unfortunately but there's some real gems too like the aforementioned game, Super Mario Galaxy, Zelda: Twilight Princess, Super Paper Mario and Metroid Prime 3. I buy those and avoid the crap, and their scarcity isn't a problem as I also own a 360 and PS3 too. In fact, how many Wii owners only own that console, the "real" gamers will almost certainly have at least a 360 or PS3 as well because the console isn't strong enough IMO to be an only console. Not unless you don't play many games.

  • BraveArse #22 4 years ago

    "The RE4 Wii controls were crap"

    you are Dave McCarthy and I claim my £5*


    *and sneak off to find my baseball bat.

  • smelly #23 4 years ago

    MEH

    "What the hell are they talking about, the controls were fantastic, and much improved on the Gamecube version"


    No they weren't. They were shit. The cube version's controls were infinitely superior. The wii version feels like it was hacked together in 5 minutes with no real play testing. Resi 4 wii is the worst wii game i own (resi 4 cube being the best cube game i own perversely)

  • CallousB #24 4 years ago

    Just re-use the RE4 engine, re-use the supernatural stuff that was going to be the original RE4 and make a proper NEW game. Capcom are soo damn cheap when it comes to Wii.

  • JonFE #25 4 years ago

    I am with Darren and "Pac-man ate my wife" on this one. Either rebuild the whole thing RE4-style or pack them all (bar RE4) in one super pack and be done with it.

  • Pac-man-ate-my-wife #26 4 years ago

    For those complaining that Capcom should make new games you should be applauding this.

    They'll make a shitload of cash from fuck all work which they'll be able to spend on titles such as Zack & Wiki! ;)

    Plus I don't hear anyone complaining that Okami is getting a rerelease on the Wii. Just saying like.
    Edited by 2 at 27/02/08 @ 16:22

  • Nithron #27 4 years ago

    CallousB: Firstly, the lack of dodgy supernatural "Ghosts/magicians did it!" explanations is what makes the RE series so great, and secondly, they already did that, and it was Devil May Cry.

  • PameBoy #28 4 years ago

    Oh for christ's sake. For a sweet moment there I was under the impression that capcom might actually get off their arses and make a NEW game for once. But no, silly me, of course not.

    And I demand that the "ham-fisted" comment be struck from the record. RE4Wii's controls were a vast improvement over the original versions, which now feel clunky, sluggish, inaccurate and ridiculously old-fashioned by comparison.

  • Kami #29 4 years ago

    EG really need to work on getting this bias against Wii controls out of their system... RE4's controls were ****ing sublime and most people agree on that.

    REZero port? Could be fun. Was a good game.
    Edited by 1 at 27/02/08 @ 16:37

  • Der_tolle_Emil #30 4 years ago

    Plus I don't hear anyone complaining that Okami is getting a rerelease on the Wii. Just saying like.

    Fair but flawed point. You cannot play Okami on your Wii - you however already can play RE0 on your Wii. I also think Okami will gain a lot more due to Wiimote controls compared with RE0. Although I cannot judge that as I have no idea what RE0 will do with the Wii controls, it seems unlikely though that they vastly improve the experience.

  • Mun #31 4 years ago

    The RE4 review "put ports into perspective" - lol
    I guess sites like EG lose face if they take down/contradict published reviews - even if they are objectively, embarrassingly, wrong.

  • rudedudejude #32 4 years ago

    haha EG, you are so stupid, poor controls lol. Just admit you were wrong, your reviewer was very poor.

    You make yourselves sound even lower by continuing to bring up how poorly executed your review was.

  • Kami #33 4 years ago

    EG's big issue was that no-one agreed with the controls dig. And no-one ever will.

    Don't get me wrong, there're a wealth of reasons to dig at the Wii for. RE4 controls are sadly not one of them and at the end of "actually bloody great".

    Maybe EG think if they hammer it enough they can convince us that they're right? Though I do hear that Satan is promising to wear frilly undies when that happens...
    Edited by 1 at 27/02/08 @ 17:00

  • Bulbatron #34 4 years ago

    I have to admit, I'm rubbish at using the Wiimote, on Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition, so I stuck to the GameCube Controller. Still enjoyed it though. Having the better graphics, proper widescreen and extra content was what did it for me.

    Unless they are re-making Resident Evil Zero in the style of Resident Evil 4, I don't really understand why they are doing this. If this does turn out to be the case though, I hope they include support for the GameCube controller. I've got nothing whatsoever against the Wiimote control method. It's just that I'm rubbish at it.

    I wonder if they will include any new story elements or extra scenarios similar to the 'Seperate Ways' scenario from RE 4.

    In an ideal world, in which practicality didn't matter, and I was the only person who needed to be catered for, I would have Capcom just release the whole series on the Xbox 360. It would be great to see them in HD.

    My favourite game in the series is the REmake.

  • VMerken #35 4 years ago

    Well, RE0 Wii would be an interesting exercise as to how one would make Wiimote + Nunchuk work in a RE game with a "traditional" viewpoint. Don't see much interest beyond that, though - it was an entertaining little title with a fun story, some good boss battles and the fun Marcus Leech, but with almost no rewards for searching the background, which reduced its depth with respect to comparable titles in my opinion. I mean, there we are, huge training facility, lots of rooms to explore, and you almost never get any text while searching the background? Wasted opportunity.

    Regardless, I'd like to see less 0 and more 5, you know?

  • Bulbatron #36 4 years ago

    Sorry, should have been more clear. I was comparing the graphics to the PlayStation 2 version.

    I understood that the Wii version DID use the in-game engine for the cut-scenes, unless you used Special Costume set 2, in which case it reverted to the standard costumes for the cut-scenes.

  • Katsumoto #37 4 years ago

    ! I thought the control system was absolutely faultless personally. If it's more of the same, then i'm there.

  • Muddtallica #38 4 years ago

    ApoIogie: Are you sure about the cutscene thing? It was my understanding that the Wii version's cutscenes were in engine, apart from the stuff that was originally PS2 exclusive...

    If that is the case, then I can't really see how it could be argued that the Wii Edition was anything other than the definitive package; it had the graphics of the GCN version, the extras and widescreen support of the PS2 version, and optional, arguably superior Wii controls. Everyone's happy, surely?

  • Kami #39 4 years ago

    ApoIogie, contrary to belief most of us HAVE a Wii. And most of us bought RE4 Wii. And therefore played it. And formed our own opinions.

    Personally, I think the RE4 Wii controls are the dogs bollocks and more old Resi games with that style of play will make this zombie slayer a very happy man. RE Zero probably won't be though. And that will suck. Hard.
    Edited by 1 at 27/02/08 @ 17:52

  • Bulbatron #40 4 years ago

    While I've always preferred old-school Resi - with it's creepy mansions and zombies, I have to admit I'd be quite interested in playing through the series again if they remade them all in the style of Resident Evil 4.

    How frightening would the hunters be - or the mighty Nemesis?

    Oh yeah, and Mudtallica, that's what I was trying to say, but you said it better.
    Edited by 1 at 27/02/08 @ 17:56

  • Der_tolle_Emil #41 4 years ago

    ApoIogie: Are you sure about the cutscene thing? It was my understanding that the Wii version's cutscenes were in engine, apart from the stuff that was originally PS2 exclusive...

    Yes, the PS2 version had prerendered scenes only, the Cube version had realtime scenes. However they didn't bother with getting the prerendered scenes back into realtime so the PS2 extras are still prerendered on the Wii.

  • septimus #42 4 years ago

    Quality titles for the gimmicky console keep flooding in.

    Please stop, I can't afford to keep up. /sarcasm

  • smelly #43 4 years ago

    @ApoIogie: Why thank you!

  • smelly #44 4 years ago

    >It didn't have better graphics than the GC version

    To be fair, the wii version IS in widescreen 480p compared to the GC's 480i. So it is in higher def.

    Doesnt stop it being nearly unplayable on the wii though

  • Muddtallica #45 4 years ago

    smelly: Only if you choose to play it with the default but optional Wii controls, though; if you plug in your old pad then it'll handle the same as the GCN version (I assume), giving you the best of both worlds...

  • smelly #46 4 years ago

    @Muddtallica:

    Have you played resi 4 wii?

    If so, where's the option to play with the cube pad? I've not noticed one? And believe me i've looked!

  • Muddtallica #47 4 years ago

    smelly: It took me a while to find this out, because to say that they don't make it clear is an understatement, but all you have to do is have a GCN pad plugged in and then unplug the Nunchuk, and presto! As far as I can tell, it seems to make it identical to the GCN version, original laser sights and all; the OSDs are still Wii-ified, but I think you can cope. :)

  • smelly #48 4 years ago

    WOOOHOOO!! CHEERS MATE!

    I'll go back to playing it now in widescreen glory.


    Still doesnt alter fact that the wii controls SHOULD be better (if capcom hadnt shagged up), look at how well metroid 3 controls ffs!

  • Bulbatron #49 4 years ago

    Yeah, you have to have the nunchuk plugged in until after the notice about it, and then you can unplug it. Then the GameCube controller works. I've played Wii Edition all the way through with the GameCube controller.

    You can also use the Wii Classic Controller. I've tried it and it works.

  • Mun #50 4 years ago

    Ya'll are mental. The wiimote controls make me weep with joy. Although I also did that on plugging the classic controller in and seeing the old laser sights appear. Joy!

  • NinjaWilliams #51 4 years ago

    THIS.GAME.IS.OLD.

    Wii Controls are a gimmick.

    CAPCOM.YOU.LAZY.MOFOS.

    PS360 WINS, Wii: 0

    SIMPLE.

  • smelly #52 4 years ago

    >THIS.GAME.IS.OLD.

    Yes

    >Wii Controls are a gimmick.

    No

    >CAPCOM.YOU.LAZY.MOFOS.

    Yes

    >PS360 WINS, Wii: 0

    No

    >SIMPLE.

    Yes (you are)


  • figaro7 #53 4 years ago

    Just finished the awesome zak and wiki last night, then they do this to us wii owners. Its amazing how many developers are still cashing in on shovelware and ports.

  • Triggerhappytel #54 4 years ago

    This does seem pointless. You can pick up the Cube version for just a few pounds these days; why would anyone pay six or seven times as much just to have Wii controls?

    Not to mention that I thought Zero was one of the weaker instalments; couldn't they at least Wiimake Resi 1 and/or 2?

  • smelly #55 4 years ago

    The anoying thing is.

    They'll make this, it'll be shit and not sell

    Then when it doesnt sell we'll get stories saying:

    "capcom stops making wii games as they dont sell"

    Just like we're seeing from a lot of 3rd party devs at the moment "3rd party wii games dont sell.. we tried to sell our shitty party game and it didnt do well"

    NO DEVELOPERS.. Shit games dont sell.. Do the math.

  • smelly #56 4 years ago

    (erm.. okay.. carnival games did.. and so did mario and sonic at olymipcs.. erm ... and so did halo 3.. but erm.. there's exception to every rule)

  • Nabokov #57 4 years ago

    "This does seem pointless. You can pick up the Cube version for just a few pounds these days; why would anyone pay six or seven times as much just to have Wii controls?"
    Why did a million people buy RE4 for Wii? I could buy a gamecube version, but it's quite difficult to play it without GC controller and memory card (and I won't buy them, that's for sure).

    And RE4 controls worked for me, I liked them better than in MP3. See, it's personal? But calling neither one crap is quite stupid, unless 'crap' is like 8/10?

  • Bertie Verified Senior Staff Writer, Eurogamer.net #58 4 years ago

    Oh good grief. Sorry, I wasn't aware there was such a division over the controls in Resi 4 Wii Edition, otherwise I would have been less flippant and more lovely.

  • Zomoniac #59 4 years ago

    Having attempted to go back to RE4 after playing Gears I couldn't play it. The controls are so horrible and sluggish and the camera is so badly done in comparison that I was just screaming. Somebody is attacking me from the side, by the time it's taken me an hour to turn 90 degrees I'm practically dead.

  • robg #60 4 years ago

    Zom: lol that's just because RE isn't a standard shooter - you can't run and gun, you've got to think about where's good to stand, then leg it to another point and fire again. I love shooters (although not Gears so much, it's fairly standard), but you have to compare like with like!

    Bertie: next time read the comments as well as the review :)

  • Zomoniac #61 4 years ago

    But I can look to the side of me in less than 5 seconds, and can fire a gun whilst moving. When you're being chased up a hill and you can't backpedal whilst shooting doesn't make it a thinking man's game, it makes it a badly designed one. Much as I don't much care for any Resi control setups, I think they work better in 0/1/2/3/CV as the camera actually allows you to see to the side of you and what's behind you. I'm not asking for a Gears style lunging whilst emptying 600 rounds every which way style experience, just one that allows me to move, look and act vaguely like a person rather than a broken robot in a straitjacket.

  • Muddtallica #62 4 years ago

    Oh, if anyone's still reading: Capcom have stated that the Resi 0 port is likely to be Japan-only.

    From IGN: "We currently have no plans to bring the Wii version of Resident Evil 0 [...] to either US or Europe at this point in time. It will most likely be a Japan-only release."

    So, oh well.