games  anime  |  toys
Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 



Remember how House of the Dead felt to play in the arcades? Remember that rush of excitement or surprise that lurked around every corner? Yeah, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is not that. Actually, think of those good times in House of the Dead, imagine the opposite, and that's what you have in Umbrella Chronicles.

And you know what the surprising part is? It's not even the Wii's fault. In fact, this game COULD work on the Wii if done right. If there's an FPS style that can function correctly on this system, it's one in which you are on rails -- a game like Rayman proved that to me.

Check out my full impressions after the jump.

Let's first get this dirty stuff out of the way: Of course the graphics and sound are not up to par. We expect that, right? While the look of the game certainly was dark, it just lacked that real polish that you'd like to see in a "next-gen" game. Besides a large snake that popped up during the demo, there was really nothing that made you sit back in eye-stimulating delight.

You know how when you see something you'll nudge a pal, saying, "hey, did you see that? Cool, huh?" Yeah, none of that was there. The game was just bland, at best. 

In fact, the enemies and environments of Umbrella Chronicles were just plain ugly. Certainly a limitation of the Wii, but nothing a little time and effort couldn't have helped quench. While developers may be be limited by the technology, that's no reason to just abandon all hope -- the fact God of War 2 looks as it does is a perfect example.

So, yeah, we all knew that would happen, but what I didn't know would happen was how boring the game actually felt to play. There was no rush, no excitement, no anticipation for something that may surprise you. The game felt slow, sluggish and extremely forced. All I could think to myself while playing was, "Why am I standing here playing this?"

And speaking of forced, let's touch on the controls. In the build we were given to play, you essentially only use the Wiimote. Not a problem, you would think, because like I said, the game is on rails. But, when you're forced to reload by shaking the remote (you know, the thing you're trying to aim with), the whole thing feels like a massive failure in game design.

Why in the world would you choose to map a reload to something that is meant to be your main way of playing? For example, would you ever consider reloading in a game like Halo by moving one of the sticks in a circle? No, you wouldn't.

Hopefully this major flaw will be fixed by the developers with either a remap of the function or incorporating the nunchuck as a reload option, ala Rayman

As far as the story, obviously we couldn't tell if there was one in the demo we were handed. But apparently, this one is deep and closes out the series. Capcom did promise to have something much more meaningful with this edition, but we'll see about that.

Overall, the game is bad right now. But hey, so was Elebits right? And you may be shocked by this, but the game could actually be worthwhile for the Wii and something you'd want to have. It's the kind of game that I could think and would want to work on this system. I don't want to be relegated to just party and non-games. I'd like to see something like House of the Dead work on the Wii, this just doesn't do it right now. 

All the developers have to do is take a step back, look at what they have, and improve and tweak those big problem areas. The foundation is there, we just need some better window dressings. 


LAUNCH GALLERY (33 IMAGES)
Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo
 

Continue: More wii stories





prev 50 comments
next

73 comments | showing # 51 to 73

ExpertPenguin's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 01:14
ExpertPenguin
The graphics are great.....on a standard def TV.
subnet6's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 06:14
subnet6
"How about don't needlessly over-react because Summa left out a detail in a hands on that wasn't a full review months before the game comes out?"

I'm not overreacting because Summa left out a detail. I'm calling Summs out for a completely phoned-in hands-on that I could have written FOR him without having played the game at all. Here, let me show you paragraph by paragraph what his comments boil down to, and then tell me you couldn't have written this for him as well.

Paragraph 1: Mention that HoTD was good. Use that as a sarcastic comparison to demonstrate that RE:UC sucks.

Paragraph 2: First, tell us that the fact this game sucks is not completely the Wii's fault and that this actually surprises him. This implies that the fact most other Wii games suck is strictly because the Wii sucks. Oh, and somehow saying this isn't the Wii's fault is supposed to demonstrate non-bias. Also, he informs that a standard FPS couldn't work on the system.

Paragraph 3: The graphics and Sounds suck. Also mention this is to be "expected". Somehow this guy is unbiased?

Paragraph 4: More sarcasm about how some games are good and this game is not like those games.

Paragraph 5: Ok, apparently, he didn't go into enough detail about how the graphics sucked, so lets explain how bad they were. Oh, also, did he happen to mention PS2 games rule? Yeah, they do. Lets keep moving.

Paragrah 6: Gameplay totally sucked. It was slow AND sluggish. Not JUST slow, but also.......sluggish. Oh, and in case you missed it? This was all to be expected because of the Wii's limitations.

Paragraph 7: Oh you wanna know what REALLY sucked? Yeah, the controls. They sucked too.

Paragraph 8: More exposition on how the controls sucks. Oh, and did I mention Halo is awesome and this game sucks? Well both are true.

Paragraph 9: The first nod to the fact that this game is nowhere near complete. "Hopefully developers will fix this major flaw".

Paragraph 10: As for story, he's not sure if there was one, he was too busy hating the game to notice. He doesn't mention which characters from previous RE's were playable or what that might imply for the story, nor does he mention where the gameplay takes place which might also give us insight into the story. Clearly he's not an RE expert. Fine. He says Capcom claims there will be a deep story, but for some reason he seems incredulous. Why? We don't know. Either he doesn't like Capcom or he doesn't like the Wii. I don't have to tell you what my guess is.

Paragraph 11: In case you missed it, this games sucks hard.
It could work, if it were totally different and didn't suck so bad. The Wii only has party games which sucks and thats why this game is important because it's the only non party-game on the system. He wishes this game didn't suck, but.....it does.

Paragraph 12: All the developers have to do to make this game good? Make it so it doesn't suck.

So yeah, phoned in. While not every preview was completely positive, at least from other reviewers you get an actual idea of the game, ya know, how it fits into the RE universe, who may or may not be playable, an actual idea of what the conrol and gameplay was like, which weapons were available, were assets used from other games?, comments about desctructive environments, rather than a bitchfest about reload not working right and the graphics sucking.
All the stuff that you'd WANT to get in a preview, at least what I would want to get in a preview. To me, it's not just about whether a game is good or bad, but more about what is happening. So much of "good vs. bad" is in the eye of the beholder that it shouldn't be the complete focus of a preview IMO. So, no I'm not over-reacting to a missing detail. I'm commenting on a very weak preview that was totally spit out at us by someone who's opinion of the system clearly colors their experience with the games. From this preview, I have no idea if I would have liked the game personally because I only got his personal reactions to things, no actual information that I could judge myself. A good preview should give you an idea if YOU would be interested in the game, not just tell us that the reviewer is not. I have no problem with Summa having an opinion, he should, I'm glad he does. It just bothers me that he CONSTANTLY lets his opinion keep him from giving us objective information.
mandlebaum123's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 07:57
mandlebaum123
The graphics, although not High Def, are quite good. Am I the only one who remembers what graphics used to look like?


^^^THOSE graphics suck.
Automation's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 08:03
Automation
Sorry but if you check out the ingame video at ign.com you'll see that the graphics are not all teh suck.

It doesn't look as over-contrasted as these pictures lead you to believe and it handles like a less-hyper (and less-fun) House of the Dead.
BahamutZero's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 09:47
BahamutZero
Subnet... aren't there other things in life more worthwhile than giving summa the attention he so desperately craves? I mean jesus, get a life
Tron Knotts's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 09:54
Tron Knotts
Mitz-yell-plit-lick, I know the original Dawn of the Dead wasn't in black and white. You mis understood. I was saying that it's an example of a washed out looking movie with drabness throughout that sets the tone for a livng dead world.

So you failed at failing me.

But I forgive you.

and Deiga, I just have to agree to disagree with you. A good video game, for me, is like an art film. A crappy video game, for me, is like a made for Sci Fi channel movie.
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 09:54
World Famous
*slips subnet another $50 to keep it up*
Mxyzptlk's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 10:00
Mxyzptlk
@ Tron Knotts:

Yeah, that's a film style known as "pretty much every 70's movie after Technicolor went the the way of the dodo."
subnet6's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 10:03
subnet6
"Subnet... aren't there other things in life more worthwhile than giving summa the attention he so desperately craves? I mean jesus, get a life"

Sure, I like twizzlers, I love going to the Alligator Bar and my favorite movie is "Blood sucking freaks who are just like yo momma".

And what does Jesus have to do with it?

If it weren't for posters like me, Summa wouldn't be Summa. Get off your high-horse, this is a blog whose mascot is a giant robot for goodness sake. If I can't call a lazy preview to task here, where can I do it?

*pockets the fifty with a glance and a nod and moves on to a new topic*
World Famous's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 11:41
World Famous
I don't hate it. I'm just saying that at this point, it felt broken to me. It has the potential to be something very worthwhile on the Wii.
deiga-the-semivaliant's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 12:41
deiga-the-semivaliant
Hey. Kannon. It's not a lightgun game if you don't use a lightgun.

NINTENDO RELEASE A LIGHTGUN PLZKTHNXLOLBBQ!
Sharkaac's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 15:31
Sharkaac
Hey, I am a huge fan of Zombie's and wanted to let you guys know that if you too like Zombie's then check out these books by Brian Keene. "The Rising", the 2nd sequel "City of the Dead", and the soon to be released 3rd sequel "Dead Sea" (Sometime in August). They are hands down the best Zombie books you can find, and I have looked a lot; for eight bucks you should give "The Rising" a shot and you may be hooked like me.
Cruds's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 21:05
Cruds
«All I could think to myself while playing was, “Why am I standing here playing this?”»

So you can write a decent review if you like the game or not, you fail again. What strikes me the most is that yours is the complete opposite of Chris Kohler’s one.

Summa: “The game felt slow, sluggish and extremely forced.”

Chris: “Another pleasant surprise was that it was fun.”

Summa: “But, when you’re forced to reload by shaking the remote (you know, the thing you’re trying to aim with), the whole thing feels like a massive failure in game design.”

Chris: “you’ll want to shake the Wiimote to reload. It’s a great mechanic that feels really good, much like aiming off the screen to reload in traditional light gun games”

Summa: “In fact, the enemies and environments of Umbrella Chronicles were just plain ugly.”

Chris: “First and foremost I should say that this is a beautiful-looking game.”

I’m all for expressing opinions but your review is that just that. Of the few facts you stated some are just plain false. In the future leave the reviews to someone who is capable, fucking scrub!
subnet6's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 21:34
subnet6
@cruds,

Very well put post. Why you gotta ruin it at the end with the lashing out shit man? Don't do it. Let your points do the hitting, no need for that dude. Ease up and play nice, your post has the goods, don't screw it up at the end and kill your credibility.


Cruds's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/15/2007 21:49
Cruds
Subnet: you're right, now I come across angry, something I'm really not. If there was an edit button I would remove it. It's just that this the second article today from Summa where I go WTF?
TheRob91's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2007 10:43
TheRob91
Personally, I like seeing as many negative reviews about everything as I can. especially in the gaming industry, where things like Nintendo Power(don't mean to pick on Nintendo, but its a prime example) and Major Nelson exist. I like to hear negative comments about things pointing out flaws, rather than just

"This is great"
"What about this"
"O, well, thats great too"
"What about this"
"O yea, its also great, but maybe just a tad less great, or maybe a tad more great, they are all great."

It gets old.
subnet6's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2007 20:05
subnet6
@Therob91,

I totally agree with you. I would add the opposite is also true though. Hearing everything sucks gets almost as old as hearing everything is great.
TheRob91's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2007 22:01
TheRob91
ahh, good point.
maxnyc's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/17/2007 07:25
maxnyc
Robert Summa hates everything, he should become an accountant or something. Why are you writing about games you freakin hater!
maxnyc's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/17/2007 08:21
maxnyc
i love the people who comment on the graphics without every playing the game, just judging by some low res screenshots or video. you people are smart.
maxnyc's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/17/2007 08:23
maxnyc
if summa hates it then i'll buy it. as simple as that.
Gamechamp's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/12/2007 13:57
Gamechamp
... but if you're reloading, why exactly would you need to be aiming?
prev 50 comments next

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 
New on Destructoid.TV play all videos

Loading
Loading Destructoid Videos


    Win this!
    Dive in! meetup+play for a chance to win a PC

    Dtoid Twitter    Got news?   tips@destructoid.com

    Reviews & Previews
    Echoes review
    Assassin's Creed 2 review
    Crossfire Remote Pistol review
    Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles review
    Left 4 Dead 2 review
    more reviews
    Driver
    Avatar
    GT Racing Motor Academy
    Bad Company 2 beta dishes out meaningful experiences
    Legend of Zelda Spirit Tracks
    more previews


    - The Dtoid Army is 51218 strong -

    Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

    Call for entries: do the wrong thing

    New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide




     Originals
    Joseph Leray: Revisited: Gears of War 2, Pinocchio, and masculinity





















    More Destructoid Originals




     Popular now more
    Assassins CreedReview: Assassin's Creed 2
    591 comments + 41542 views
    Destructoid OriginalWhy No More Heroes HD could mean a Wii total victory
    152 comments + 30508 views
    FAILGirl smashes boyfriend's Xbox 360, films it
    160 comments + 16924 views
    BattlefieldBad Company 2 beta dishes out meaningful experiences
    43 comments + 16114 views
    Black FridayBlack Friday: Walmart going nuts with game sales
    31 comments + 16048 views
    Amazon.comBlack Friday: Amazon dropping deals all week long
    16 comments + 15004 views
    Amazon.comAmazon teases its Black Friday sales line-up
    18 comments + 14836 views
    Destructoid OriginalThe tragic history of the videogame turkey
    51 comments + 13276 views
    CapcomHot new SSFIV trailer shows Guy, Cody and Adon in action
    54 comments + 13222 views
    Call of DutyModern Warfare 2 DLC still planned for spring 2010
    27 comments + 12568 views


    Team Destructoid   tips@destructoid.com
    Nick Chester
    Editor-in-Chief
    Niero
    Founder, publisher
    Jim Sterling
    Reviews Editor
    Hamza Aziz
    Community Manager
    Dale North
    News Editor
    Rey Gutierrez
    Video editor & director
    Anthony Burch
    Features Editor
    Colette Bennett
    Tom Fronczak Brad Nicholson
    Ashley Davis Ben Perlee
    Conrad
    Zimmerman
    Chad Concelmo
    Jonathan Holmes Jonathan Ross
    Brad Rice Jordan Devore
    Will Maddock Matthew Razak
    Dyson Joseph Leray
    Topher Cantler Samit Sarkar
         
      Dexter
    Adam Dork
    Daniel Lingen
    Hollie Bennett
    Joe Burling
    Mikey
    Stella Wong

    Josh Tolentino




     

     
      get involved

    register or login
    post a blog
    post a forum
    enter a contest
    contribute a news tip
    suggest a feature
    be a guest editor
    support

    new member's guide
    login assistance
    tech support
    report abuse
    email our editors
    read our dev blog
    nuclear crisis?
    keep in touch

    RSS feed
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Flickr
    Game nights
    Meetup+play online
    seriously

    about Destructoid
    advertising
    terms of use
    privacy policy
    jobs at MM
    buy our crap
    our network

    Tomopop
    Japanator
    Despingation?




    Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
    living the dream since March 16, 2006