Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Pure Evil: 2-pack brings together two of the most iconic survival horror titles: Resident Evil and Resident Evil 0. Fans of methodical, tension-driven gameplay will appreciate the classic “tank” controls, which force players to consider every step as if they were navigating a real mansion’s torchlit corridors. Inventory management and puzzle-solving are front and center, requiring you to balance scarce ammunition and health items against the ever-present threat of the undead.

For newcomers or those who find the original controls daunting, Pure Evil: 2-pack adds an optional 3D gameplay control scheme. This modern control alternative feels more intuitive, offering an over-the-shoulder aiming system that eases the frustration of older mechanics without stripping away the tension. Additionally, the Very Easy mode caters to novice players by loosening resource constraints and easing puzzle requirements—letting more players experience the story without excessive trial and error.

Resident Evil 0’s partner-zapping system delivers a fresh twist, as you constantly juggle two characters, each with unique skills. Cooperating with your AI partner to solve environment-based puzzles and cover different zones intensifies the immersion. The trial version of Resident Evil 4 interspersed in this package offers a sneak peek at what lies ahead: tighter combat, dynamic camera angles, and a faster pace, showing the franchise’s evolution without overwhelming you right away.

Overall, the gameplay balance in this 2-pack makes it a perfect gateway for horror veterans seeking nostalgia and newcomers craving a measured introduction. Whether you stick with classic tank handling or switch to 3D controls, the tension and the scares remain intact, guaranteeing hours of chilling exploration and brain-teasing puzzles.

Graphics

Visually, Pure Evil: 2-pack stays true to the original GameCube releases, featuring pre-rendered backgrounds that exude an eerie, atmospheric charm. The hand-crafted environments—from the decaying Spencer Mansion to the swamplands in Resident Evil 0—hold up remarkably well, with detailed texturing and moody lighting that amplify every creak and shadow.

The character models have been gently up-rezzed for smoother edges and crisper animation, but the collection does not include the extensive graphical overhauls seen in later compilations like Resident Evil: Origins Collection. While some textures can appear dated by modern standards, the game’s artistic direction and sense of dread remain thoroughly immersive, proving that sometimes atmosphere trumps polygon count.

Enabling the optional 3D control scheme also unlocks stereoscopic depth for players with compatible hardware, adding another layer of visual engagement. This subtle 3D effect enhances environmental immersion—zombies feel like they’re lunging from the screen, and distant corridors gain a palpable sense of scale.

Even if you’ve seen these environments before, the remastered cutscenes and refined lighting effects in this compilation breathe new life into classic moments. Shadows cling to corners, sudden camera angle shifts startle, and the slow camera pans build tension—earning Pure Evil: 2-pack a place among the most visually evocative horror packages available.

Story

The narrative duo in Pure Evil: 2-pack offers both the origin and expansion of the Resident Evil universe. The original Resident Evil sets the stage with the enigmatic Spencer Mansion and introduces players to the elite S.T.A.R.S. unit as they unravel the sinister Umbrella Corporation’s bioweapon experiments. Each note, file, and audio log deepens the mystery and builds a layered thriller that still captivates decades later.

Resident Evil 0 acts as a prequel, spotlighting the events leading directly into the mansion outbreak. You follow rookie Rebecca Chambers and convict Billy Coen as their paths intertwine, piecing together tangled backstories and uncovering new grotesque creatures. This back-and-forth exploration enriches the lore, adding sympathy and nuance to characters we thought we knew.

The included trial of Resident Evil 4 teases the next chapter’s bold narrative pivot—introducing a frontier setting, new cult antagonists, and an overhauled gameplay ethos. While brief, this demo reframes expectations and highlights how the series evolves its storytelling, balancing cinematic set pieces with personal drama.

By experiencing both titles in a single package, players gain a comprehensive look at Resident Evil’s formative years. The tension of the original and the expanded stakes in the prequel combine to form a narrative journey that’s as rewarding to revisit as it is to discover for the first time.

Overall Experience

Pure Evil: 2-pack stands out as an ideal compilation for anyone curious about the origins of modern survival horror. It provides a deep well of atmosphere, memorable puzzles, and suspenseful combat across two complete titles, plus a tantalizing glimpse at what comes next with Resident Evil 4’s trial.

This package caters to a wide spectrum of players: hardcore veterans will relish the authentic “tank” controls and challenging resource management, while newcomers can lean on the 3D control scheme and Very Easy mode to ease their way in. The seamless inclusion of both control styles makes this collection highly accessible without sacrificing the series’ signature dread.

While those seeking cutting-edge graphics or fully remastered editions might look to other collections, Pure Evil: 2-pack captures the raw essence of what made Resident Evil a genre-defining powerhouse. The original art direction, the foreboding sound design, and the meticulously crafted level layouts still deliver spine-tingling moments.

In the end, Pure Evil: 2-pack is more than a bundle of classic titles—it’s a testament to the enduring design philosophies of early survival horror. Whether you’re revisiting these staples after years away or diving in for the first scare, this compilation offers a compelling, intense journey that stands the test of time.