Zombie Revival: The Game Boy Color’s Not-So-Dead Resident Evil
In a twist that even Resident Evil’s most iconic characters would find improbable, a near-complete version of the long-canceled Game Boy Color port of Resident Evil has made its debut online, leaving fans wondering why zombies can’t catch a break.
HotGen: The Studio With Guts (and Maybe a Few Screams)
Back in 1999, London’s HotGen studio took on the Herculean task of bringing the gory delight of Resident Evil to a handheld system that barely had enough memory to hold a lukewarm cup of coffee. Their mission? Transform a two-CD 32-bit classic into an 8-bit sensation on a 2 MB cartridge. Who wouldn’t want to turn a terrifying mansion of horrors into a bite-sized snack?
Almost There… But Not Quite
Surprisingly, HotGen didn’t just half-heartedly throw together a bunch of pixelated images of zombies. No, they actually crafted a version of the game that was nearing completion before it was tragically shelved in mid-2000. Remarkably, it was decent enough that rumors of its existence started circulating after prototype ROMs appeared online in 2011. However, players – bless their hearts – found these early prototypes were akin to a mystery meat casserole: they just couldn’t quite put their finger on whether they were fully “done.”
Another Day, Another Prototype
Cut to the present where the lively folks at Games That Weren’t have managed to dig up a build of this game that’s allegedly 98% complete. According to assistant programmer Pete Frith, this version carries the hope of finally allowing players to traverse the game from start to finish without using the “Skip to the End” cheat code that would put any speed-runner to shame. Frith reflects on how the cancellation news hit the team: the original mastermind behind the franchise didn’t think the Game Boy Color was “worthy” enough for his beloved creation. But, of course, who are any of us to judge?
What’s New in Zombie Land?
And lo and behold, this ‘final’ build isn’t just another trip down Nostalgia Lane. It includes delightful surprises not found in earlier leaks, like the notorious Tyrant enemy and an ending that doesn’t just scream, “Wait, what?” Yet, before testing this tantalizing morsel, Games That Weren’t did the sensible thing and provided hacks for anyone eager to skip straight to either the final boss showdown or, say, the ending. Because who doesn’t love a good cheat code?
Glitches and Ghouls
If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s that nothing gets past Nintendo’s watchful eye. Some unfinished cutscenes still linger, sprite colors may or may not have been hit with the “what were they thinking?” palette, and in what might be an act of mercy, some zombies stoop to their knees instead of face-planting into the ground when dispatched. Is this a ploy to make it feel less violent? The world may never know!
A Glimpse from the Grim Reaper’s Perspective
Artist Simon Butler’s reaction to this blast from the past is nothing short of delightful: “Good to see my sprites again after all these years. It wasn’t the most fun I’ve had on a project, but hey, at least it’s interesting!” Who wouldn’t want to relive their glory days of uncanny valley sprites?
Resident Evil Goes to Sea
For those keeping score, the Game Boy Color did host a new Resident Evil entry, but it wasn’t part of the original horror brigade. Instead, Leon took to the high seas in Resident Evil Gaiden, exploring an ocean cruiser. The game, which went overhead for some puzzling perspective shifts, brought a whole new meaning to “sailing into danger.”
Thus, the saga of the almost-resurrected Game Boy Color version of Resident Evil fulfills the age-old video game adage: everything old can become new again, especially if it involves dodging a few zombies.
