Resident Evil Zero - Gameplay

Gameplay

The main gameplay feature of Resident Evil Zero, dubbed the "partner zapping" system, is unique in the series in that instead of choosing a single character to play through the game, the player controls both of the main characters through the entire game: Rebecca Chambers, STARS Bravo team's medic from the original Resident Evil, and Billy Coen, an escaped ex-military convict. Both characters can travel together, generally with one character being controlled by the player and other by the computer, or split up and search separate areas each at the same time - the player can control both characters simultaneously if in the same room, however. This dual control is central to solving some of the puzzles in the game. The difference between the characters is that Rebecca can acquire chemicals with her mixing kit and can get into tight spaces, but has less health. In contrast, Billy can handle heavy objects, has a lighter and can sustain more damage than Rebecca, but cannot mix herbs.

The game also does away with the use of boxes placed in fixed locations for the player to store items in. Instead, the player can now drop items on the floor to make room for new ones, which they can later retrieve for future use. The locations of dropped items are displayed on the player's map.