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Resident Evil: Deadly Silence

EMAIL PRINT ds

8.5 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 41 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 18 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Capcom

Developer: Capcom

Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Survival Horror

Players: 4

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Release Date: February 7, 2006

Summary

(Also known as "BioHazard: Deadly Silence" in Japan) Experience the terror of Raccoon City as heroes Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine try to survive a mansion filled with flesh hungry zombies, giant spiders, horrific amphibious creatures, mutant dogs and worse. Now the Survival Horror Classic Resident Evil debuts with features exclusive to the Nintendo DS. Classic Mode – The original, high tension Resident Evil that features 80% exploration/puzzle solving and 20% intense battle elements. Rebirth Mode – Features a high octane game style that is 80% intense battle and 20% exploration/puzzle solving. Microphone Function – Solve puzzles and even resuscitate your injured teammate by blowing into the microphone. Bonus Mini-Game – Ward off hordes of the undead in the Master of Knifing mini-game. [Capcom]

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

eToychest

While the game may feel a little dated, and the graphic quality is not necessarily all the Nintendo DS can offer, it is a worthy addition to anyone’s Nintendo DS library, even if this may be the fifth time you find yourself buying the 1996 original.

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Cheat Code Central

The creatures are definitely fodder for nightmares and the ambient music will assure that you don't play this game alone in the dark - instead, play it with four people alone in the dark.

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Nintendo Power

It may not be the all-new title some were hoping for, but it's a great game worthy of bearing the Resident Evil name. [Apr 2006, p.82]

My Gamer

RE DS doesn’t score many originality points, but it doesn’t have to. RE was, and still is, a classic, and having it available in the palm of your hand is nothing to complain about.

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GameBrink

The ten year old puzzles are still there, graphics are the same mostly, and you still have to use ribbons to save. On the other hand door and cutscenes can be skipped, loading in between areas is almost instantaneous, and DS frills are fun. [JPN Import]

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GameZone

As the umpteenth port it can’t score as highly as original and exclusive DS titles, but as a handheld survival/horror game it is everything I wanted.

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1UP

Nothing is more impressive than seeing good 3D graphics on a system considered "underpowered" in that area (see also: "Panzer Dragoon" on the Sega Saturn), and you get the whole package with Deadly Silence.

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Games Radar (in-house)

While we've obviously got reservations about the exhumation of a decade-old game, the fact that Resi can still provide tension and enjoyment in equal measure is testament to its quality.

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NintendoWorldReport

Even with the control and dialog problems, and the item-toting frustrations, Resident Evil: Deadly Silence is still as good as the original was, and more so because of the addition of Rebirth mode and the touch screen mechanics.

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Play Magazine

It's fun to relive the experience we had years ago on a tiny handheld, and given the nature of the DS, you can forgive more of the rougher edges. [Apr 2006, p.69]

Pelit (Finland)

Basically the old PSOne Resident Evil. The atmosphere is still there and the game is very addictive. On the other hand, old problems like small inventory are also there. The dual screen has been used very sparingly, some lacklustre touch screen knife battles and puzzle elements here and there, nothing more. [April 2006]

Deeko

This could be due to the age of the game, the fact that we've played it before or because the screen is so tiny, but the game isn't nearly as frightening as it used to be.

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GameSpot

The PlayStation action adventure classic makes an unlikely appearance on the Nintendo DS, complete with some surprising new twists and all the gory scares that made the original so memorable.

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Game Informer

While a 180-degree turn and permanently mapped knife button are nice additions, as a fan this edition is almost most worthwhile for what has been kept, even if unnecessary. [Mar 2006, p.115]

N-Insanity

Overall, REDS delivers and fills fans’ hearts with hope for an even better sequel for the DS.

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Console Gameworld

Deadly Silence manages to exhume possibly some of the most memorable aspects of the series, while fine-tuning the experience with some intriguing DS-capabilities. However, its control method and outdated visuals can prove frustrating at the best of times for newcomers to the series.

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Worth Playing

The Rebirth mode is a welcome addition, and it offers a harder quest, more enemies and new puzzles, but touch screen support is minimal, and the knifing battles feel more like hastily created mini-games rather than well-integrated portions of the quest.

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Nintendojo

In the wake of Resident Evil 4's Game of the Year honors, it's nice to see where the series got its roots, but it also reminds us just how far the series has come.

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Computer Games Magazine

Normally, mining the license library to populate new hardware is a move that smacks of laziness and creative bankruptcy. In this case, Capcom seems to be on to something. [May 2006, p.91]

N-Europe

Back in 1996, Resident Evil was a groundbreaking game. Now, it pales to most other survival horrors, especially "RE4."

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NTSC-uk

If Capcom's aim was to deliver the original Playstation experience with knobs on to the DS, then that aim has been met and exceeded. It looks the same, it sounds the same; not that is a bad thing - far from it, the DS probably isn't capable of improving things by that much.

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games(TM)

The game’s innate charm and mixture of overbearing tension and fear still works as well today as it did back in 1996. [May 2006, p.117]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Not essential, but worthwhile for anyone who hasn't played the original Evil in ages. [Apr 2006, p.104]

Yahoo! Games

New players will find a passe and not-scary survival horror relic, but old hands will enjoy the nostalgia of a fine old classic with a couple of new features. Take your pick.

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IGN

It's hard to ignore all the little quirks in gameplay and presentation that were a bit easier to disregard in the earlier days of 3D adventuring, so if we look at it as a new title instead of a revival, well, it's not a whole lot better than a good but flawed game design.

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AceGamez

There are many good elements to Resident Evil: Deadly Silence, but it ultimately fails to excel on the two levels it attempts: it fails as nostalgia because the weaknesses of the original get in the way of the fun, and it fails as a new game because neither the environment nor story translate to a unique or very scary experience anymore.

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Gaming Age

But the multiplayer modes suffer from severely limited interaction and only three maps for play. The most promising new feature becomes routine very quickly, so before you know it the latest experiment in Raccoon city is over.

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Game Revolution

If you haven't experienced the original Resident Evil, now is your chance to embrace a classic. Gamers who have played it before, however, won't find quite enough extra here to justify paying for the privilege of doing it all over again.

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Gaming Nexus

If you've never played any of the games in the series then you may want to try this one out, if not there are plenty of better DS titles out there.

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PALGN

While there is nothing new for veterans or anything to change the minds of the pessimists among you, Resident Evil: Deadly Silence is a good game that commemorates a classic series. Too bad that it’s pretty much redundant as a portable game.

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Edge Magazine

There may be better ways to relive Resident Evil than Deadly Silence, but no version could demote it from its status as a creaky but compelling classic. [Apr 2006, p.94]

Sydney Morning Herald

Great games never really die, they just get reanimated.

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VideoGamer

For those who have played the game to death on an older console, the 'Rebirth' mode and assorted other extras may offer enough incentive to drop the cash on it again, and for the ten people who are yet to play Resident Evil, it's certainly worth experiencing for the first time, despite its rather aged control scheme.

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GamerFeed

But the game certainly hasn't aged well, and what worked ten years ago (ink ribbons, that zany control scheme) isn't so attractive these days.

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GamePro

It's almost gut-wrenching to realize that with it has come all the problems that plagued it in the past. Add to this the newly implement touch-screen mini-games that feel like more of a distraction than an addition, and you're left with an experience that only the hardest of the hardcore fan could stomach.

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GameSpy

There's really no reason to go back and replay it. I have to admit a certain amount of nostalgia in the early going, especially as I remembered cool parts of the game, but that's not a compelling reason to fork over the bucks for this remake.

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Detroit Free Press

Is this trip down memory lane worth $35? The Rebirth Mode is the most justifiable reason, and even then, the case isn't that strong.

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Thunderbolt

The new additions to in the DS version are pleasant enough, but it’s not enough to make the game feel new or exciting.

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GameShark

In my opinion the 10-year-old game this cartridge contains just does not hold up in 2006 and the clear lack of consideration for the needs of the platform earn it a below average "C-" score.

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Eurogamer

Placed on a handheld, the gravitas of the shock scares is gone, and with unrealistic graphics and a cheese factor turned up to eleven, any feeling of genuine creepiness is lost. While it does keep all the flaws described here, the GameCube remake does at least offer beautiful graphics and some decent shocks.

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G4 TV

Now, if "Rebirth Mode" was more than just the original game with some half-hearted minigames tacked on -- if it sported updated graphics and a more intuitive control scheme, things would be different.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 18 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Chris D gave it a4:
I love the RE series. I have a DS. I thought it would be nice to revisit the original... with some new twists! I feel let down. It was true to the original in some of the worst ways. The controls are just as awkward (even more so if you have to cut zombies with your stylus every now and again) the graphics and sound are dated and lacking even for the DS, etc. You won't use some of the added features like the multiplayer mode so don't get excited. If you're new to RE give it a shot, it's a wonderful series, but if you've been playing RE for a decade now I'd recommend reliving your nostalgia on a different system.

n gave it an8:
One thing can be said about this port: It's solid. The control improvements are welcomed and the utilization of the touchscreen in certain parts of the game is pretty neat. Quick reload, "quick knife" that doesn't take up an inventory slot, soft reset, 180 turn... they felt like there should be there in the first place. Graphics are updated: Models look a lot better with sharper textures and smoother movement. Don't worry RE purists. The same cheesy lines and the same horrible actors are still there. The Rebirth mode is a nice touch - more enemies, more puzzles and utilization of DS features.It's still the same plot and the same scenario, but still it makes a new harder challenge. I still didn't try the multiplayer but the fact that it was put in is a good idea. Survival horrors are more fun when your friends join in. Overally it's NOT perfect, but it's a fine solid port. If you need a good horror game for a camping trip, this should be your pick.

Chris R. gave it a10:
An AWESOME game to have on your DS. Don't listen to the bad reviews. If you are a fan of the RE games then I guarantee you'll love this game. If you are new to RE, then you might find it a bit hard to adapt since it's essentially a 10 yr old game. Definitely worth biuying though. Although it's basically a port, added content and features makes it worth buying, even if you already have RE. Also, the graphics are a defnite improvement over the PS1 version. Character models are much smoother and nicer looking. I have all the RE games on Gamecube and even if this DS version is no match for REmake, it's still awesome to have it on a handheld. The RE games are seriously the only games that I can never get bored of replaying. So hurry up and get this game! I managed to score it for only AU$20!

Evad N. gave it a10:
Awesome game! Scared the crap out of me! Although, the graphics are a little off, but the storyline is AWESOME!

robogomo gave it a9:
Considering that this is game is over 10 years old...it still has a lot good play! The added features with the touch screen really bring it to an all new level...and it's just great fun. It's great to have a classic like this on the DS! And I agree with others who had posted--that the reviewer from other publications were just too harsh on this game. Don't believe the hype...this is a terrific game.

Roberto M. gave it a9:
its a good game, but the control have some mistakes.

oneresolve gave it an8:
Allow me to start this review by saying i love the RE games and just about every survival horror game. It rules playing the original RE on a handheld system preserved in its original state. The ds version features everything from the directors cut and packs it into a DS cart. The 2 key features for this game are the rebirth mode and multiplayer. rebirth mode adds several new features, such as a touch screen knifing game that pops up here and there and touch puzzles. the knife game is rather annoying, it doesnt work as well as you'd like. i have yet to try multiplayer and i doubt i ever will (doesnt sound too good anyway.) the game also features classic mode which sticks to the directors cut of the game. all modes feature some of the more improved features of the RE games such as the 180 turn and being able to hold on to the knife and use it at any given moment, while not taking up an inventory slot. theres even quick reload which means you dont have to go to the inventory to reload like in older RE games. i love this game more than ever, but you may want to pass it up if you have the directors cut for playstation (the game is $35 after all.) if you want to play the game that started it all, nows your chance! go out and buy it!

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Resident Evil: Deadly Silence

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