Resident Evil Zero

Resident Evil Zero introduces a unique "partner zapping" mechanic where you control both S.T.A.R.S. officer Rebecca Chambers and convict Billy Coen simultaneously. You can freely switch between the two characters at will to solve specific puzzles, such as needing Rebecca's chemistry skills or Billy's brute strength. You can also split them up to explore different areas of the map independently.

Resident Evil Zero is actually a prequel to the original Resident Evil, so it sets up the events of the Spencer Mansion outbreak. It explains how Rebecca Chambers ended up in the mansion and details the origins of the T-virus via James Marcus. You can easily play it without prior knowledge of the series, though it heavily references the overarching lore of the Umbrella Corporation.

Unlike previous games in the franchise, Resident Evil Zero completely removed the magic item boxes, forcing players to drop items on the ground to manage inventory space. This means you have to physically remember where you left key items, weapons, and ammunition. It adds a highly challenging layer of micromanagement and backtracking to the survival horror experience.

The game originally launched exclusively on the Nintendo GameCube in 2002. However, it was later given an HD remaster and released digitally on modern platforms. You can currently play Resident Evil Zero on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.