Resident Evil 0 New Game Plus, The Resident Evil franchise has been a cornerstone of the survival horror genre for nearly three decades, and each installment brings new ways to challenge players. Among these, Resident Evil 0 stands out as a prequel to the original Resident Evil, offering players a deeper look into the events that unfolded at the terrifying Spencer Mansion. Released originally in 2002 on the Nintendo GameCube and later remastered for modern platforms, Resident Evil 0 tells the chilling tale of Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen as they investigate the horrific outbreak at an abandoned train and the surrounding forest.
For many players, one of the most exciting features of Resident Evil 0 (and the entire Resident Evil series) is the New Game Plus mode. This beloved feature offers a new layer of replayability, providing fresh challenges and rewards for players who want to experience the game once again—but this time with a twist. Let’s dive into what New Game Plus entails for Resident Evil 0 and how it enhances the overall experience of this survival horror classic.
1. What is Resident Evil 0 New Game Plus?
New Game Plus (NG+) is a feature commonly found in many video games, allowing players to start a new playthrough of the game while keeping certain progress or items they’ve unlocked in previous runs. It provides an incentive to replay the game, often with enhanced capabilities, making the experience feel both familiar and fresh.
In the case of Resident Evil 0, the New Game Plus mode allows players to revisit the terrifying world of Raccoon Forest and the Arklay Train with several perks and additional challenges. Unlike the first playthrough, where you begin with basic equipment and limited resources, the NG+ mode gives players a range of bonuses to make the second, third, or even fifth playthroughs more rewarding.
2. Key Features of Resident Evil 0 New Game Plus
1. Starting with Unlockable Items
One of the main draws of NG+ in Resident Evil 0 is the ability to carry over certain unlockable items from previous runs. This could include weapons, ammunition, and health items that are typically unavailable in the standard game or are hidden in hard-to-reach locations. Some of the unlockable items in NG+ include:
- Powerful Weapons: If you’ve unlocked special weapons, such as the Rocket Launcher or Infinite Ammo, you can start NG+ with them. These weapons are a significant advantage, especially when facing the tougher enemies that appear later in the game. The rocket launcher, in particular, allows for easy dispatching of bosses and hordes of zombies.
- Unlockable Outfits: Completing certain challenges or achieving specific milestones may unlock new outfits for the characters. In NG+, these outfits can be carried over, offering a new cosmetic look as you play through the game again. It’s a small but fun detail that adds to the replayability.
- Increased Item Inventory: NG+ can also allow for a larger inventory space from the get-go. This is a notable upgrade, as managing limited space was one of the defining features of the original game. Having more inventory slots at the start makes managing your gear more flexible and less stressful.
2. Increased Difficulty
While NG+ offers players access to better weapons and items, it’s not just a walk in the park. The game’s difficulty often increases in Resident Evil 0 NG+. You might encounter more enemies, tougher variations of monsters, and harder puzzles, making it a compelling challenge for players who think they’ve mastered the game. The difficulty increase gives experienced players the opportunity to test their skills with the new perks they’ve unlocked.
- Stronger Enemies: Zombies and other infected creatures may have enhanced AI, react more aggressively, or take more damage to defeat. This gives NG+ a feeling of progression, where the player’s improved abilities and weapons face off against more formidable foes.
- More Complex Environmental Puzzles: Although the puzzles in Resident Evil 0 are not overly difficult, NG+ could introduce more intricate puzzle solutions or hidden secrets, requiring you to be more attentive and resourceful. This adds a sense of deeper exploration and problem-solving.
3. A New Perspective on the Story
Since Resident Evil 0 is a prequel to the original Resident Evil, many fans are already familiar with the events that take place. However, playing through NG+ with new weapons, upgraded characters, and additional challenges can shed new light on the story. The second (or subsequent) playthroughs allow you to take a more deliberate approach to the story, uncovering new narrative details that might not have been apparent during your first experience.
You might find yourself exploring areas you previously ignored, or you might approach certain events differently based on the knowledge and tools you’ve gained through earlier playthroughs. This can lead to a richer understanding of the game’s plot, providing a new level of enjoyment for dedicated fans.
4. The Dual-Character Gameplay
One of the standout features of Resident Evil 0 is its unique dual-character gameplay. Players control both Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen, each with distinct abilities. Rebecca is skilled in using herbs and healing items, while Billy has stronger offensive capabilities. The dual gameplay mechanic forces you to manage both characters effectively, solving puzzles and defeating enemies by switching between them.
In NG+, players are encouraged to make the most of their upgraded skills, weapons, and inventory to approach encounters more strategically. With a more robust arsenal and inventory management, players may find it easier to utilize both characters more effectively, especially in tough boss battles or tricky puzzles.
5. Secret Unlockables and Easter Eggs
As with many Resident Evil games, NG+ introduces a host of secret unlockables and Easter eggs that weren’t available in your first playthrough. From hidden weapons and locations to unlockable challenges, NG+ encourages players to dig deeper into the game’s world. In some cases, these secrets might only be accessible by completing specific requirements in the game or defeating optional bosses.
For dedicated Resident Evil fans, these hidden features are one of the key reasons to replay the game. The satisfaction of unlocking a new weapon or discovering a hidden area adds to the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing the game multiple times.
3. Why Play Resident Evil 0 New Game Plus?
Replayability and Challenge
One of the most compelling reasons to play Resident Evil 0‘s New Game Plus mode is the increased replayability. The ability to return to the game with powerful weapons, new items, and an increased difficulty curve provides both veterans and newcomers with fresh challenges and rewards.
For those who have already beaten the game once, NG+ makes the experience feel new again. Whether you want to play through for the thrill of using powerful weapons, unlock new secrets, or simply test your skills against tougher enemies, NG+ provides a wealth of content to explore.
Unlocking Everything
If you’re a completionist, New Game Plus is the perfect opportunity to unlock every weapon, item, and costume in Resident Evil 0. The ability to start with everything you’ve unlocked from a previous playthrough makes the NG+ experience not just a challenge but also a fun pursuit of 100% completion.
4. Conclusion: A Fresh Way to Revisit a Classic
Resident Evil 0‘s New Game Plus mode is a fantastic way for both new players and long-time fans to revisit the world of survival horror while gaining new insights, discovering secrets, and enhancing their experience with powerful upgrades. Whether you’re interested in revisiting the story with enhanced gameplay elements, enjoying the increased difficulty, or unlocking new weapons and items, NG+ offers plenty of reasons to return to the world of Rebecca and Billy.
For fans of the Resident Evil franchise, New Game Plus in Resident Evil 0 provides a compelling incentive to dive back into this thrilling prequel, taking advantage of everything the game has to offer while enjoying a fresh and challenging perspective. So, if you haven’t revisited Resident Evil 0 in a while, now might be the perfect time to do so—especially with all the new gameplay options and secrets awaiting you in NG+.
