Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

The third installment of the series that redefined the survival horror video game genre, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is the best Resident Evil yet. As Jill Valentine, one of the original game's survivors, players must fight for their lives while fleeing a city overrun by hordes of zombies and other hideous creatures mutated by a sinister corporation's biotechnological virus. To make thing worse, a near-invincible monstrosity known as the Nemesis stalks Jill throughout the game, which raises the series' suspense level to an all-new high.

In addition to the constant threat of the Nemesis, Resident Evil 3 features other gameplay elements new to the series: players can now dodge attacks, perform quick 180-degree turns, and create ammunition by mixing gunpowder types. Also, the "Live Selection" feature forces players to make decisions that affect the story's direction.

While none of these additions are particularly groundbreaking, Resident Evil 3 keeps the player in suspense and the action even more intense than in its predecessors, proving that more of same can be a good--make that very, very good--thing in a sequel. --Joe Hon

Pros:

• Suspenseful and thoroughly engrossing storyline
• Excellent use of topnotch graphics and sound to establish mood
• Improved controls and faster load time between scenes
• The Mercenaries secret game adds serious replay value

Cons:

• Third-person, fixed-camera-angle point-of-view can be awkward
• May be too intense for younger players