Is It Really That Bad? – Resident Evil Survivor

Thursday, 27 October 2011 12:06 Last Updated on Thursday, 15 March 2012 08:34 Written by Kevin 76 Comments

The worst-reviewed Resident Evil game ever! Join Derek and special guest Calvin Hansen as they endurance run Resident Evil Survivor to find out if it’s really that bad.

Join the forum discussion on this post

Tags: Halloween, Happy Video Game Nerd, HVGN, Is It Really That Pad, Playstation, Resident Evil

Anonymous

Is it just me; or is Vincent’s VA trying to pull off a Keanu Reeves impression…and failing?

http://twitter.com/davidhass3lh0ff michael smith

Excellent !!! lol sorry just haveing a Keanu Reeves moment

Amadeus

It really isn’t that bad.I think your judging the game too harshly, you have to keep in mind that it’s a game that’s meant to play similarly to on rail shooters. You complained about hit detection and the fact that limbs don’t break off and you couldn’t tell if area of your shot mattered. It does indeed matter like most resident evil games, the quickest way to kill them is shooting them in the head! This will also make it more likely they’ll be knocked back when attacking. Also, you if it’s meant to be like a on rails game it’s not uncommon for body parts to not go exploding.I will admit that because of the auto aiming system it can be a pain attacking the hunters and lickers but it isn’t impossible to aim on your own either. Oh and when they change posture and walk slowly and things like that they are already dead. As for not having a counter defense most RE games didn’t have a mechanic like that up to that point.

You said there wasn’t any ammo which is incorrect. You spent most of the game running straight out of rooms with little to no checking them and you skipped killing most of the MR. X characters which would have dropped you items…so that’s your fault. You might say that it’s the games fault for not giving you incentive to kill them but almost all of the resident evils allowed you to just wander passed enemies so it’s a choice you make on if you should (A) risk fighting and dying or (B) collecting the ammo for your victory. And your blaming the hunters for your not being able just rushing through the game with disreguard and abandon so again your fault. However, I will say it’s a tad cheap that they put them in such a small space.

Oh and you talked about not being able to save and having to play in one sitting. The game is only like an hour or maybe two if you don’t skip the monsters, I hardly see that being a negative against the game unless you were paying full price for a game like that. I think you commented on the frame rate which was noticeable but not that bad or game breaking and seeing as a lot of games have the issue sometimes and especially with some PS1 games, I think you stated the frame rate too much.

Lastly, I have few most minor complaints. The comparisons made to more modern games like Call Of Duty (no matter how brief) and Dead Rising. Both of those games are not only games released later in the 2003 to 2006 range but also are different genres. I also got a bit irked when you kept harping on the files that give you back story but then proceeded to keep picking them up. Not a big deal but I rather enjoy that style of story telling in RE games and I found it lacking quite a bit in 4 and 5, it’s also a good way to give story information without making everything a five minute cutscene which I feel a lot of people would also say “blah blah blah skip”. My final complaint which was kind of big for me, I think Calvin ruined a bit of your objectivity and I found his incoherent and awkward references and jokes distracting and hard to take any critique seriously. I personally don’t find him amusing or anything and I don’t believe he adds much but if he makes it more entertaining for you to get through a review or what have you then what-eves. All these things are my personal opinion and I understand that those are yours and I also don’t expect you to read this, I just thought I’d speak for the first time. Apologies to all for the long comment! I still very much enjoy the Happy Nerd Derek!

Calvinfan9001

You.. don’t.. like.. Calvin..? Too far, sir. TOO. FAR.
PiloMaister

Sir, I suggest you trim your comment(s). Its supposed to be a comment, not a critique essay. Seriously it turns away readers; as I lost interest by the 3rd sentence. Atleast try to generalize a bit, TY.

Dennett316

Really? You can’t read 4 paragraphs of text? I knew attention spans were dropping but geez. Also, sometimes people have more to say beyond “That was awesome LOL” type comments. You may agree or disagree, but you have no right to moan if you can’t even be bothered to read what he has to say.

PiloMaister

I didnt say it was too long to read, as I read 20-40 pages from a school book each night. But from the little that ive read, I knew where it was going, so no need to read the whole thing. the comment was out of proportion(biased), dull, and took the vid too serious.
It needed to be generalized; people dont like to read every detail, it gets long and boring
PiloMaister

Oh and it was just a suggestion. I didnt moaned about it like you are towards my comment. I could careless if someone in here writes 20 paragraphs in a comment; as I wouldnt bother looking at it.
Aleph the Hater

Completely agree with the original poster, and Dennett316. If you’re too stupid/impatient/immature/lazy to read through 4 paragraphs… well, sorry to be “that guy” but… you really aren’t going very far in life.

Good luck, buddy.

PiloMaister

And Aleph, Im in college and make A’s; So I read plenty. I just dont want to waste time reading senseless BS.

Anonymous

All that typing just to amount to “WAHHHH WAHHHH WAHHHHH”.

I actually feel sorry for how hard you waste your own time, just to cry yourself to sleep over nothing. When will you autistic kids realize that repeating the same weeping, butt-hurt bullshit for 90 paragraphs doesn’t make you cool and smart?

Anonymous

Oh. Upon reading some more of your pseudo-comments, all I came to realize is that you just love to act all bad-ass through a computer screen and use cursewords and insults like there’s no tomorrow.

I actually thought I would be argueing with someone with an opinion. A stupid opinion, and one that is different from my own, but an opinion nonetheless.

But, no. Apparently, you’re just yet another from the lowest rank of Trolls — the insult kind.

Not even going to bother to say anything else. Looking around this page shows the only one whining and thinking their “cool and smart” is you. You stain the word “fan” all over.

Yeah. Good luck with that. I’m SURE you have loads of friends that way.

http://twitter.com/FullerxspectruM Isaiah Fuller

You are also a troll, and a hypocrite. You complained first of his use of language, but used the same amount (ONE) that he did. You then assumed he was trying to be “bad-ass.” You were arguing with an opinion, and you have failed to express one here.

I don’t care if this is old, I just couldn’t pass that up.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Riku-Himawari/100001113904887 Riku Himawari

For this “opinion” you seem to want out of me (even though I’m sure you’ve just failed to interpret my words): As it’s perfectly understandable, a lot of people are going to take offence to this “review”. I acted out of line to begin with, but soon after apologised for my words to Derek himself. That’s well over and done with. My apologies still stand, but so does my initial opinion that this was mostly a satyrical and unfair review as opposed to a fair-and-square all-out “Is It Really That Bad”. Charlies Angels apparently deserved more respect than Survivor, and I felt that was just wrong to do.

But, let’s get on with what you came here to do, shall we? Excuse me, sir, but if you fail to be fully briefed on the context of a certain situation, the smartest thing to do is shut up and continue walking. You might just end up sound like an idiot. Which pretty much was the case.

Secondly, assumptions aren’t a crime. You’re assuming I give a damn. In fact, for the simple fact that I replied, you’ll also assume I was insulted. Yeah, and as you’re reading this one sentence, you’re assuming I’m saying all of this to hide a certain feeling of resentment towards your oh-so infalible “Internet Pride”. See, kiddo? Assumptions are everywhere. If you haven’t grown up enough to know to accept them, you’ll just end up as another doorstep as oposed to quite the gentleman material I see (ASSUME) in you for stepping up and going all Superman in this.

Lastly, I ASSUME you’re well over 18 years old. If so, it’s about time to start being sure of what you’re saying when you decide to jump into a situation you’re not contextualized with. You might have trouble signing some contracts in the near future if you don’t get used to reading between the lines.

Sorry. I “just couldn’t pass that up”.
http://twitter.com/FullerxspectruM Isaiah Fuller

Since you don’t give a damn, you wrote all that. Yes, I continued reading after I posted that, and so you know what? I’m sorry.

Now with that being said, most of what you said is unnecessary, and it 100% looks like you are just trying to insult me and start something, so I won’t waste your time responding if you want to write me another essay.

BTW, I’m 17.

PiloMaister

Ok no need to disrespect the mentally challenged(autistics). But I do agree with you about all that long BS typing that Amadeus wrote. We dont need a bag full of paragraphs to make a one sided point.

http://twitter.com/davidhass3lh0ff michael smith

awesome video i played this when it first came out and i kinda enjoyed it i guess lol it’s a bad games but it does still feal like a res game, but why do you have to finnish this game in one sitting thats just stupit.

loveing this series keep em coming
http://twitter.com/Kowagaru Danilo Pires Kaltner

Derek, to play this game in the Guncom is Simple (Lies)

If you point the gun to the screen and pull the trigger you shoot. A and B (That are the Side buttons) are used to turn. If you shoot out of the screen once you walk foward. Two quick shots out of the screen and you run foward. If you shoot, pause, them shot again you move backwards. Press A and B to acess Inventory. Press Trigger, A and B to go to Options Menu. Also, if you press A or B buttom Twice you do pretty much the same that R1 do in the game: You turn to the next object in the rrom that you can pick/interact.

Yes, it’s hard to play like that and yes it’s awkard. But at least you don’t have to aim too much. Two shoot in the zombie foot are equal to two shoot in his head. You can pretty much shoot him aniwhere that the damage will always be the same.
http://profiles.google.com/jsc315 joshua chap

I gave up on these games after the second one. The horrid/broken controls and awful camera angles kept me far away from the rest of this series. I should not fail at a game because the camera does not know where I am and then suddenly just die from lack of responsive controls.
VierasTalo

This game came out in Europe with gun support and the sequel was also released on the PS2 in Europe atleast. Just saying so you’ll get your facts straight
Earthbound_X

To this day, this game still has the worst voice acting I’ve ever heard in any video game.
spookydonkey03

DONT GET SPOOKED CALVIN! you that mother fucker is hilarious, you two make a funny duo. great vids. shame u didnt beat it. maybe u can gameshark the ending for us sometime?
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_52KVWJ6WBTALYEFHZCMFHPNYB4 Randall

Derek is the reason I keep coming to this site. He is always amusing and just seems like an all around nice guy.

Mike Crone

Agreed.

Anonymous

i wanna get it for the laughs but it won’t be as funny without calvin
BBcomics

looove it when there’s new video uploaded! Thank you for everything you make.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Carlos-Nelson-Sandoval/1841694349 Carlos Nelson Sandoval

So many Mr. X Clones……

You guys work perfectly off each other. I got Spooked.
Japon68

I have played the Japanese version of this game and if using the guncon, that is all you use. If you don’t point it at the screen pressing the trigger once and holding it makes you walk forward and twice to move back, the buttons on the left and right of the gun turn you. To shoot just point at the screen and fire away. I liked it a lot better with the guncon.
Mapscreen

Well that was unfortunate. I love the new series, but please dont have guests. It takes attention away from your somewhat serious critique of the game. Inside jokes between two friends is not fun to watch. It’s even harder to bear the forced laughter you give to his weak attempts at humor. So please, trim the fat.

Mike Crone

I agree with Mapscreen for the most part. This episode most definitely felt different then your previous ones and it seem more like the focus was making fun of the game. Don’t get me wrong, I found this episode to be one of the funniest with you and Calvin, but I do enjoy seeing you work through the game and find it’s faults/benefits. Another great episode, but I liked where you were going when it was just you and the game. Your finding your groove and it’s fun seeing it improve as the episodes come along.

Derf

I completely disagree with the posts above. Having more than 1 person riffing on the game is terrific. Calvin was hilarious this episode. You should have him back more often. People seem to forget this you can be both entertaining and educational.

Aleph the Hater

Entertaining and educational?

HAHAHA! Your comment deserves minus five points because you aren’t a Panda.

Oh, you mean… that’s a stupid thing to say? Sorry, must’ve educated myself on it during the video.
milky.mosaic

I agree with Derf and disagree with the others to some extent. Although there were some inside jokes between the two of you that I didn’t get, for the most part I found the interplay to be hilarious. I think all of your episodes in this series are hilarious, and I really enjoyed the flavour the pair of you gave it. I’m not saying you should or shouldn’t have Calvin back in the future. It certainly worked for this episode in my opinion. Keep up the good work.

Also, I don’t know why, but I really like that one out-of-tune part in the one song. And the deliciously bad dialog.

Phill

Fuck you

Kafei_keaton

This might sound weird but can you do an Is It Really that Bad video about Sonic 06?

Anonymous

Yeah, and while we’re at it, let’s make a video about how the blue sky is blue.

Anonymous

This was an amusing video!
What was Capcom thinking when they made this? And if it weren’t for the then controversies, we would have had gun support. But whatever, I hate RE anyways…
http://twitter.com/zeromaster zeromaster

I remember this, SCXCR did a review of this game.
Vfx3

I don’t know why people think this a terrible game. I don’t remember having any game breaking issues when I played it.

Anonymous

And yet here they all are, in full visual display. Man, it must hurt to be wrong.

ZigTheHunter

I really liked Calvin in this episode, he made it much more funnier and entertaining, I think you should have guest most of the time while doing this show.
Hollander112

I don’t know what version I had, but mine did support the light gun.
you moved by aiming off screen en pressing the trigger, and the red buttons on the sides of the gun moved you left en right. It actually worked pretty well.
dennett316

You were a little harsh on a couple of points with the game.

1) No means to defend yourself. You’re not supposed to stand still when fighting enemies, if they get close, then move away from them. When the lickers were jumping you knocked them out the air more than once with a more powerful gun, and even if you used the default pistol, you should be moving back when they jump. The controls may be clunky and doing that may be easier said than done, but docking points for it when you weren’t really trying to use tactics is a little harsh.

2) Not finding weapons. This is a Resident Evil game, they don’t hold your hand and you need to explore to find stuff. Knocking off points because you weren’t playing the game properly is again, harsh and detracts from your valid points about the game. Knocking another 5 points off because the Hunters wouldn’t let you cheaply run past was also a bit much. Yes, it was annoying, but you also mentioned how cheap you were trying to be in doing it so surely it should have been a wash?

Anyway, still a great video and you were entertaining as always.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bo-Hernö/100000482218352 Bo Hernö

I spent 10 bucks on this in 2001 and I liked it :3

Anonymous

You must also enjoy molding shapes out of shit in the toilet, then.

I’m sorry that you find this kind of thing fun.

Ballock

And you are what 12? The man is just stating that he liked the game. Grow up

Driftwood

There should be an own series called Calvins videogame pro-tips.
Aleph the Hater

I don’t necessarily agree with most comments on here, but I do have to understand where they’re coming from.

However, Resident Evil: Survivor is really NOT that bad of a game. In fact, it’s a wonderful addition to the series and it delivers much more than Resident Evil 5, that’s for sure. At the very least, Umbrella is actively connected to it. And at the very least, it pays direct homage to the main series at hand, without straying too far or pretensiously away from it.

It gave birth to the Outbreaks, which, although a very forced instalment in order to keep the series concise with the Racoon City incident, were two very good games in a stand-alone prespective, and only a moron would be able to deny that.

This is a classic, and by all means, it’s still a game I like to pop in my PSX every now and then. You are clearly just picking at straws here.

I never liked this Calvin individual to begin with. The subtle, yet screaming stupidity in the Chrono Trigger “review” imediately set me on guard with anything that guy says – I already expect him to spout bullshit, I just need to figure out how much of it will actually stick. So, I don’t quite know if it’s because you’re friends with him, and you’re just doing this for shits and giggles and some of his… obliviousness (yes, that’s a kind way to put it) rubbed off on you, but this was absolutely ridiculous and I only watched it because it showcases my favorite Video-Game reviewer playing a game that I happen to like.

I honestly respected all of your views in pretty much every video you’ve ever made, Derek, but this one kind of ruined it for me. Obviously, I’m not actually insulted by it, by any means. I can spot a joke when I see it, but… in the words of a fellow poster before me, and for the fans’ sake, “trim the fat”.
Oragie

Explanation for the ratings, and how stupid they sound to me:

- 5 No individual body-part hit detection

I can’t really say this is wrong, but to make it a negative? As far as I can tell, you only went for headshots the first five times and then automatically assumed they don’t exist. Try again. This time, without Calvin to distract you from the fact you actually missed.
By the way, see that round-shaped thing in the Tyrant’s chest? Hit detection.

- 5 No defense against attacks

I can’t even begin to understand what the fuck you meant by this – not being able to… what, punch a zombie across the jaw if he grabs you? You’ve been playing too much new-generation games. Whatever happened to “setting your standards accordingly”?

+ 5 B-Movie Dialogue

You make it sound as though the game is ridiculous for that. It’s a Japanese game. It was localized. Big-whoop. Even Resident Evil 1 through 3 had terrible voice-acting and you don’t hear anybody making a joke out of those.

- 5 Shit frame-rate

Starfox?

+ 5 Alternate Paths

Kinda kills it if you just run through, which leads me to another point, in a minute…

+ 5 One-Time Scare

You’re desensitized. We’re showered with violence, gore and graphic horror. Again, whatever happened to “set your standards accordingly”? The game looked mighty creepy back in the day when THOSE graphics were as good as we would be getting anytime soon.

- 5 No Ammunition

As a reference to an above point, how can you claim there’s no ammo for anything? You literally run through everything. OF COURSE you won’t find ammunition, you’re not actively LOOKING for it. Sure, “just because I can”. Calvin mentioned there’s absolutely no need to kill anything because they don’t drop ammo. Well, there you go, buddy.

- 5 The Hunters

Lol. They’re Hunters, Derek. You’ve played Resident Evil before. C’mon. You can’t possibly be giving the game a thumbs down because Hunters are a pain in the neck – WHEN THEY’RE SUPPOSED TO.

+ 5 New-game Plus

It’s not “New-Game Plus”. It’s an extra means to aid you in surviving in the next playthrough – hence the game’s title.

- 5 Having to beat it in one sitting

Now, it’s been a LONG while since I last played this, but actually, I believe there IS a Quick-Save feature so you can turn off your console without losing your progress – although this will not allow you to Load in case you die. It’s just a convenient tool.

- 5 Missing a ton of guns.

See: “- 5 No Ammunition”

Points I’d like to address:

1) No saves
Read the fucking title of the game. It’s a SURVIVOR GAME. You’re not supposed to be able to save+load. You ARE supposed to Survive. And be thankful it gives you Continues, because quite honestly, the ways you died were ridiculous and could have easily been avoided – I know a lot of people who CAN play through the whole thing without dieing once, and they’re not that good – fuck, my girlfriend (who frustrates playing fucking Klonoa2) can play through this without needing to save.
You’re picking on a game because you can’t save, when the gameplay amounts to a few measly hours? Why? Just because most PSX games DO have an active save-feature? Fuck, Zelda had a memory chip. Why don’t you pick on every other NES game for not having it, while you’re at it?

2) “No need/ability to formulate strategies”
Clearly. In fact, this is proven just right when HYPNOS T-Type killed you.
By the way, the extra weapons for a new game? That’s what they’re for, too.
Aleph the Hater

Love the fact that my comment got deleted.

Way to listen to the fans, Derek. I did point out that I wasn’t insulted by the whole thing and that you were still my definitive favorite video-game reviewer of all time.

Yeah. Forget that shit.

http://twitter.com/derekalexander derekalexander

I don’t know what comment you’re talking about because I see one of yours below Oragle’s, but if someone did delete you’re comment, it wasn’t me. Say what you want about my video, I don’t care. I disagree with a lot of what I’m seeing here, but that’s how the world works.

Anonymous

I actually believed that you personally moderated your videos. I was unaware of this, and for that, I apologise.

As far as I can tell, there was one comment that did get deleted, but whatever.

Again, not that it matters, I apologise. I’m sure you understand my reaction, sort of the same as if someone had made fun of your favorites, such as Earthbound or Metal Storm.

Anonymous

That’s what happens when you get butt-hurt and overreactionary. You lose your common sense in your blind hatred and rage, and whine about things that never actually happened, as if everyone is against you…. as if your comments were “deleted” as some insane conspiracy against you.

It’s a sign that you should rethink your whining.

Anonymous

Necroing much?
Listen, “Nihilistic”. If anybody has a bad-ass syndrome thing going on, it definitely isn’t me. I explained my point quite clearly, I reacted upon being touched on a nerve, and I apologised for it — misuse, misunderstand and misinterpret my words however you wish. It is more of an exercise in futility than the argument itself (which, I’m sure it doesn’t concern you but, happened two weeks ago).At the end of the day, all it clearly shows is that your feel some sort of esoteric justice to impose your almighty perfect presence onto arguments in which you do not belong in.It’s a sign that you should rethink your own position.PS: “(…) Butt-hurt (…) overreactionary (…).You lose your common sense in your blind hatred and rage”.The hypocrisy is hilarious.

http://www.retrowaretv.com Kevin Willingham

I see three other comments of yours here and I don’t believe anything was deleted from this page. As a FYI Derek does not do any moderating on these comments.

Stu

“Hit up the ones and twos!”

That is just the funniest thing ever. I love Calvin so damn much.
Marudziik

I honestly don’t understand people who say Calvin isn’t funny. The man’s hilarious! He probably should have his own show, like in the Chrono Trigger episode. He was awesome then, he’s still awesome here. Although he’s so badass, he should be renamed Hank.
Seriously, he’s got a great sense of humour, with a little detached, laid back attitude, which is really cool from time to time. Seeing some of comments here, it’s hard to understand some people – well, haters gonna hate.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_CPWTRYEDNEGEYLGWWYFS2KMG6E Xm Feb

they should have just named the character hank and he wouldn’t even need a gun to beat the game. Strong name = strong character!
http://twitter.com/JamieUK Jamie Wayne Rothery

This game is awesome i think its a under rated classic.

Anonymous

If by “Awesome” and “underrated” you mean, completely broken and absolutely fucking terrible, then yes.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1322388200 Fernando Corral

this was hilarious to watch, and your guest did a great job! nice change of pace from the more serious reviews
AV

This was really funny! I hope Calvin joins more often. Great job Mr HVGN.
Mistertitanic

Wow that was the spookiest HVGN episode I’ve ever seen!
Danyelperao

Two stupid idiots playing an excellent light-gun game with joystick. I used to like the HVGN videos, but now I see how noob he is.

Anonymous

“A great light gun game” HAHAHAHAHAH. Wow. You’re fucking ignorant. Lesson for you: The light gun functionality was REMOVED from this version of the game, you dumbshit

You’re calling THEM stupid when you don’t even know what the hell you’re talking about?? Shut your fucking faggot mouth, kid.

camseyeview

yeah danyelperao is acting really damn stupid…he is an obvious troll

Anonymous

Danyelperao, you’re fucking stupid.

Jackedjay9

lol i just noticed the tags “Is It Really That Pad”
Edgehead62888

I originally thought Calvin would make the game that much more annoying, but he actually had me laughing my ass off. Awesome, and it really IS that bad…
Anonymous

“Oh, my aging hips gotta… get up these stairs. Soon, I’ll be a ghost.”
http://twitter.com/Ian_McIvor Ian McIvor

That kid is actually ElectricalBeast. That’s how he disappeared earlier, he used a TELEPORT
http://twitter.com/BeerMoneyMike Michael Morin

this is not so bad for a ps1 game you could not expect so much more for a game
from more of a decade ago
The_ageing_young_rebel

I thought this was great. Laugh out loud funny.
RyanTheGameGeek

Was that a Neutral Milk Hotel reference? Jeff Mangum? You hipsters
Ben1842

Fun fact: this game wasn’t developed by Capcom. It was made by Tose. As were about a million other games.
http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Tose
Johnw Tyler92

SPACE MARINES!!!!!
oh lawrdy!
Derek, Calvin… Awesome

Is It Really That Bad? – Resident Evil Survivor

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