14 DAY TRIAL // Capcom is eager to capitalize on the huge popularity that Resident Evil seems to be enjoying at the moment (as seen in the NPD Group numbers for videogame sales in March) and is announcing that Resident Evil Archives, the title given to the Nintendo Wii exclusive version of the original GameCube release, should arrive on June 23 in the United States, with a European date set to be announced later.
Capcom was not initially interested in bringing Nintendo Wii versions of the Resident Evil series to North America, arguing that they would not sell very well outside of Japan. But now, Capcom is able to see the potential for more mature games on the Wii and it is moving full Steam ahead in creating new titles that will bring zombies and move-stop-shoot gameplay to that platform.
Capcom has also offered some details on Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, set to bring the atmosphere and the characters of Resident Evil 2, which some still think of as the best game in the series, to the Nintendo Wii.
The title is set to offer the same defining moments as the original game, with some of the moments recreated to the pixel, but taking advantage of the improved visuals available on the Nintendo console, while also introducing a control scheme that takes advantage of what the Wiimote has to offer, with weapons and herbs mappable to the D-pad and with shooting tied to pointing at the screen. Of course, you'll need to wiggle the Wiimote around in order to free yourself as zombies latch on to you.
Capcom is saying that the game will feature all the bosses that were fought by the players who got through Resident Evil 2 but will also bring in fresh encounters, some so tough that the protagonists might have to backtrack and find a new way around the level.