Released straight to the Dreamcast in 2000 by Capcom, Code: Veronica is the fourth mainline installment in the Resident Evil franchise, and a direct sequel to the first two games. Taking influence from classical gothic literature and the visual aesthetics of their adaptations, Code: Veronica is one of the most unique titles in the franchise, crafting a distinct identity of its own and a compelling story about wealth, nobility and the generational trauma that comes from it.
Following the destruction of Racoon City, siblings Chris and Claire Redfield attempt to prevent an outbreak of the T-Virus, discovering a grand conspiracy involving the wealthy and elite Ashford family and the prison complex of Rockfort Island. Along the way, they are joined by inmate Steve Burnside, and will once again have to face the machinations of Albert Wesker, formerly of the horrific Umbrella Corporation. Despite lacking a number in the title or advertising, Code: Veronica is considered a mainline entry due to its story following on from plot threads in both the first and second game, and it helps set up the far more famous and divisive Resident Evil 5.
In terms of gameplay, Code: Veronica very much follows a similar style to other early Resident Evil entries, in which you struggle to manage your resources as you are placed in both action and horror set-pieces, having to explore vast locations and solve complex puzzles. It was the first game in the franchise to utilize uses real-time 3D environments, allowing a more dynamic camera similar to fellow Capcom title Dino Crisis. Like any game in the series, it can be pretty difficult if you manage your materials carelessly, and part of the challenge comes from working beyond the limitations inflicted upon you.
Code: Veronica incorporates gothic tropes into its storytelling, exploring mental illness and generational trauma through the characters of Alfred and Alexia Ashford, who’s relationship as siblings contrasts with the Redfields. The Ashfords are some of the best written characters in the franchise, and their story has a tragic aspect to it that’s hard to forget. Like every game in the series, it satirizes and critiques wealth and capitalism, but this game also pushes away from the very American influences of the original trilogy, adopting European cinematic and literary techniques to tell its story differently, even when it touches on similar material. Some of the games portrayals of mental illness, particularly dissociative identity disorder, has aged, but it still feels rather revolutionary even now, and represents the series trying to push itself into new and more interesting directions, something it continues to do to this day.
These days, the best way to access Code: Veronica is through backwards compability on Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X. It plays relatively well, and the remaster looks good, but it could definitely benefit from a fresh coat of paint. There’s been much demand for a full-scale remake, like other Resident Evil titles have received, and there’s been consistent rumors over the years that Capcom may be working on something, but nothing has been officially revealed. Chris has appeared in numerous mainline entries since then, whilst Claire has been mostly relegated to the background, unfortunately. Regardless, Code: Veronica stands out as possibly the most underrated entry in the franchise, a wonderful survival horror experience that utilizes gothic storytelling and aesthetics to create something wonderful and unique. Without it, we would never have gotten some of the best games of all time, and the franchise might have found itself stuck in a rut for good instead of becoming willing to re-invent itself. Venture into it’s beautiful, haunted spaces, and fight for survival, if you dare.
