'Resident Evil' game all gore, no story

If you like killing zombies -- and who doesn't -- you're going to love "Resident Evil: Dead Aim."

If you prefer a game that provides an engrossing plot and something to do between zombie attacks besides trudge around a storm-tossed ocean liner, look elsewhere.

The latest title for PlayStation 2 to bear Capcom's "Resident Evil" tag is set, not in constantly beleaguered Raccoon City, but on that cursed vessel being buffeted on the high seas.

The ship, owned by the evil Umbrella Corporation, is infected with the same zombie-producing T-virus that turned Raccoon City into "The Night of the Living Dead."

On board and somehow un-zombified are government agent Bruce McGivern and the man he's tracking, an Umbrella operative known as Morpheus. Also enjoying the shipboard amenities is toothsome Chinese agent Fong Ling.

The story, such as it is, is advanced by good cut scenes and the discovery of documents scattered around the ship. Also waiting for you are the usual "Resident Evil" collection of weapons, ammo, items to cure you after you've been bitten by a zombie and a variety of other items you need to progress.

The game, which appears to be a beefed-up version of an old Game Boy Color title, offers the option of using the GunCon 2 light gun to do your shooting. I found it hard to calibrate the gun and had my best results simply using the controller, but if you like using the light gun or are simply trying to justify investing in one, here's an excellent opportunity.

The zombies are fairly easy to keep track of, with a flashing warning pointing in the direction the attack is coming from. Since zombies move at a rather glacial pace, and since ammunition is usually in short supply, it's sometimes easier to just run away than try and kill every zombie you come across.

A problem that makes running even more attractive is that turning to face the zombies is achingly slow. If you can see a zombie, it's easy to kill. However, I was bitten many times while McGivern took a million baby steps as he rotated to face his attackers.

The pace steps up a bit as the game wears on, with new and faster monsters -- and some serious bosses -- for you to deal with. A good gamer can probably finish the game off in less than a day

Graphics get a B. Detail and textures are excellent. The playable characters and the locations are nicely done, the zombies less so. I alternately cursed and applauded the tiny flashlight clipped to McGivern's uniform, which provides most of the illumination in most scenes, but it's a neat touch. There is some slowdown, but it's not a fatal flaw.

Control gets a C+. It's a mixed bag; I liked using the controller to shoot, but hated the lack of enthusiasm McGivern showed in turning to face his enemies. The camera isn't always where you want it, and you can't look up or down although there are plenty of spots where it would be helpful.

Sound gets a B. There's plenty of spooky music, with a bit more energy injected during tense moments. There's also a ton of moaning, groaning and gurgling by the creatures, and plenty of squishing when they get their teeth into you. McGivern's panting also is amusing, although he runs out of breath pretty quickly for an ace agent.

"Resident Evil: Dead Aim" gets a C+. It's short on length, short on plot and, ultimately, short on challenge. If you have a light gun and enjoy using it, it may be just the game for you.