Resident Evil Zero = Kool-Aid Man (so similar!)

[Jeff-20]

Am I the only one to notice the similarities? Resident Evil Zero (Gamecube 2002) is almost the same as Kool-Aid Man (Intellivision 1983) in gameplay!

Seriously, play both of them. It's pretty much the same game.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

*edit* Heh, okay, you're obviously serious about your theory.

I formally rescind any speculative claims of trolishness, and hereby/henceforth only respectfully disagree with your theory.

[Jeff-20]

I'm not making a joke! The alternating male and female protagonist are collecting items in a house, but that's not all. Even the room layout of the Intellivision game is mirrored by a section of the mansion in RE0. Is the designer giving a playful nod to games of an earlier generation?

You have to use a stool to get an item and bring it back to the sink...? C'mon, that's not a coincidence!

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Strictly apophenia IMO.

No different than seeing the image of Christ in your burnt toast.

[Robocop2]

I dunno but the Kool-Aid man would totally beat the ever loving snot out of a Tyrant

[Kitsune Sniper]

Kool-Aid Man is the product of the T-Virus?

[Jeff-20]

Strictly apophenia IMO.

No different than seeing the image of Christ in your burnt toast.

Like similarities between Breakout and Arkanoid? Or chimps and humans? Just a coincidence?

[Icarus Moonsight]

http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/9/21/128664719682885748.jpg

[kedawa]

I've always thought the kool-aid man was more like Nemesis, bustin' through the wall all the time.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Like similarities between Breakout and Arkanoid? Or chimps and humans? Just a coincidence?

Leaving Mr. Darwin out of this discussion, the similarities between Breakout and Arkanoid are rather substantial, and where there is a quantifiable correlation there, I don't think that it really ads anything in defense of your Kool Aid Man/Resident Evil theory.

*edit* To elaborate on my position, games of that era were so rudimentary that it's very easy to find a gameplay mechanic that dominates the core of a single game and potentially make a connection to a modern game - that makes sense on paper even where no genuine connection between developers, programmers, creators, etc. exists.

For example - in Pac-Man you get chased by groups of undead creatures and devour "pills" to gain an advantage. In Left 4 Dead you get chased by groups of undead creatures and devour "pills" to gain an advantage. Clearly Left 4 Dead MUST have been influenced by Pac-Man!

*edit* Clearly, this really isn't the case with Pac-Man and L4D, but if I pressed the argument long/hard enough I'm sure I could sway some opinions.

[digitalpress]

Wow Jeff, I guess some of these guys don't know you!

I haven't played Resident Evil Zero, and wouldn't have if I hadn't seen your post. I gotta check it out.

[Queen Of The Felines]

Jeff's a cool guy :)

I was really disappointed that the 2600 version of Kool-Aid man was totally different than the Intellivision version. I stopped drinking Kool-Aid after that.

Well, that, and it gave me terrible heartburn for some reason.

[Jeff-20]

You are right. I am wrong, sir.

Anyway, I had a great Gamecube and Intellivision game session the other day. I wish Kaestner worked on a Gamecube project!

I'd highly recommend RE Zero, Joe. Don't let the Kool-aid Man comparison scare you away! Haha. And for the record, k, I actually prefer the 2600 version -- much better pace.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

You are right. I am wrong, sir.


Ahhhhh now I feel bad. I didn't mean to come out swinging like that, I really honestly thought you were taking the piss out of us and trying to get a rise from the forums.

In all fairness it really is just a matter of opinion.

While I don't personally see the connection, I have no problem admitting that I could be wrong. Who knows!

If I ever meet the director of RE0 I'll now be completely compelled to ask him if he ever played Kool Aid Man!

[Icarus Moonsight]

I'd say Ghost Manor is much more comparable. I mean, the guy/gal pair don't even split up in Kool-Aid Man, might as well be a single character sprite. The Siamese Twin protagonist is a result of demographic marketing, not game design. And the themes of Ghost Manor and RE:0 actually line up.

[Jeff-20]

I'd say Ghost Manor is much more comparable. I mean, the guy/gal pair don't even split up in Kool-Aid Man, might as well be a single character sprite. The Siamese Twin protagonist is a result of demographic marketing, not game design. And the themes of Ghost Manor and RE:0 actually line up.

Not true. In Kool-Aid Man, you press a button to switch between them just like RE0. You can split up a perform the tasks separately. And just like the Gamecube game, there are times when you must split up to be effective.

[digitalpress]

I know Kool-Aid Man all too well. And here's the Wikipedia description of RE:Zero

The main gameplay feature of Resident Evil Zero, dubbed the "partner zapping" system, is unique in the series in that instead of choosing a single character to play through the whole game, the player controls both the main characters, Rebecca Chambers, STARS Bravo team's medic, from Resident Evil and Billy Coen, an escaped ex-military convict, through the entire game. Both characters can travel together, with one character being controlled by the player and other by the computer, or split up and search separate areas each at the same time. This dual control is central to solving some of the puzzles in the game. The difference between the characters is that Rebecca can acquire chemicals with her mixing kit and can get into tight spaces, but has less health. In contrast, Billy can handle heavy objects, has a lighter and can sustain more damage than Rebecca, but cannot mix herbs.

Honestly, if the character names and game title weren't in there... this describes either game!

[Jeff-20]

Yes, that's what I'm thinking! Mixing chemicals and mixing Kool-aid are kinda similar. Your partner even screams when attacked while you (the player) are away.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Well hell... "You are right. I am wrong, sir." My turn to say. :embarrassed:

Just thought... Herb mixtures look like Kool-Aid powder. Even in a little paper packet! OMG! LOL

Mind successfully blown.

[kedawa]

Oh yeah!

[Jeff-20]

I was thinking of Eugene Jarvis and how he updated his concept for Robotron to become Smash TV. I don't think it was uncommon for programmers to update good ideas. I thought maybe someone from the Mattel original team was on the Gamecube project. Maybe a Blue Sky Ranger: a lot of those guys used their old handheld electronic game ideas for Intellivision games, and I know most of them are still active in the industry.

I also know that Capcom Production Studio 3 has employed Americans before.

[tomaitheous]

I was thinking of Eugene Jarvis and how he updated his concept for Robotron to become Smash TV. I don't think it was uncommon for programmers to update good ideas. I thought maybe someone from the Mattel original team was on the Gamecube project. Maybe a Blue Sky Ranger: a lot of those guys used their old handheld electronic game ideas for Intellivision games, and I know most of them are still active in the industry.

I also know that Capcom Production Studio 3 has employed Americans before.

Or.... it is just coincidence. You either must not be old enough or have no had enough real life experiences, to understand that coincidences happen a LOT in life. That's one main reason why we have the scientific method. I've seen and speculated myself on situations in real life that almost guaranteed 80-90% range of probability on the given evidence, and that turned out to be complete false/incorrect. There's nothing to prove that it's not just coincidence (which is more common that people think). There's a high probability that if one person has thought up an idea, so has someone else has as well (be it past or present).

[TheRedEye]

This might be the most amazing discovery of the 21st century so far.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Here's another parallel.
The eyeball leeches and the thirsties.
They are enemies to avoid at first, then at the end (bonus mode in RE0), you collect them. @_@

[Jeff-20]

Or.... it is just coincidence. You either must not be old enough or have no had enough real life experiences, to understand that coincidences happen a LOT in life. That's one main reason why we have the scientific method.

Like, OMG! Read that quote again in Comic Book Guy's voice! (giggle) Anyways, I didn't realize my random observations would be so disruptive. I expected a little more levity in a video games forum.

I just brought it up to say: Even though RE0 got so much praise for being innovative, it's fun to know that these mechanics existed in previous generations. Sort of like finding that glider in one of the pyramids. But before you flame me, I'll agree you're right, I may just go back to real life and level up before I assert my silly comments on the internet.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Like, OMG! Read that quote again in Comic Book Guy's voice! (giggle) Anyways, I didn't realize my random observations would be so disruptive. I expected a little more levity in a video games forum. I bet some of these guys yell "BURN!" every time they post to a thread.

I just brought it up to say: Even though RE0 got so much praise for being innovative, it's fun to know that these mechanics existed in previous generations. Sort of like finding that glider in one of the pyramids. But before you flame me, I'll agree you're right, I may just go back to real life and level up before I assert my silly comments on the internet.

While I did initially jump down your throat a bit,

when I realized that there was genuine personal conviction behind your theory I flipped the switch on my attack mode.

However, I think that what is lacking in your examination of the phenomenon of similarities between K.A.M. on Intellivision and RE:0 on Gamecube is some visual aid, or at the very least a point-by-point guide depicting where the specific similarities may lie.

I'm not saying that you wouldn't still get some polarized responses, but ... in general, while there's a high percentage of mature adults here - it would help those of us who are a bit more jaded (at least where our trolololol radar is concerned) in seeing your P.O.V. more clearly, taking it more seriously at first glance or getting more constructively involved in the conversation.

I mean, as an example, even in the classic game community some people might not even know that the Intellivision version of Kool Aid is NOTHING like the 2600 game. That's where the visual aid might help.

Just my two cents.

[tomaitheous]

Like, OMG! Read that quote again in Comic Book Guy's voice! (giggle) Anyways, I didn't realize my random observations would be so disruptive. I expected a little more levity in a video games forum.

I just brought it up to say: Even though RE0 got so much praise for being innovative, it's fun to know that these mechanics existed in previous generations. Sort of like finding that glider in one of the pyramids. But before you flame me, I'll agree you're right, I may just go back to real life and level up before I assert my silly comments on the internet.

:) So you weren't being serious, huh? Funny, I must have just completely misinterpreted. Of course.. if you weren't so serious, then why the need to get so defensive about my post? You're one confusing fella ;)

[Jeff-20]

Yes, I was serious! I think there's an interesting parallel between the innovations of a modern game and possible roots in a past game.

I just didn't expect such an unfriendly reaction. At most I hoped you would go back and play both games or just compare the descriptions like Joe did:


I know Kool-Aid Man all too well. And here's the Wikipedia description of RE:Zero...
Honestly, if the character names and game title weren't in there... this describes either game!

Not an aggressive evaluation of my life:


You either must not be old enough or have no had enough real life experiences, to understand that coincidences happen a LOT in life. That's one main reason why we have the scientific method.

"Scientific method"? I happen to be an academic. This was an observation about a video game, not an academic paper. All the negativity seemed out of place for something as lighthearted as Kool-aid man. Especially if you didn't want the make the effort to see both games in comparison.

It just seems very "Comic Book Guy" to respond that way. It makes people not want to make friendly (albeit not groundbreaking) posts.

[Cryomancer]

I find this pretty interesting actually. I'd like to see a video comparison of the points you bring up.

[slapdash]

Lighten up on Jeff! He's a standup guy!

[tomaitheous]

Yes, I was serious! I think there's an interesting parallel between the innovations of a modern game and possible roots in a past game.


Ok, so you were being serious not just making 'silly observations on the internet". Or light hearted observations. My post was nothing more than to bring you back a little to side of logical reasoning. It wasn't out of place or negative. If it hit a nerve, then maybe your taking this just a bit too serious (or says something else about you). For the record, I didn't think you were young (young enough to be naive/ignorant of such things. At least, I don't assume that you're in your early 20's). It was more of a reminder to the realization of.


Just a coincidence?

And everything else you posted. Anyway, you're getting defensive again (had to look up this Comic Book Guy char. Sorry, I haven't watched the Simpsons since the early 90's). I actually liked your observations and the fact that you make a thread about it. But it didn't specifically feel light hearted or just causal. Felt like you were working yourself up to an absolute conclusion. If not, you should have just easily just dismissed my post. Else, I think it was fair since you're making the argument towards a more serious mindset. Also, I don't necessarily have to 'not' believe in your point to make a counter point. I'm saying, if you're be 'serious' about this then at least try to be objective, no? Or take some criticism.

So with that, carry on :D

[Jeff-20]

Yo, Russ! What's up? I finally found carts for that strange korean console (from like 5 years ago).

Anyway, can a thread be restricted to members with a join date of 2002 or earlier? hahah Just kidding. I declare this topic dropped.

[slapdash]

Yo, Russ! What's up? I finally found carts for that strange korean console (from like 5 years ago).

Oo, got pix/scans?

I ain't been up to much... I've slowed down my buying quite a bit the last couple of years.