Code Violet Review – An Unsuccessful Revival of Dino Crisis
Fans of Dino Crisis have been hoping for years that Capcom would finally release a reboot of the cult horror classic, following the successful example of the Resident Evil remakes. Alas, for now, fans of dinosaur horror have to make do with only a handful of "spiritual successors." One such project is Code Violet – a PlayStation 5 exclusive (possibly temporary), where the main heroine battles ancient reptiles and tries to unravel the mystery of both her own origin and the appearance of dinosaurs in the distant future. Let's say it straight away: Code Violet is no shining star and is unlikely to top any "hidden gems" lists, but it still has something to offer – and not just a charming heroine.
Combining the Incompatible
There's plenty to criticize in Code Violet, but let's start on a positive note. The game's atmosphere is magnificent and executed in the best traditions of Resident Evil – in their location design, the developers skillfully combine seemingly incompatible elements. Fans of police stations in former museum buildings will enjoy strolling through the gloomy iron corridors of a scientific complex, filled with candlesticks, benches, paintings, and other elements of Victorian decor. They didn't forget about sterile white laboratories either – these are adorned with metal replicas of ancient Greek statues. Closer to the end of the game, a simple railway station even transforms into a passage to an even more mysterious place – a Gothic castle with numerous statues.
If we move away from the visual design to more practical aspects, we must note the compactness of the locations. You won't have to wander the corridors for long: floors that seem gigantic on the map actually take only 30–40 minutes to traverse to the exit. And there's almost no need to run back and forth – key items for unlocking doors and progressing the story are found easily without hints. Provided, of course, you look in every corner.
Exploring the scientific complex and other locations rewards you with useful resources – from medkits and ammo to local currency used for weapon upgrades. Code Violet also has safe rooms. However, instead of the familiar typewriter, an antique telephone is used here. And particularly observant players can disable lasers hiding passages to additional costumes for the main heroine. Here, the developers showed creativity: the camera in such rooms switches to "cornered" angles, referencing Dino Crisis and other horror games from the late nineties to early 2000s.
Speaking of costumes, we must note the extensive customization. The heroine can be dressed in various outfits, almost all of which are revealing to some degree: exposed buttocks, tight silhouettes, deep necklines, and other elements of sexualization and even outright objectification (like a provocative secretary outfit) become an integral part of the game's visual identity. Of course, a Regina costume from Dino Crisis is also included. The look can be completed with a suitable hairstyle and hair color – Code Violet offers several haircut and coloring options. Even earrings are available, wearing which grants the heroine useful bonuses.
A beauty strolling among dinosaurs doesn't quite fit the atmosphere of solitary exploration of an abandoned scientific complex, yet it emphasizes the main direction of Code Violet – an homage to the action and horror films of the nineties. The developers themselves have admitted they are not at all opposed to sexuality, so the game has plenty of provocative outfits. At the same time, the indie studio faced criticism for refusing to release the game on PC, explaining it as a desire to avoid blatantly vulgar mods. The kind that are made by the thousands for the Resident Evil remakes.