No one can accuse Capcom of neglecting its Resident Evil franchise (aka Bio Hazard in Japan). The company has achived notoriety for churning out a continuous series of new installments in the pioneering survival horror series. But in a welcome breath of fresh air, the next Resident Evil game -- the second to be released on the Nintendo 64 -- will feature an entirely different premise than its formulaic predecessors. Instead of blasting zombies to pieces, you'll deal with them in a much more humane way: by taking pictures of them.

Say "Fuzzy pickles!"

   Titled Resident Evil Snap, the new game casts players as rookie S.T.A.R.S. photographer Stanley Christensen. Assigned with the dangerous task of cataloging Raccoon City's undead population, Stanley cruises the city on his motorcycle and snaps pictures of the zombies in their (un)natural habitat. Six different regions of the city can be toured: the Streets, the Umbrella Mansion, the Police Station, the Sewers, the Train, and a dangerous Volcano on the outskirts of town.

Comparing pictures

   You're also equipped with a few tools besides your camera. Lobbing Pester Grenades into the shadows can drive hidden zombies out of hiding, while dropping some appetizing Human Brains will lure them closer to the camera for a better shot. Of course, bigger shots make for higher points when it comes time for Professor Oak to total up your score. A total of 63 varieties of undead monsters and other G Virus-mutated creatures can be found -- including Nemesis, in his own special secret course!

   Resident Evil Snap's surprise unveiling at the Tokyo Game Show may have thrown a few RE fans for a loop -- it represents a vastly different direction for the series. But Nintendo's Pokémon Snap has proven that photography sims aren't the laughing stock they appear to be, and now it's up to Capcom to take the genre to the next level. Look for more information soon.