See, my whole life, I just presumed it was "one of those things". That Biohazard was a kind of stupid name, and Capcom just felt like changing it. Never mind the fact that, when you separate it from its lore and familiarity, "Resident Evil" is an even stupider name.

Turns out that this whole time there was a reason. If you already know this, great, but if not, Capcom's Chris Kramer explains:

In late 1994, Capcom Entertainment in the US was starting to ramp up marketing plans for the game that would eventually become known as Resident Evil in the US. Capcom Japan had let us know that the name of the game was going to be ‘Biohazard' in Japan, but I pointed out to the person who ran marketing at the time that it would be next to impossible for Capcom to register the name in the US.

As an example, I pointed out that a crappy DOS-based game had just come out in the US called ‘Biohazard' (not to mention the New York hardcore band of the same name) and that we'd never be able to secure the mark. As a result, the head of marketing held a company-wide contest to come up with a new name for the game.

The winner of that competition was, of course, Resident Evil, being a pun on the fact the first game was set in a mansion. For the record, Kramer voted against it, saying the name was "super-cheesy".

GR Asks: Why was Biohazard renamed Resident Evil? [Games Radar]

But not Shinji Mikami. The creator of the Biohazard/Resident Evil series has already decided that he will not like the game and is planning to avoid it at all costs.

"I won't like it, because it's not going to be the game I would have made," he told Official PlayStation magazine, "It'll just cause me stress if I play it. I think it could be fun for gamers to play it, but not for someone who has developed Resident Evil games.

"If I see anything in Resident Evil 5 that isn't done well, I'll be angry!"

Mikami: "I won't play Resi 5" [CVG]

BioHazard [Yamaza via Hatimaki]

Resident Evil infects pachislot parlors [Siliconera]

[Thanks, king_e_dawg]

The Japanese-based Biohazard is a game console that is available as an arcade game in Japan. And I mean an actual arcade standing game.

It was wonderful getting to play Jill. She's such a fierce character with determination and strength. Unfortunately, I don't have much more info than that, but I'm going to Japan this year, and you can bet I'll be on the look-out for the game in Arcades there!

While her answer does seem a bit confusing, it sounds like we might hear something about this new game in the coming months. If this does turn out to be true, perhaps we might see a showing at this year's TGS? Until then, I will cross my fingers and hope for the best.

[Thanks, Robbie]

We apologize if we spoiled the film for anyone.

Capcom Confirms First Resident Evil CG Animation News [via shacknews]

Target practice is available for budding S.T.A.R.S. agents, as are semi-authentic Capcom licensed gear. You can even get a commemorative photo of your experience.

At 700 yen (cheap!), the chance to shoot fake zombies with infrared guns is simply too good to pass up. It's no Halo: The Ride, but it looks like a winner. More pics at Impress Game Watch (with bonus short shorts shots).

Labyrinth of Horror EX Biohazard [Fuji-Q Highland via Impress Game Watch]

カプコンで『バイオハザード4 Wiiエディション』マスコミ向け体験会が開催 [Famitsu]

A stalwart reader over at GoNintendo was poking around the Japanese Resident Evil 4 Wii site and discovered a link to a special "hidden page." This hidden page itself contained a link to yet another secret page that contained a new trailer for the upcoming port.

Nice looking trailer, but I'm still unsure about the Wii controls they've come up with. I mean all that waving back and forth just to get leon to run like hell seems like it's going to be a bit of a strain on the wrist after a while. I'll be getting a chance to see exactly what the controls will be like when I attend a Capcom press event later this week in NYC. If I can manage to type with possibly broken wrists, I'll let you know how they are. Flynn De Marco

RE4 Wii: The Hidden Trailer [Capcom]
[Be warned, the load time is a bitch]

Finally, some gameplay from Umbrella Chronicles. It's great to see the old tried and true mansion making a comeback, although it seems to be much more zombie infested than the last visit. The "light gun" aspect of the game actually intrigues me, although I know some people would rather see it go the way of Duck Hunt. I've always been a fan of rail shooters like House of the Dead and I'm also a terrible aim with a regular controller, so the ability to actually point and aim is much more my speed. Besides, I'm always up for a trip down a zombie infested memory lane. Flynn De Marco

Jeaux France has posted a ton of screens from the Wii versions of Biohazard: Umbrella Chronicles and Resident Evil 4. if you've already played RE4 on another platform, some of these screens will be old hat for you, but the Umbrella Chronicles screens should provide you with something interesting to pass the time. RE4 was definitely the best title in the series so far and I'm hoping that Umbrella Chronicles will be able to capture that same flavor when it hits the shelves later this year.

I've posted a couple more shots after the jump for your viewing pleasure, but if you want the full experience be sure to check out Jeaux France's monster gallery.

[via The Tanooki]

Whilst following a lead on a Resident Evil Umbrella up for auction on eBay, I actually found something much more interesting. This is a series of four different Airsoft guns based on the weapons used in the Biohazard series or as it's known here in the states, Resident Evil!

• Biohazard 0 R.E.0 Umbrella Magnum Revolver ($300)
• Biohazard 2 Resident Evil 2 Leon's Desert Eagle ($650)
• Biohazard 0 Umbrella 8" Magnum Revolver ($399)
• Biohazard Resident Evil Samurai Edge Standard S.T.A.R.S ($250)

Each gun shoots BB's and comes with a small supply which is great if you want to shoot someone's eye out or leave a BB lodged under the skin of one of your mates, but when the real zombie massacre comes, you'll be screwed. Flynn De Marco

Philatelists rejoice! Everyone else sit down and relax, this doesn't concern you.

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Resident Evil series, known in Japan as BioHazard, the incredibly hip Japanese postal service will release a commemorative set of Resident Evil stamps featuring various characters and logos from the game.

Regrettably absent are the Umbrella Corporation logo, and any sort of monster or zombie.

Speaking of which, how awesome would a zombie stamp set be? Pretty freaking awesome, that's how awesome. I would even settle for one zombie stamp, to tell you the truth. Eliza Gauger

more here [GamePolitics]

Capcom and Visions Inc. are releasing a set of ten 80 yen stamps to commemorate a decade of zombie killing and Umbrella Corp thwarting. They'll be available for purchase for two months for a fee of 3150 yen which not only nets you some very collectible stamps, but a specially made booklet in which to store them.

Yes, store them, never use them. Look at them and brag about your purchase. In fact, don't even touch 'em. They're that precious! Michael McWhertor

10th Anniversary Biohazard Stamps

Earlier today, I posted an interview with Resident Evil 4 producer in which he made some cryptic comments about earlier, discarded versions of RE4. Kotakuite Eric was kind enough to write in, pointing out a YouTube video of one of them, before the direction changed to a more action-oriented game.

Although it looks as maddening as every other non-RE4 Biohazard game to play, I have to admit — I'm slightly saddened this one was released. Although controls look cludgy, it certainly creeps me right the heck out.

And that mysterious Hooked Man? After the jump, courtesy of Kotakuite Ho Yin. Hey, Leon — you can't defeat diaphonous spectres with bullets, chump. Florian Eckhardt

There are some things Americans do well, and some things that the Japanese do better. Case in point, figurine sculpting. The Resident Evil Leon S. Kennedy on the right is a special Comic-Con version, made by respected American hobby company NECA. The one on the left is the Japanese version. The differences are small, but noticeable. No wonder Akiba otaku are willing to shell out big money for these things. They're works of art. For nerds. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Moeyo!]

Zombies, scary? Pfff. The true depths of fear are occupied by one thing and one thing alone: otaku. This Japanese fan-made clip sends a shot-gun packing hero into an otaku liar on a mission to collect dirty mags. Talk about scary!

Forget all these wimpy tickle-the-puppy and golf-putting games Nintendo is showcasing. The Wii controller has one clear, god-given purpose: to facilitate the disememberment of virtual zombies. Whether that is gouging your Wii remote forward to puncture the fetid jelly of a zombie's eye with a screw driver, lifting the remote and nunchuku shoulder high to garrote a Ganado or just lazily circle over Jill Valentine's posterior to tickle her bottom — Capcom ought to go nuts with the Wii remote.

Hopefully, this is a Resident Evil 4 style entry in the series, as opposed to the type that required you to place an Egyptian scarab in the eye of a sphinx to access the police station toilet.

The press release is after the jump:

Resident Evil, the Survival Horror King, is coming to Nintendo's Wii !

Capcom Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that the development of a new game in the Resident Evil franchise is underway for Nintendo's next-generation Wii system.

The Resident Evil series, which began in 1996, has helped to propel the survival horror genre into the mainstream. The series has shipped over 30 million units (as of March 31st, 2006) and continues to entertain fans worldwide.

The intense story and cutting-edge graphics have combined to create a deep gaming world that has even been expanded into non-gaming media such as the Hollywood movie series of Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Apocalypse, each earning over 100 million dollars at the box-office. The most recent game in the series, Resident Evil 4, has been honored with the Award of Excellence at the 9th CESA Game Awards and the Game of the Year Award at the 1st Famitsu Awards, further demonstrating the worldwide recognition of the game's top-notch quality.

The next-generation console Wii is garnering much attention with its groundbreaking new controller. The new Resident Evil game for the console will combine the series' intense gaming experience and atmosphere with the revolutionary control system of the Wii.

As always, Capcom will continue to strive to produce great new game titles and expand its appeal to a broader audience across the globe.

About Capcom
As a worldwide leader in the gaming industry, Capcom is on the forefront of this new cutting-edge technology, and is proud to have produced a number of hit products such as Mega Man, Street Fighter, Onimusha, Devil May Cry and Resident Evil. Capcom will continue to provide customers with the best possible forms of innovative entertainment in this new and exciting media.

Konami's pre-presser, we were treated (?) to free drinks and one painfully bad Biohazard tattoo pun.