I have fond memories of immersing myself in the Resident Evil remake on GameCube, staying up late into the night to play. It was such an intense experience that it felt like I was part of the game's world. And you know what? I wouldn't mind reliving those thrilling moments, maybe even with some new twists. Perhaps it's time to dust off my console and revisit those classic titles—or, better yet, explore some new adventures. Ah, the joys of gaming! Just thinking about it makes me want to dive back in, maybe even to buy Xbox games and see what the latest releases have to offer. However, as someone who joined the series later and never owned a PlayStation One, I missed out on experiencing Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis firsthand. Although I knew the basic storyline from the novels, I longed to play the games myself. So, when Capcom announced the remake of Resident Evil 2, I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to play the titles I had missed. The remake of Resident Evil 2 proved to be a phenomenal update of a classic, and it would have been my Game of the Year in 2019 if not for the exceptional Judgment. After experiencing the impressive implementation of Mr. X in Resident Evil 2, I, like many others, eagerly anticipated seeing how the stalking mechanics would evolve with Nemesis. However, considering the high standard set by the Resident Evil team with the RE2 remake, I couldn't help but wonder how they would surpass it with RE3. What's remarkable is the attention to detail: as the fan moves back and forth, it causes all the notes and strings on the board to sway in the breeze. While I'm not an expert on oscillating fans in video games, this was the first time I've seen such a subtle yet immersive detail implemented.
Survival Tactics: Navigating Raccoon City in Resident Evil 3
They've taken a tiny aspect that might go unnoticed by many and ensured it feels incredibly lifelike. Whether it's the gruesome details on each zombie or the revamped design of Nemesis, making him appear even more terrifying, RE3 excels visually. It's these meticulous details that truly immerse you in the game world, making every encounter pulse with tension and excitement. And hey, speaking of lifelike experiences, it wouldn't hurt to check out how these graphics translate to newer platforms. Who knows, maybe I'll even consider buying PS5 games to experience this level of realism on a whole new level. In some aspects, the gameplay of RE3 even surpasses that of the RE2 Remake, depending on what you're after. Fundamentally, RE3 remains a survival horror game with a strong focus on managing threats rather than simply blasting through zombies. Instead of clearing rooms by eliminating every enemy, it's often more effective to strategically choose when and where to engage. For instance, disabling a zombie's leg can render it less of a threat as it crawls rather than walks. Even the larger, more dangerous monsters are sometimes better avoided than confronted directly.
A Juxtaposition of Realities: Reflecting on Resident Evil 3 Amidst the Pandemic
Now, usually, this is where I'd conclude with my final thoughts. But before I do, it's crucial to address one more aspect. I found myself needing to take breaks during my playthrough to ease my mind. If you're struggling with your mental health during the ongoing pandemic, I want to caution you that Resident Evil 3 can hit a little too close to home at times. In Resistance, one player assumes the role of the "Mastermind," while the other four players are survivors. The Mastermind's objective is to impede the survivors' progress through three stages within a time limit. They can also directly engage with the survivors by taking control of their minions.
Multiplayer Musings: Exploring Resident Evil Resistance and Its Potential
Currently, there are six different survivors available, with Jill confirmed to join later. I've mostly played as Valerie or Martin Sandwich. For example, Valerie can mark items and threats with a ping and has access to a free health spray. Since the mode relies on players collaborating with strangers, it can be a bit frustrating at times. Additionally, it's currently challenging to find games, though this issue may resolve itself upon the game's full launch. I don't typically play Resident Evil games for this type of multiplayer experience. While it was a fun diversion for a few hours, it's not something I see myself returning to frequently. Given Capcom's recent track record, they've earned some leeway. Even if Resistance doesn't initially hit the mark, the game feels like something they could continue to expand upon over the summer. I'm willing to give Capcom some time to see how they support Resistance in the future.
Resident Evil 3: A Thrilling Remake with a Shift in Tone
Rating Resident Evil 3 in a review since proved to be a bit challenging for me. I enjoyed it so much that I immediately dove back in for another playthrough. However, compared to Resident Evil 2, it takes a step back in terms of survival horror elements. Yet, when considering it thematically, this shift makes sense. In RE2, you play as a rookie cop or a civilian, whereas Jill Valentine is a seasoned member of S.T.A.R.S. with exceptional skills. While I may slightly prefer RE2, largely due to Mr. X and the memorable police station section, I wholeheartedly recommend Resident Evil 3. It wouldn't surprise me if a significant portion of the fandom ends up favoring this remake. Here's hoping Capcom can maintain this momentum with whatever they have planned next.