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Resident Evil 3 Remake: A Modern Take on Survival Horror

The Resident Evil series has managed to hold a place as one of the most iconic franchises in the world (That Resident Evil 3 Remake is also considered one of them), making its status as concrete as possible since the 1990s, along with being one of the important survival horror experiences. But then, in 2019, along came Resident Evil 2 Remake and-well, audiences and critics simply went just wild with that face-lift of graphics and tight gameplay. So, quite naturally, expectations would remain sky-high when Resident Evil 3 Remake followed suit in 2020. This 2020 reimagining of the 1999 original came with a whole slew of updates for fresh gameplay, graphics, and narrative. Along that avenue, Resident Evil 3 Remake does many things great but also must confront some quite major criticisms. Now, on to the meat and potatoes of this remake, which will cover both positives and negatives.

Great Visuals and Atmosphere

Great Visuals and Environments

Hands down one of the strong points in the Resident Evil 3 Remake, the graphics are simply great. The RE Engine does a fantastic job of detailing the decaying streets of Raccoon City and passing that on to players. It’s everything from blood-splattered corridors to grotesque zombie appearances reeking of high-polish finish. The lighting and particle effects, particularly in the most intense moments or during the roaring of fires, enhance the mood of the game as it sucks you deep into its world. Though linear, the environments show a profusion of designs indicating desperation and chaos where a city teeters on the brink of collapse.

Modernized Gameplay

Resident Evil 3 Remake is more of an action-based game compared to its predecessor, which moved at a snail’s pace. Its protagonist, Jill Valentine, is far quicker and more responsive than in any other Resident Evil game. It features a dodge system where she does a much better job of avoiding attacks. If done on time, the feature adds depth to the combat system and provides players with an opportunity to counterattack or retreat from the attack.

The shooting’s smooth and satisfying, too, each gun lending a unique feel to the combat at hand. This resource management-balancing between ammo and health items, for example-against hordes of baddies also tightens that tension screw that series and survival horror fans have enjoyed. It’s designed to keep gamers on their toes, always searching for that next stash of bullets while fending off terrifying creatures.

NEMESIS: The Gruesome Enemy

The Resident Evil series is known for its memorable antagonists, and in Resident Evil 3 Remake, the title Nemesis takes center stage. A towering, relentless monster, Nemesis relentlessly pursues Jill throughout the game. While Mr. X from Resident Evil 2 Remake offered similar tension, Nemesis ups the ante with his ability to sprint, use weapons, and deliver devastating attacks. His presence introduces a palpable sense of dread-particularly in moments when one is forced to confront him head-on.

Short Campaign and Cut Content

Short Campaign Length

Perhaps one of the most common complaints with Resident Evil 3 Remake is its length. Compared to the original Resident Evil 3 which was not exactly the longest game within the series–the remake feels even more condensed since most players can get through the main story in 6-8 hours. While some of that is modernized gameplay and improved pacing, the overall experience still feels rushed compared to a fuller offering in Resident Evil 2 Remake. For a full-priced game, this much shorter length has some players feeling underwhelmed and wanting more.

Cut Content from the Original

Arguably, one of the biggest disappointments that has hit the longtime fans of the series is how much content was either cut or significantly altered from the original Resident Evil 3. There are entirely axed locations, such as the clock tower, in this remake that leave some fans saying it wasn’t as faithful to the source material as they had hoped. The removal of some of the main decision mechanics further reduced replay value. The original would sometimes present the player with options that would affect how the game unfolded and, therefore, allow the use of different scenarios in subsequent playthroughs. In taking away such elements, Resident Evil 3 Remake gets rid of some of the unforeseeability and forms of variation that made the original so memorable in the first place.

Underutilized Nemesis

While Nemesis is an iconic Resident Evil villain, his role feels somewhat underutilized in this remake. Whereas, in the original game, he could pop up at any time during the city, sometimes with a greatly surprising effect and sheer terror with his presence, in this remake, his appearances are largely scripted, limiting organic tension that players had with the original. Rather than this omnipresent threat, Nemesis feels more akin to a series of boss fights rather than some true nemesis that stalks the player across the game.

Conclusion: A Strong yet Flawed Remake

Resident Evil 3 Remake is an absolutely stunning rendition of the original 1999 classic, with captivating visuals and a truly intense atmosphere, coupled with fine-tuned gameplay mechanics. It’s an exhilarating, albeit short, action-horror experience that will please newcomers and series veterans alike. Shorter campaign length, cut content, and underutilization of Nemesis might slightly disappoint some gamers, especially avid fans of the original.

All in all, Resident Evil 3 Remake is a mixed bag: fun and frightening, yet falling well below that high bar set by Resident Evil 2 Remake. For survival horror aficionados, the experience remains worthwhile, but the lasting impact may not be as great compared to other entries in the franchise.