“Resident Evil 3 is uncomfortable, but exhilarating. The danger is exciting, like roaming a haunted house or riding a roller coaster. "
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Impressive and exciting gameplay
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Solid speed and action
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Captures the feel of the original and remains unique
Capcom could never have known that its Resident Evil 3 remake would be released in the middle of a global pandemic. But it has, and that could help make it the most terrifying game you'll be playing this year. And that's why it's so great.
I found this game really scary. With a racing heart, I walked cautiously into the room, checked every corner for signs of a possible danger, and listened carefully to my headset to find out where monsters might be waiting for me.
It's not just the pandemic. Sure, the opening mentions the words pandemic, quarantine, and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) that we've all heard countless times in the news lately. However, in Resident Evil 3, the disease (known as the T virus) is man-made. You play as Jill Valentine, who is fighting a health threat with your loved one.
Your nemesis is nemesis
The relentless disease is embodied in Nemesis, a wild creature that chases you during the game. Nemesis is a fan favorite from the original Resident Evil 3 and is one of the best-known horror villains. There are good reasons for that.
Nemesis and other enemies will cause you a lot of fear of jumping. At some point a monster jumped out and implanted larvae in Valentin's throat, which she had to vomit from her system. As a Valentine, you wander the streets of Raccoon City and face such horrors between the remains of once-lively homes and businesses, often led only by the glow of a flashlight.
I often thought, "Why am I playing this game?" Still, I couldn't take it off.
Resident Evil 3 is uncomfortable but exhilarating. The danger is exciting, like roaming a haunted house or riding a roller coaster. And Resident Evil 3 is absolutely thrilling.
If you think that Nemesis is not available, it will immediately become active again, even stronger – similar to an always mutating virus. No area feels safe. That zombie who was motionless a second ago? It could revive when you let go of your guard.
The only places of comfort are the safe spaces where you can save your progress. Here I felt a sense of calm every time I opened the door, especially in new areas where I didn't know what was on the other side.
It's pretty nice, albeit in a dark, haunting way.
This tension is reinforced by excellent music. Much of the game is driven by a series of escalating strings. It is just a constant reminder of the ambient noise of a horror film that is preparing for a fear of jumping. However, when you enter a safe room, everything changes. It is always well lit and a soothing piano medley begins.
The only other relief from the constant feeling of danger is removing the fixed camera from the original game. The inability to look around and see your surroundings increased the tension of the original, but it just wouldn't fly in a modern title. It is a necessary and valued upgrade.
Capcom has also improved the graphics. Resident Evil 3 is a remake, not a remaster, and the brand new look is really amazing. It is beautiful in a dark, haunting way. The design of Nemesis is incredible, especially since it is constantly changing its shape.
Valentine also gets a new millennium makeover and finally drops the tube top to get a more realistic tank. I have nothing against tube tops as a garment, but as a woman playing the game, it was staggering to see Valentine struggle to survive in the least practical clothes. It would immediately break my lifting of unbelief and that says something in a game full of zombies and fantastic physical achievements by the protagonists.
Instead, we are treated with two playable protagonists that you switch between as the game progresses. From a technical point of view, they face each other because Valentine is part of the S.T.A.R.S. that the Umbrella Corporation is examining for its role in the spread of T viruses. Carlos, the other playable character, works for Umbrella, but the two are still teaming up. It doesn't matter who signs their paychecks. You want to help others.
You won't win Resident Evil 3 for the best game writing, but for their dynamic work, especially in Resident Evil 3. This is a horror game. It needs simple, strong characters.
In the end I didn't ask myself why I was playing the game. I had a feeling of satisfaction, that's exactly what a great game should do, whether it has a happy ending or not.
In addition to the story mode, Resident Evil 3 offers a multiplayer option called Resident Evil Resistance, an online multiplayer experience of 4 against 1. I have to spend more time in this mode to reach a judgment and I will do more later report about it.
Our opinion
Resident Evil 3 is a solid game. It does not reinvent the wheel or its own action. But the gameplay is fluid and exciting, the plot is clear and, above all, it's fun.
Is there a better alternative?
Since the release of the original Resident Evil 3 titled Resident Evil 3: Nemesis in 1999, zombie games have been enjoying a renaissance, particularly at The Last of Us. This is probably the best alternative out there, but they can both exist and be entertaining games in the same player's collection.
How long it will take?
Resident Evil 3 shows his age somewhat in the play-through length. They'll easily make it under 10 hours, and that's probably because the over 40-hour sagas we got used to weren't the norm in the 90s.
Should you buy it
Yes, unless you really don't like the horror genre. It's fun and well done. I would especially recommend it if you are a big fan of the original or missed the boat and wish you hadn't. Fans of last year's Resident Evil 2 remake will likely be happy with this release as well
Editor's recommendations