Table of Contents
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Gameplay: Survival Horror Reimagined
One of the most critical elements of any “Resident Evil” game is its gameplay, and the 2020 remake of “Resident Evil 3” certainly delivers in this department, though with some notable differences from its predecessor.
Core Mechanics
At its core, “Resident Evil 3” is a survival horror game that emphasizes resource management, exploration, and combat. Players must navigate the treacherous streets and sewers of Raccoon City, scavenging for ammunition, healing items, and key objects while fending off hordes of zombies and other mutated creatures. The gameplay is tense, with limited resources forcing players to make strategic decisions about when to fight and when to flee.
The remake introduces a more streamlined and accessible control scheme compared to the original, which was notorious for its tank controls and fixed camera angles. The over-the-shoulder perspective, similar to the one used in the “Resident Evil 2” remake, allows for more fluid movement and aiming, making the gameplay more intuitive for modern audiences. The dodge mechanic, a signature feature of the original game, has been retained and refined. Jill can now perform a perfect dodge, which, when timed correctly, allows her to avoid enemy attacks and briefly slow down time, giving players a window to counterattack.
Combat and Enemies
Combat in “Resident Evil 3” is intense and visceral. The game features a wide variety of enemies, from the standard zombies that shamble through the streets to more dangerous foes like the Lickers and Hunters, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The standout antagonist, however, is the Nemesis, a towering, relentless bio-weapon that hunts Jill throughout the game. Nemesis is a force to be reckoned with, capable of sprinting, using weapons, and bursting through walls to ambush the player. These encounters are some of the most heart-pounding moments in the game, as players must quickly decide whether to stand their ground or flee.
The weapon variety is also noteworthy, with players gaining access to handguns, shotguns, grenades, and more powerful firearms as they progress. Each weapon feels satisfying to use, thanks to responsive controls and impactful sound effects. However, ammunition is scarce, reinforcing the survival horror aspect of the game and ensuring that players cannot simply blast their way through every encounter.
Exploration and Puzzles
Exploration is a key component of “Resident Evil 3,” with players needing to navigate a semi-open world environment to progress. The game’s environments are richly detailed, with numerous items and secrets hidden throughout. Finding these items often requires solving puzzles, another staple of the “Resident Evil” series. The puzzles in the remake are generally well-designed, requiring players to pay attention to their surroundings and think critically about how to use the items they’ve collected.
However, some fans of the original may find the puzzles in the remake to be somewhat simplified compared to the 1999 version. The remake places a greater emphasis on action and combat, which means that exploration and puzzle-solving take a backseat at times. While this shift in focus makes the game more accessible to new players, it may disappoint those who were hoping for a more puzzle-heavy experience.
There’s no way Capcom could have known its Resident Evil 3 remake would release amid a global pandemic. But it does, and that could help make it the scariest game you’ll play this year. And that’s why it’s so great.
I find this game scary. With my heart racing, I entered the room cautiously, checking every angle for any sign of danger and listening to my headphones for clues as to where monsters might be waiting.
It’s not just a pandemic. Sure, the opening mentions the words pandemic, quarantine, and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which we’ve all heard countless times in recent news. In Resident Evil 3, however, the disease (called the T-Virus) is artificial. You play as Jill Valentine battling a health threat, along with your man.
Your Nemesis is Nemesis
The disease is constantly shown in Nemesis, a ferocious creature that pursues you throughout the game. A fan favorite from the original Resident Evil 3, Nemesis ranks among the most iconic horror game villains. That’s a good reason.
Nemesis, and other enemies, will frighten you countless. At one point, a monster jumped out and implanted the larvae down Valentine’s throat, causing her to vomit out of her system. As Valentine, you’ll wander the streets of Raccoon City, facing horrors like these among the relics of once vibrant homes and shops, often guided only by the light of a lamp.
I often find myself thinking, why am I playing this game? But I can’t put it down.
Resident Evil 3 is uncomfortable but exhilarating. There’s a thrill in danger, like wandering in a haunted house or riding a roller coaster. Resident Evil 3 is all about suspense.
Just when you think Nemesis stops working, it comes back on, even stronger – like an ever-changing virus. No area feels safe. Was that zombie lying motionless a second ago? It can only start respawning when you let your guard down.
The only place of solace is in the safe rooms where you can save your progress. That is where I find a sense of calm that comes to me every time I open the door, especially in new areas when I don’t know what’s on the other side.
It’s quite beautiful, albeit in a haunting, dark way.
This tension is heightened by great music. Much of the game is driven by a series of increasingly escalating sequences. It’s reminiscent of the ambient sounds of a horror movie preparing for a horrifying jump, just constant. However, when you step into a safe room, everything changes. It is always lit, and a soft piano sound begins.
The only difference from the constant sense of danger is removing the original game’s fixed camera. The inability to look around and draw things around increases the tension of the original, but it wouldn’t fly in a modern title. That is a much-needed and appreciated upgrade.
Capcom has also upgraded the image. Resident Evil 3 is a remake, not a remaster, and the brand new look and feel is truly amazing. It is hauntingly beautiful. Nemesis’ design is incredible, especially as it continues to change form.
Valentine also gets a new millennium makeover, finally ditching the top tube for a more realistic tank. I have nothing against pipe tops like a suit, but as a woman who plays the game, it’s emotional to see Valentine fight for survival in the least realistic outfit possible. It would instantly break my suspension of skepticism, and in a game filled with zombies and amazing physical feats performed by the main characters, that’s something.
Instead, we’re treated to two playable protagonists that you switch between as the game progresses. They are technically on opposite sides, as Valentine works for the special forces group STARS, investigating the Umbrella corporation for its role in spreading the T-Virus. Carlos, the other playable character, works for Umbrella, but the two still join forces.
They won’t win the Resident Evil 3 award for best writing, but their dynamic works, especially in Resident Evil 3. That is a horror game. It needs direct, strong characters.
Finally, I no longer question why I play games. I left a satisfied feeling, what a great game should do, regardless of whether it has a happy ending or not.
Besides the story mode, Resident Evil 3 adds a multiplayer option called Resident Evil Resistance, a 4vs1 online player experience.
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Conclusion: A Thrilling, If Divisive, Remake
The “Resident Evil 3” remake is a visually stunning, fast-paced survival horror game that succeeds in updating the classic experience for a modern audience. Its strong character development, intense combat, and immersive atmosphere make it a worthy addition to the “Resident Evil” franchise, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the “Resident Evil 2” remake.
For newcomers to the series, “Resident Evil 3” offers a thrilling and accessible introduction to the world of survival horror. The streamlined gameplay, modern controls, and high-quality production values make it a game that’s easy to pick up and enjoy, even for those unfamiliar with the original.
However, for longtime fans of the 1999 game, the remake may be a more divisive experience. While it excels in many areas, the changes and omissions compared to the original may leave some players feeling that it doesn’t fully capture the magic of the original. The shortened playtime, reduced emphasis on exploration and puzzles, and the more scripted encounters with Nemesis are all aspects that have sparked debate within the community.
In the end, “Resident Evil 3” (2020) stands as a solid and well-crafted remake that offers both thrilling horror and action. It may not completely satisfy all fans of the original, but it undoubtedly provides an intense and memorable experience for anyone willing to dive into the nightmare of Raccoon City once again. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer looking for a scare, “Resident Evil 3” is a game that’s well worth playing, even if it doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of its predecessor.