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Resident Evil 3: A True Return to Adolescence – Review

Resident Evil has had a rather up and down lifetime. In the late ’90s, Capcom hit the jackpot by creating possibly one of the most well known and famously appreciated PlayStation trilogies of all time. Nothing seemed to be able to stop this ever-growing title with its unforgettable characters, grotesque (for the time) gore-splattered onto your screen and jump scares so shocking that you would talk about it for hours with your friends in school. Over the years, the games have fallen off until the latest release. Resident Evil 3 seems like a true return to my childhood with the upmost compliment and nod to its dynasty.

Resident Evil

“Each and every weapon has been intricately portrayed to perfection.”

And with a bang, the player is whisked straight into an epic and explosive introduction smothered in drama, intrigue and thrilling circumstances. You are immediately chased into an ever-growing dangerous situation by none other than the Nemesis himself. As the protagonist Jill Valentine, you somehow escape this enormous beast lurking inside your tower block through almost unfathomable actions sequences and discover that your beloved home of Raccoon City has been taken over by bloodthirsty, skin chomping zombies!

Capcom has remastered this title with a level of beauty almost unseen upon other adaptations. Jill’s emotions, physical presence and body movements upon each circumstance feel so smooth and natural. While still holding true to Resident Evils classic gameplay style. Each and every weapon has been intricately portrayed to perfection, allowing the player to almost enjoy every bullet leaving the chambers as it just feels so god damn satisfying. Clothes and hair blow in the wind, water drips off the stairs while puddles reflect the environmental hazards with grace and elegance.

Resident Evil

The zombies themselves are dosed in so much detail they almost appear lifelike in their animations and absorption of attacks. Each blow looks and feels damaging, with parts of their body fading, tearing or exploding depending on the weapon they have been chewing on. This title was truly one of the rare examples of where I had to stop to take in everything.

Bosses create such an impact that you’re almost out of breath after each victory.

Even the inclusions that some gamers may find minor showed greatly how much homage Capcom have paid to Resident Evil 3. For instance, before the player picks up an item, there is a wonderfully detailed preview image to ensure you don’t pick up something that will take up unnecessary space. Even the inventory menu itself appears much neater, clearer, and, to put it plainly, high definition.

Resident Evil

The story itself isn’t the longest in the world. In fact, Resident Evil 3 can be completed under 2 hours by speedrunners. The average completion time is around 6 hours by casual gamers.

Normally, this information would put me off, but the way Capcom has tackled this is what kept me playing. With the introduction of records to beat, various and one game difficulties, scores to master, a shop to purchase game-changing weapons dependent on what you have achieved and new/classic attires to try out, this title has an enormous amount of replayability. Bosses create such an impact that you’re almost out of breath after each victory. After my first completion, I pressed ‘new game’ within 5 minutes of the credits rolling.

The environments within the story invoke exploration of the highest order. This title, while still restricted slightly, feels a lot more open than it’s previous editions. Rooms remain red on the map if items are undiscovered. Locks/safes and secret rooms are scattered all over the map, forcing you to backtrack and find all of the beloved additions hidden within. To finally unlock that intriguing safe you saw 3 hours ago is the most satisfying game feeling of 2020.

Resident Evil

Unfortunately, what comes up must come down in some way or another, and in this circumstance, it is with Resident Evil 3’s multiplayer.

“With a combination of clunky controls, forgettable characters and incredibly tedious and repetitive circumstances, this game mode ultimately falls flat.”

Capcom accompanied Resident Evil 3 with a completely different game called ‘Resistance’. The premise is fantastic; Four survivors of the horrendous epidemic have been placed into a human test against the G-Virus. A trial to overcome and truly test man vs monster.

The player is able to choose if they wish to be a survivor, which contain unique skills to complement the team and eventually escape the horrifying test. Whereas some players are also given the opportunity to be the tester themselves. Placing numerous traps, zombies and various other hurdles to ultimately overcome the survivors and claim victory for the virus. It all sounds interesting but unfortunately, this mode doesn’t hold up.

Resident Evil

With a combination of clunky controls, forgettable characters and incredibly tedious and repetitive circumstances, this game mode ultimately falls flat. I feel that there is considerable potential here, but it will need a considerable revamp to really hit the heights it deserves.

Resident Evil 3 was already placed on a high pedestal due to how much I enjoyed the Resident Evil 2 Remake last year. However, this title has brought so much more than I ever envisaged. If you’re a Resident Evil fan, you will find it tough to put this down. And if you aren’t? I couldn’t recommend higher that this is where you begin.

For more reviews like this, check out Slapshot Reviews!

Resident Evil 3 header - The Game Crater
Resident Evil 3 Review
Summary
With a professional elegance, true love received from its developers and something so simple as ‘time’ given to this title, I can safely say that this is one of the best entries to this franchise. The multiplayer was a rather large letdown, but there is so much within the main title to forgive.
Pros
Huge Replayability
Visually Stunning
Environments Invoke Exploration
Cons
Poor Multiplayer
9