The launch of Resident Evil 3 Remake in 2020 generated considerable excitement, especially following the success of the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 2 Remake in the prior year. While Resident Evil 3 Remake is largely well-crafted, five years post-release, it becomes evident that it falls short compared to the other remakes within the franchise. Warning: Major spoilers for both the original and remake of Resident Evil 3 ahead. Unlike Resident Evil 2, which polished nearly every aspect of its predecessor, the RE3 installment feels like it barely meets expectations, with notable cuts and modifications that raise questions about its overall value. With the classic Resident Evil trilogy now accessible on GOG, players can easily revisit the originals and recognize the shortcomings of the remake. While engaging in its own right, Resident Evil 3 Remake has the potential to be much more.
A Narrative Evolution in Resident Evil 3
Aesthetic Achievements vs. Narrative Impact
One of the advancements in almost all Resident Evil remakes is the storytelling. Since earlier titles were released during a time when video game voice acting was still maturing, the narrative presentation has greatly improved, including in Resident Evil 3. In this remake, the quality of voice acting, dialogue, and character development is significantly enhanced, with the antagonist Nicholai portrayed as a more compelling villain compared to his one-dimensional portrayal in the original game.
Nevertheless, the remake seems to rush for player engagement from the onset, contrasting sharply with the more nuanced storytelling of the original. While the visuals are stunning—especially the new character and enemy designs—the narrative lacks much of the depth that made the original a standout conclusion to the PlayStation 1 trilogy. In the original game, Nemesis does not make an appearance until approximately 45 minutes in, only being hinted at by Brad Vickers to build suspense until his eventual appearance at the Raccoon City Police Station. This technique effectively heightened anticipation, but the remake instead opens with an initial confrontation with Nemesis.
Moreover, the fact that Brad does not perish at the hands of Nemesis in the remake diminishes the threat the character poses. In the original, Brad’s shocking death serves as a chilling introduction, illustrating Nemesis’s relentless pursuit of S.T.A.R.S. members, which amplifies the danger for both Jill and the player. Without this impactful scene, Nemesis feels less formidable.
The original game’s notorious rescue fake-out is another unforgettable moment that the remake glosses over. Two-thirds into the classic title, a helicopter appears, hinting at an imminent rescue. The accompanying music creates an illusion of security, only for Nemesis to shoot down the helicopter, triggering a pivotal boss fight. This legendary moment is indelibly etched in the memories of players from their first run, making the omission in the remake particularly perplexing. Ultimately, despite its graphical and auditory enhancements, the storytelling in the classic game remains superior.
Shifting Dynamics in Resident Evil 3
Loss of Replay Value
In addition to narrative alterations, gameplay adjustments further diminish the impact of Resident Evil 3 Remake when compared to Resident Evil 2. The absence of dynamic choices and randomized features is particularly noticeable. In the original Resident Evil 3, players would encounter moments where they needed to choose between two options during cutscenes, thereby affecting the storyline and even the ending. Moreover, enemies, items, and puzzles had varying placements, ensuring that repeat playthroughs remained fresh and engaging.
Unfortunately, the remake eliminates such dynamic elements, and it is even shorter than its predecessor, missing key locations like the iconic Clock Tower, aside from one boss encounter. This omission disrupts the gameplay’s pacing; players transition awkwardly from Carlos to Jill for a brief boss encounter and back, highlighting the rushed nature of the overall experience.
Missing Content in Resident Evil 3 Remake
Absence of Extra Game Modes
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Though the campaign is notably brief, Resident Evil 3 Remake missed a critical opportunity for redemption by not including additional game modes. Traditionally, Resident Evil titles feature one or two extra options for play, such as Mercenaries or The Fourth Survivor. The original Resident Evil 3 introduced the Mercenaries mode, but this remade version lacks any such offerings. Furthermore, there is an absence of any paid or free DLC content similar to that seen in RE2 or RE4.
While the remake does offer the multiplayer experience in Resident Evil: Resistance, this feature faced substantial criticism upon its release for various technical issues. The exclusion of additional game modes is puzzling, particularly as supplementary modes have become a staple in this franchise. There are additional difficulty levels available; however, they do not significantly alter the gaming experience in the way that modes like Invisible Enemy did in the Resident Evil 1 Remake. The lack of substantial content causes Resident Evil 3 Remake to stand out unfavorably when compared to other titles in the series.
In contrast, the remakes of RE2 and RE4 received ample time and resources, preserving most essential elements from their originals while introducing additional modes as both free and paid DLC. It is a disappointment that Resident Evil 3 Remake did not receive the same treatment. If Capcom plans to resurrect other Resident Evil classics, such as Code: Veronica, it should prioritize the careful design and inclusion of content akin to what was afforded to RE2 and RE4.
Source: Resident Evil/YouTube