Resident Evil 3 Review (PS4)

Introduction

This is a remake or reimagine of the original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, with third person shooter gameplay as well being powered by RE Engine. Unlike Resident Evil 2 Remake, this game is developed externally by M-Two and supervised by Capcom.

The disc itself includes two game apps that you can install, which are Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil: Resistance. You can choose to install both or either one, but you still need the disc to launch either games.

Story

Jill is back.

The story takes place in Raccoon City, where Jill is planning to leave the city. Before she does that however, she is ambushed by a humanoid monster named Nemesis. Jill has to fight her way out with other survivors, while being hunted by this monster.

The story is pretty good. Good survival story featuring Jill. This game has different story elements compared to the original game, and they are interestngly done to make the story cohesive. Jill is a great lead character in this game, and the supporting characters are absolutely memorable as well, especially Carlos, Tyrell, and Mikhail. The U.B.C.S. characters are much well characterised in this game compared to the original game.

Gameplay

Survive against a variety of unnatural and horrific monsters in the city.

Like Resident Evil 2 Remake, this is a third person shooter survival horror game. You will play Jill most of the time, but there are times you will control another character in certain parts of the game's campaign. There are several difficulty modes in this game, so choose wisely before starting the game.

Like other Resident Evil games, you have to explore areas and find key items to progress the story. There are puzzles in this game, but fewer than the original game or Resident Evil 2 Remake. Key items can be found in different areas, as well as supplies. Optional areas can be found in this game as well, as they may contain supplies.

Jill and the other character can find supplies in this game, such as new weapons, ammo and herbs. Herbs can be mixed to create stronger healing herbs mixture, or gunpowders can be mixed to create new ammo. As you explore, you may also find weapon parts that you can attach on your firearms. Some of them are permanent, but there are parts that can be removed to save your inventory spaces for other items.

Gameplay controls and combat remain similar to Resident Evil 2 Remake. You may walk, run, inspect items, and shoot your firearms on enemies. One of the key addition to the gameplay is the ability to sidestep to avoid enemy attacks. If you press it at a perfect timing, Jill will do a dodge roll, and she can shoot at the enemy in slow motion for a short while. Jill also has additional weapons that she can use in combat, such as grenades, shotgun, and etc.

Enemies come in different variety, and they have different models, attacks, and weaknesses. Zombies are much more dangerous in this game, as they come in bigger numbers. Other monsters include the classic Hunter Beta that will prove some challenge in other areas. Nemesis will pursue you in certain sections, and you will have to fight it at certain areas. Nemesis is not a pushover, so use certain tactics and weapons to bring it down in different encounters. There are some encounters you don't have to fight Nemesis, so that is an option as well.

Once you completed the game the first time, you will unlock the Shop, where you can buy unlockables to be used in the game. You can buy them by spending points, which are obtained by completing Challenges. Each challenge has different condition, such as killing enemies with specific weapons.

Gameplay is great. The controls, the enemy variety, the intense boss fights and the fast pacing are the strengths of this game. However, this game suffers the lack of bonus modes, like Resident Evil 2 Remake's The Fourth Survivor minigame or the original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis' Operation Mad Jackal. Although this game has multiple difficulty modes, they are not enough to make players to play this game repeatedly except for hardcore fans. The lack of puzzles, the omission of several areas from the original game, and the less interesting Nemesis mechanic are also some of the notable issues in this game. Great gameplay, but not without issues.

Graphics

Amazing graphics.

Like Resident Evil 2 Remake released last year, this game has amazing graphics. Impressive looking character models, environments, and creature designs. Solid performance throughout playing the game as well.

Sound

Great voice acting and fitting soundtrack.

This game has great voice acting. Many good performances by the voice actors in this game. The soundtrack is pretty fitting, and I am glad that the save theme from the original Resident Evil 3 is reprised in this game.

Replay Value

Low to moderate replay value.

This game has low to moderate replay value. You may attempt to play the game again in harder difficulties, collect all Files, complete Challenges, and etc. If you are interested, you may also want to play Resident Evil: Resistance as it is included on the disc as well. Be aware that you need PlayStation Plus subscription to play it.

Conclusion

Solid game, but too pricey if you intend to play only Resident Evil 3.

Resident Evil 3 is a solid game with many good qualities, but the lack of additional game features such as the staple Mercenaries mode really hurt this game's replay value. Not to mention, the omission of Live Selection from the original game that could have enhance the replay value of this game. It is pretty clear that Capcom intended Resident Evil: Resistance to be played together with Resident Evil 3, however that only applies to players who have PlayStation Plus subscription. Due to this, the price point should be considered before buying this game as some players may only intend to play Resident Evil 3 only. Resident Evil 3 is a pretty solid game, but with several missed opportunities that could have make it better than the original game.

Score

Story: 8/10
Gameplay: 7/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10

Final Score: 8.3/10 or 33/40

Pros and Cons

Pros

- Pretty good story.
- Many likable characters such as Jill, Carlos, Tyrell and others.
- Fast story pacing.
- Great balance of exploration and combat.
- Dodge system is good.
- Great enemy variety.
- Intense boss fights.
- Great graphics.
- Good music.
- Good voice acting.

Cons

- Story mode feels too short.
-.Disappointing interaction between Jill and Kendo.
- Nemesis mechanic in the remake is not as great as the original game's Nemesis mechanic.
- Lack of puzzles.
- Hit-or-miss story changes and area changes from the original games.
- Lack of minigames like Mercenaries mode or The Fourth Survivor.
-.The nightmare scenes feel unnecessary, but at least they are short and don't interrupt gameplay.



**Screenshots are from official PlayStation game page.

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