Capcom started 2019 with a bang thanks to the universally acclaimed Resident Evil 2 remake. The updated version of the classic survival horror title innovated upon the beloved scenario while retaining the same bone chilling terror. This year the company aims to recreate the same magic with a Resident Evil 3 remake.
They are trying a few different things with this one, however, such as a brand new multiplayer mode. While we have no doubt about its success, a few aspects make one wonder if it will live up to its predecessor. At the end of the day, its victories will most likely overshadow its faults.
10 Excited: Return Of Jill
despite starting off the series as one of the two leading characters of the premier entry, Jill Valentine has been out of the Resident Evil spotlight for many years.
Her most recent appearance in a canon Resident Evil game was 2012's Revelations, a prequel to 2009's Resident Evil 5, which is her most recent appearance chronologically. While the upcoming game is obviously a prequel once again, it will still be great to jump into her shoes for the first time in a long while.
9 Worried: Length
Resident Evil 2's remake had the luxury of two scenarios. Even though some felt Claire and Leon's stories didn't differentiate enough, at least it helped add replay value.
Resident Evil 3 will have only one scenario, leading to some worries about its length. Sure, the multiplayer mode may help soften the blow, but those interested solely in single-player will not get the same value as they did from the 2019 game. At least Capcom games in general encourage multiple play throughs.
8 Excited: Nemesis
Mr. X was Resident Evil 2's most standout feature. The creature hunted the player through the environment in unpredictable ways, changing its behavior based on the protagonist's actions.
Nemesis is expected to function in a similar manner, only the iconic creature is more agile and contains a bigger arsenal. Additionally, one has to remember that the team has had more time to work on the AI and perfect the mechanics. As menacing as Mr. X is, one can expect Nemesis to be twice as deadly.
7 Worried: Resistance Mode
Capcom's marketing around the multiplayer mode was curious, to say the least. It was first shown as a separate feature and the company remained hush hush as to its purpose.
Only during a Sony State of Play presentation did Resident Evil: Resistance come to light as Resident Evil 3's online multiplayer component. While it has promise, it feels like a large waste of resources for those completely uninterested in multiplayer.
6 Excited: Carlos Oliveira
Carlos is a vital part of Resident Evil 3, but is absent from future entries. People don't even know what he did after the game's events. While it is a familiar story, it will still be nice to revisit Carlos.
Perhaps the remake will shine the light on some mysteries surrounding the character. Does he go on the run and change his identity to hide from Umbrella, or does he go on the offensive and help take the corporation down?
5 Worried: Lack Of Bonus Content
In an age where unlockables are often replaced by microtransactions, Resident Evil 2 bucked the trend by still letting players earn the best guns and equipment the old fashion way. As they beat the game on higher difficulties and under certain conditions, they earn special bonuses to use in the next playthrough.
Additionally, the Hunk and Tofu missions came back as new ways to experience the environment. Resistance in Resident Evil 3 makes one think the new game will adopt a modern monetization system. If the multiplayer is bogged down by these trends, we sincerely hope it has no bearing on the main campaign.
4 Excited: Resident Evil 3 Hasn't Aged As Well
If Resident Evil 2's remake had bombed, people could still enjoy the original classic as it has aged like fine wine. Resident Evil 3 on the PS1, on the other hand, doesn't have the same reputation.
With this in mind, the prospect of a new version is even more exciting. Avid fans newer to the series should play the original to know the roots, but they'll find it is the weakest of the original trilogy. The upcoming remake presents an opportunity for a definitive version.
3 Worried: No Mercenaries Mode
It wasn't shocking to see no Mercenaries Mode in Resident Evil 2 last year, since the original didn't have it. Its absence in the upcoming game stings a little more, however.
The PS1 game included it, so why leave it out just because Resident Evil: Resistance will take its place? If the new asymmetrical multiplayer mode doesn't scratch the same itch, many will feel like the game is lacking is post-game activities.
2 Excited: Seeing The Rest Of Raccoon City
Resident Evil 2 shows a little bit of Raccoon City before players seek refuge in the police station. Resident Evil 3 sees Jill exploring the rest of the city while attempting her last escape.
The Raccoon City Police station was a closed environment and people could easily remember how many zombies were behind each door. The same may not be the case for the city streets. In an open environment, Nemesis can come from any direction. It will also be nice to see the iconic location on modern hardware.
1 Worried: Not Improving Enough On The Gameplay
Resident Evil 2 heavily innovated on the franchise's gameplay, feeling like the perfect mix between the survival horror of the classics and the over-the-shoulder, intimate gunplay introduced in Resident Evil 4.
Zombies also behaved and reacted to bullets in an entirely new way. We have yet to see if Resident Evil 3 is taking as many steps forward with the gameplay, or if it will feel largely the same as its predecessor. It won't be the end of the world if it is too familiar, but fans want something additional, even if it is subtle.