Over a decade ago, Capcom’s Resident Evil was remade for the Nintendo Gamecube where the game received a total makeover from its original PSOne version. Back then, Capcom had an exclusive deal with Nintendo to bring Resident Evil games on the Gamecube platform. Moving forward to this generation, Capcom is once again bringing the game to current-gen consoles where the visuals have been improved to HD. Not only is the game coming to current-gen consoles, but it’s also coming to PC where the game will be further pushed to its limit.
Resident Evil HD Remaster offers the same content the Gamecube version offered over a decade ago. There is no new content being added in this remastered version except that the visuals and presentation have been improved. Originally designed to run at a standard resolution, Capcom has now changed that and gave the game a big boost as it can now be played at 1080p. For those who are playing on PS4, the game is capped at 30 frames per second. For PC gamers however, they can enjoy the game even more as it’s set at 60 frames per second. As always, the game runs very solid on PC compared to the PS4 version. The lighting and effects are much more precise in the PC version, although the textures are pretty much similar on both versions.
In the previous Resident Evil games that Capcom had released, new generation of gamers might have been accustomed to the action-horror approach the series is now known. If that is the case, Resident Evil HD Remaster will bring new gamers back to the series’ roots where they will experience a true survival horror game. Following Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, gamers will be going through a dark sinister mansion where all sorts of secrets and mysteries await. As gamers guide both characters, they will learn how to conserve ammo, solve puzzles, and trust their instincts. Packed with a musical score to build up that eerie atmosphere, gamers who never experienced the original game will surely be thrilled and spooked out as they finish the game.
In Resident Evil HD Remaster, the game offers two story arcs that players can play – Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield. Depending on which character you choose, you will get a different approach to the story, although the plot will be the same at the very end. For beginners, it’s recommended that they must play as Jill Valentine first before Chris Redfield. Each of the two characters have a unique set of items and abilities that are available. After finishing one story arc, it’s recommended to play the other one to see how the story folds out or see an alternate take of the game’s story.
As players venture through the dark and sinister mansion, prepare to encounter puzzles that need to be solved. The puzzles are quite easy as it just involves players running back and forth, while remembering certain things. With many pathways that are available to take, it’s guaranteed that first timers will get lost and they will have to rely on their gut feeling as to where to proceed next.
Gamers who have played the Gamecube version before and wanting to play the remastered version again, they have two control schemes that they can choose from – the original tank movements as found in the first three Resident Evil games, and the alternative control scheme that is best suited for new generation gamers. For an old school gamer like me, the original tank controls is something I prefer the most as I’m used to it and it plays better on my end.
Between the PC and PS4 version, the PC version stands out the most and it’s something I recommend gamers should definitely play on. With the ability to customize the visual settings and play the game at 60 frames per second, the game looks darn pretty. For the PS4 version, the game is in HD but there are hiccups here and there, especially the pop-in textures that randomly appear. If there is one thing I’m super annoyed in this game, that would be the door loading screen. I wish there’s a way to turn it off!
From the many remastered games that developers and publishers keep on pushing to current-gen consoles, I must say that Resident Evil HD Remaster is one of the best I have seen. The remastered treatment for the best survival-horror game is well deserved and those who have missed out on the Gamecube version released over ten years ago should definitely pick this one up. With the PC being the superior version, those who will be getting the console version will not be missing out on a lot. Regardless if you have played the game over ten years ago or not, I must say that you definitely need to play it again and see the game in glorious HD and re-experience the true survival-horror game we’ve all been craving.
[Editor’s Note: Resident Evil HD Remaster was reviewed on the PS4 and PC platforms. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]