Resident Evil Remake | Review and Analysis

1. Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)

Overview:
A complete reimagining of the 1998 classic, Resident Evil 2 Remake redefined survival horror by blending nostalgia with modern game design.

Strengths:

• Atmosphere: Dark, claustrophobic environments in the Raccoon City Police Department evoke constant tension.
• Gameplay: Over-the-shoulder camera modernized the experience while maintaining survival horror roots.
• Sound Design: Terrifying sound cues (especially Mr. X’s footsteps) elevate the horror.
• Replayability: Two playable characters (Leon and Claire) offer slightly different campaigns.

Criticisms:

• Limited Impact of A/B Scenarios: Unlike the original, scenarios for Leon and Claire lacked significant narrative differences.

Overall Impact:
Widely praised for revitalizing the franchise and setting a new benchmark for survival horror remakes.

2. Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)

Overview:
A remake of the 1999 Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, this version took a more action-oriented approach.

Strengths:

• Visuals: Stunning RE Engine visuals bring Raccoon City to life.
• Combat: Jill Valentine’s agility and dodge mechanic make combat faster and more dynamic.
• Nemesis Design: Early encounters with Nemesis are intense and memorable.

Criticisms:

• Cut Content: Key areas like the clock tower were omitted, disappointing fans.
• Linear Design: Less exploration and puzzles compared to RE2 Remake.
• Short Campaign: A 5–6-hour campaign felt rushed.
• Nemesis Underutilized: Despite being the central threat, Nemesis had fewer impactful appearances compared to Mr. X.

Overall Impact:
While visually impressive and fun to play, the game was criticized for being too streamlined and lacking the depth of its predecessor.

Here’s a comprehensive review and analysis comparing the modern Resident Evil remakes: Resident Evil 2 (2019), Resident Evil 3 (2020), and Resident Evil 4 (2023). This analysis will focus on gameplay, narrative adaptation, visuals, and how each remake respects and evolves the original game.

1. Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)

Overview:
A complete reimagining of the 1998 classic, Resident Evil 2 Remake redefined survival horror by blending nostalgia with modern game design.

Strengths:

• Atmosphere: Dark, claustrophobic environments in the Raccoon City Police Department evoke constant tension.
• Gameplay: Over-the-shoulder camera modernized the experience while maintaining survival horror roots.
• Sound Design: Terrifying sound cues (especially Mr. X’s footsteps) elevate the horror.
• Replayability: Two playable characters (Leon and Claire) offer slightly different campaigns.

Criticisms:

• Limited Impact of A/B Scenarios: Unlike the original, scenarios for Leon and Claire lacked significant narrative differences.

Overall Impact:
Widely praised for revitalizing the franchise and setting a new benchmark for survival horror remakes.

2. Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)

Overview:
A remake of the 1999 Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, this version took a more action-oriented approach.

Strengths:

• Visuals: Stunning RE Engine visuals bring Raccoon City to life.
• Combat: Jill Valentine’s agility and dodge mechanic make combat faster and more dynamic.
• Nemesis Design: Early encounters with Nemesis are intense and memorable.

Criticisms:

• Cut Content: Key areas like the clock tower were omitted, disappointing fans.
• Linear Design: Less exploration and puzzles compared to RE2 Remake.
• Short Campaign: A 5–6-hour campaign felt rushed.
• Nemesis Underutilized: Despite being the central threat, Nemesis had fewer impactful appearances compared to Mr. X.

Overall Impact:
While visually impressive and fun to play, the game was criticized for being too streamlined and lacking the depth of its predecessor.

3. Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)

Overview:
Remaking the 2005 action-horror classic, Resident Evil 4 Remake modernized one of the most influential games in the series.

Strengths:

• Balanced Tone: Successfully blends action and horror, leaning more into the eerie atmosphere.
• Combat and Mechanics: Improved gunplay, parry mechanics, and more aggressive enemy AI elevate combat.
• Expanded Story: Enhanced character development for Ashley and Luis.
• Visual Fidelity: Gorgeous environments with richly detailed textures.
• Boss Fights: More intense and creative, staying true to the original while offering fresh challenges.

Criticisms:

• Pacing: Some fans feel the pacing has been slightly altered, impacting the game’s flow.
• Cut Content: Minor sections like certain boss fights and QTEs were streamlined or removed.

Overall Impact:
Highly acclaimed for respecting the original while modernizing gameplay and deepening the narrative.

Comparative Analysis

Overall Assessment

• Resident Evil 2 Remake is the most successful in balancing nostalgia with innovation. It restored survival horror to the series while appealing to both old and new fans.
• Resident Evil 3 Remake felt like a missed opportunity, cutting too much content and overemphasizing action, resulting in a less impactful experience.
• Resident Evil 4 Remake masterfully modernized a beloved game, refining its mechanics and storytelling while honoring its legacy.

Final Thoughts

Each remake reflects Capcom’s evolving design philosophy:

• RE2 Remake focused on survival horror revival.
• RE3 Remake leaned too heavily into streamlined action.
• RE4 Remake found a sweet spot between action and horror, setting a high bar for future remakes.