Resident Evil HD Remaster
- January 20, 2015
“Resident Evil HD not only preserves Shinji Mikami’s classic, but introduces a new control scheme that perfectly balances its delicious challenge.”
The game that defined the survival-horror genre is back! Check out the remastered HD version of Resident Evil. In 1998 a special forces team is sent to investigate some bizarre murders on the outskirts of Raccoon City. Upon arriving they are attacked by a pack of blood-thirsty dogs and are forced to take cover in a nearby mansion. But the scent of death hangs heavy in the air. Supplies are scarce …
Reviews
- The remaster retains the classic survival horror atmosphere while enhancing graphics and sound, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
- The game features improved controls and additional content, such as dual audio options and unlockable costumes, which enrich the overall experience.
- Resident Evil HD Remaster is praised for its challenging puzzles and engaging gameplay, appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans of the series.
- Some players find the game tedious due to outdated design choices, such as fixed camera angles and excessive backtracking.
- The HD enhancements are inconsistent, with some textures appearing unimpressive and certain pre-rendered backgrounds not being updated.
- There are complaints about the lack of new content and the high price point compared to other available collections, leading some to feel it's not worth the investment.
- graphics26 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics have received significant praise for their updates, showcasing a modern engine that enhances the visual experience compared to the original. While many users appreciate the improved visuals and the option for different control schemes, some note that certain elements, like camera movements and occasional blurry textures, detract from the overall quality. Overall, the remastered graphics are considered a strong point, making the game visually appealing on current-generation consoles.
“The graphics look great, especially when it has been revised over with a newer graphics engine.”
“Although a little different than the original that came out years ago, this one has some changes and far better graphics.”
“The graphics have been upgraded and look really good on the PS3; they've also added 5.1 sound.”
“The visuals look like it was made for the PS4, not a console now 2 generations old.”
“Overall, though, Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster shows a lot of promise in the graphical department.”
“The wild card is that it's a multigenerational rerelease with slight graphical variation across platforms.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the latest Resident Evil release is characterized by a blend of classic survival-horror mechanics and new enhancements, offering a slow-paced exploration experience that emphasizes tension and fear. While some players may find the dated mechanics cumbersome, the game retains its terrifying atmosphere and is well-suited for both series veterans and newcomers willing to adapt. Overall, it successfully combines nostalgic elements with modern improvements, making it a compelling experience for fans of the genre.
“As for the gameplay and design, it’s perfect for anyone who likes a little less action and more slow-paced exploration and that feeling of not wanting to explore for fear of what you might find.”
“Resident Evil on the Switch is a familiar experience with some excellent gameplay that can be enjoyed in handheld mode.”
“Cumbersome and horrifying in equal measure, it refuses to let you have your brains and eat them, so while series veterans will know what to expect, new players should prepare themselves for a schooling in game mechanics which have largely fallen out of fashion.”
“[dated game mechanics]”
“Resident Evil has small issues here and there, and the silly writing and survival gameplay have never been for everybody, but these negatives don't change the fact that this is a fantastic release.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its chilling and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of classic survival horror with a blend of brutal intensity and subtle visual enhancements. Reviewers highlight the effective use of sound, fixed camera angles, and clever design choices that contribute to a uniquely eerie experience, reminiscent of early horror cinema. Overall, the game successfully evokes a strong sense of dread and tension, making it a standout entry in the series.
“A brilliant, brutal survival horror dripping in atmosphere.”
“While the fixed camera angles and the adventure-game like puzzles will shock more recent series fans, it’s all still enjoyable, and the crimson head zombies, the great and ever-surprising design, and the atmosphere ensures the remake feels like a unique entry in the series.”
“Sure, it’s primitive and clunky, with the kind of mannered, expressionist acting you’d expect from early silent cinema and some unintentionally amusing night scenes, clearly shot in daylight, yet there’s still imagery and atmosphere to chill the blood.”
“[the B-movie atmosphere, the refreshed character models, frighteningly good 5.1 surround sound, classic survival-horror gameplay].”
“[it’s exactly what fans would want from an HD Resident Evil remake, setting is still high on creepy atmosphere, even in 2015].”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is noted for contributing to the overall mood, but some users feel it lacks quality compared to the original soundtracks of classic titles. While the soundtrack enhances the experience, there are calls for remakes to include the original music to better capture the essence of the earlier games. Overall, the music is appreciated but seen as an area that could benefit from improvement.
“The mood and music in the game enhance the overall experience, making it feel immersive and engaging.”
“I want remakes of Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3 but with locked camera positions, tank controls, and the original soundtrack.”
“If you ever get a chance to see the original 1922 Nosferatu at the cinema, preferably at its original 18fps frame rate with a decent soundtrack, do so.”
“[Textures still look unimpressive, puzzles are still quite tough, soundtrack lacks quality]”
“I want remakes of RE 1, 2, 3 but with locked camera positions, tank controls, and the original soundtrack.”
“Ever changing and challenging puzzle elements, better story and characters/dialogue, mood & music, better creature designs, exploration, hidden secrets, and the awesome additional modes and unlockable weapons and costumes belong in the game - not DLC!”
- story4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its simplicity and ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, with engaging characters and dialogue that contribute to the overall experience. Players appreciate the exploration elements and hidden secrets, which add depth to the narrative, while fans of the original Resident Evil series are particularly excited about the unfolding of Rebecca's story in this re-release. Overall, the combination of mood, music, and visual upgrades creates a compelling backdrop for the gameplay.
“The simplicity of the story and setting allows the atmosphere to shine.”
“Fans of the old-school Resident Evil series who missed out on this game due to the lack of a GameCube will be pleased with this re-release, and I’m certainly excited to find out how Rebecca’s story unfolds prior to the events of the original Resident Evil.”
“Ever changing and challenging puzzle elements, better story and characters/dialogue, mood & music, better creature designs, exploration, hidden secrets, and the awesome additional modes and unlockable weapons and costumes belong in the game - not DLC!”
“The story is simplistic and lacks depth, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The characters and dialogue feel underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with the narrative.”
“While the atmosphere is engaging, the story fails to deliver any real emotional impact.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express mixed feelings about grinding, with some recalling it fondly from the past, while others find it tedious and frustrating due to limited camera angles, cumbersome room transitions, and an inefficient inventory system. Additionally, the compressed voice-over audio adds to the overall sense of tedium.
“I loved it back in the day, but now it feels really tedious.”
“Limited camera angles can also lead to mild frustration; voice-over audio is distractingly compressed; room transitions and the inventory system can get tedious.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The remake offers significant replayability due to its enjoyable gameplay and improved features, though players may encounter some repetitive elements and only minor variations in endings. The immersive environments and enhanced sound design contribute to the overall experience, making it a compelling choice for multiple playthroughs.
“Great environments but with some blurred textures; fantastic sound remix for 5.1 but with occasionally subpar voice work; terrifying and thrilling but with lots of retreading; lots of replay value but sometimes only slight differences in endings.”
“The remake is as enjoyable as ever, enhanced by small improvements that make it that much more playable, and the whole experience hints at just how great a new 'classic' Resident Evil could be with today's technology behind it.”
Critic Reviews
Resident Evil HD Review
Resident Evil HD is a remake done right. Rather than bend over backwards to please a new generation of gamers, it proudly sticks by its roots and is better because of it. Those looking to try something "new" should look to the past with this spot-on remaster.
80%Resident Evil HD Remaster review
A brilliant, brutal survival horror dripping in atmosphere. Its from the oldest of schools, but still offers a rewarding challenge.
80%Resident Evil Review
Resident Evil has small issues here and there, and the silly writing and survival gameplay have never been for everybody, but these negatives don't change the fact that this is a fantastic release. The REmake is as enjoyable as ever, enhanced by small improvements that make it that much more playable, and the whole experience hints at just how great a new "classic" Resident Evil could be with today's technology behind it.
80%