In April 2020, Capcom released the highly anticipated remake of Resident Evil 3, one of the most beloved entries in the iconic survival horror franchise. As fans eagerly awaited the return to Raccoon City, hopes were high for a reimagining that would capture the essence of the original game while delivering modern graphics, gameplay, and scares. However, as the dust settled, it became clear that Resident Evil 3 Remake had fallen short of expectations. In this article, we will explore the reasons why this remake failed to live up to its potential, examining its shortcomings in gameplay, story, and overall execution.
Gameplay Gone in a Blink
One of the most glaring issues with Resident Evil 3 Remake was its abbreviated gameplay length. In the original game, players could spend hours exploring the sprawling city streets of Raccoon City, navigating through intricate puzzles, managing inventory space, and engaging in heart-stopping encounters with zombies, mutants, and the relentless Nemesis. However, in the remake, these experiences were truncated and streamlined, resulting in a disappointingly short campaign that could be completed in a matter of hours.
Nemesis, the iconic antagonist of Resident Evil 3, was one of the most anticipated aspects of the remake. In the original game, Nemesis was a terrifying force to be reckoned with, relentlessly pursuing the player throughout the game, and posing a constant threat that kept players on their toes. However, in the remake, Nemesis was significantly toned down, relegated to scripted sequences and set-piece encounters that lacked the tension and unpredictability of the original. This resulted in a less formidable and less memorable Nemesis, robbing the game of one of its most iconic elements.
Missed Opportunities in Storytelling
Another area where Resident Evil 3 Remake faltered was in its storytelling. While the original game had a gripping narrative that delved into the backstory of the outbreak in Raccoon City and the fates of its characters, the remake failed to fully capitalize on this potential. The story was condensed and simplified, with key moments and character development reduced or omitted altogether. This resulted in a shallower and less emotionally resonant narrative, leaving players feeling disconnected from the events and characters in the game.
Resident Evil 3 Remake also suffered from cut content and a lack of replay value. In the original game, players had the option to make choices that affected the outcome of the story and gameplay, adding replayability and incentive for multiple playthroughs. However, in the remake, these choices were removed, resulting in a linear and scripted experience that lacked the replay value of its predecessor. Additionally, several iconic locations and enemies from the original game, such as the Clock Tower and the Grave Digger, were omitted from the remake, leaving fans disappointed and feeling like something was missing.
To make up for the truncated single-player campaign, Capcom included a multiplayer mode called Resident Evil Resistance with Resident Evil 3 Remake. However, this addition was met with mixed reception. While some players enjoyed the cooperative gameplay and the ability to play as the Mastermind, controlling the enemies and traps, others found it to be an unnecessary distraction from the main game. The multiplayer mode also suffered from connectivity issues and balance problems, further dampening its appeal and replay value.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, Resident Evil 3 Remake fell short of expectations in several key areas, resulting in a missed opportunity to fully capture the magic of the original game. Its abbreviated gameplay length, toned-down Nemesis, missed opportunities in storytelling, cut content, and lack of replay value all contributed to its failure as a remake. While the inclusion of the multiplayer mode was a novel attempt to add replayability, it received a mixed reception from players.
As a beloved entry in the Resident Evil franchise, fans were hoping for a faithful and immersive reimagining of Resident Evil 3 that would not only modernize the graphics and gameplay but also retain the memorable elements that made the original game a classic. Unfortunately, the remake fell short of delivering on these expectations, leaving players feeling disappointed and longing for the experience they had hoped for.
