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Games : Recommended
Ranking:
Release Date: January 20th, 2015 Movie Release Year: 2015

Resident Evil

Overview -

Game developers began flirting with scary titles in the 1980s, but it wasn’t until 1996’s 'Resident Evil' that "survival horror" became a thing. Published by Capcom for the PlayStation, 'Resident Evil' was the brainchild of Shinji Mikami, who took pages from earlier games like 'Alone in the Dark'. Mikami has since left Capcom but is still working on scary stuff like 'The Evil Within.'

Survival horror has fallen by the wayside in recent years, supplanted by the more commercially viable action horror. In a true survival horror game, lots of scary things happen to the player, who is often incapable of fighting against them. The inventory must be carefully managed (if there is even an inventory at all), as supplies are scarce. In earlier 'Resident Evil' titles, puzzles were common, and players were often encouraged to flee from combat rather than spend precious resources that would be better used later against powerful bosses who were otherwise inescapable.

Now, nearly 20 years after the original PlayStation debut, Capcom has elected to return players to the mansion that started it all. This isn't the first time that the original 'Resident Evil/Biohazard' has returned in a big way, but with all the HD remastering going on, why the heck not bring 'RE' out for a new generation of gamers?

OVERALL:
Recommended
Rating Breakdown
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tech Specs & Release Details
Video Resolution/Codec:
1080p
Audio Formats:
5.1 LPCM
Release Date:
January 20th, 2015

Video Review

Ranking:

'Resident Evil' is presented in both widescreen and the original 4:3 aspect ratios, which can be switched at will. The PC version runs at 1080p and 60 fps, but the framerate does experience mild to moderate dips on occasion. The game retains the GameCube’s 3D models on a static background. The models have been upgraded with higher texture detail (geometry uptick) with more contrast in coloring, and particle and lighting effects have been improved considerably. Character movement looks quite natural for a 14-year-old remake of a 19-year-old game. Some of the backgrounds are enhanced, but others look ancient and shabby.

Resident Evil HD Remake Review

Audio Review

Ranking:

It is with great sadness that I report that this remaster uses the Gamecube’s voice tracks, which makes sense but also leaves out the awesomely bad translations and acting from the PlayStation version. There is a silver lining. Much of the "new" dialogue and acting is still very cheesy in a classic B-movie kind of way. The tirelessly cheerful Barry Burton is the best.

This remake has cleared up and improved the audio channels for a clearer sound as well as added proper 5.1 support. The music is minimalist and only picks up for jump scares, cinematics and the like. Usually the mansion is very quiet, with only the character’s footsteps and the occasional haunting screech, hungry moan, or perfectly timed blast of thunder to remind me that the house is not abandoned. I highly recommend playing in the dark and with the volume turned up, preferably with decent headphones.

Final Thoughts

As we retire old consoles and with them our beloved old games, I can appreciate the re-releases that spring up with every new generation. Well, some of them at least. Some are well done, others are rehashed cash grabs. This 'Resident Evil' remake is more of the former. First-time players won't know what's changed, but will get an education on an enduring classic. For veteran 'Resident Evil' players, the lack of new content prevents the game from becoming a must-own title, especially at its relatively high price point.