Resident Evil 3: A Bold and Fresh Remake

The second game I had the pleasure to complete during my spooky playthrough was Resident Evil 3 for the PS4. I, of course, played it on my PS5 though. It was definitely a wonderful game. Like most of the Resident Evil games, it gave me a few jump scares, a run for my money and an overall ominous adventure.

Classic Resident Evil Formula

The game was wonderful on its own, but it certainly falls into the Resident Evil franchise quite well, too. Like in previous titles, you’ll explore a somewhat open but mostly linear area. As you do, you will come across plenty of items to promote your progression and optional exploration as well. While the game was fairly generous in the ammo and supplies department, on harder difficulties I can imagine those extra areas would come in handy. Even though I was never really out of supplies, the game still falls under the survival horror genre.

Much like Resident Evil 2, you’ll find yourself in control of two different characters. However this time, you’ll bounce between the two rather than choosing who to play as first. While I appreciate both approaches, I found this way to be smoother in the story-telling department. However, it did end up making the game shorter since you don’t have to play through again as someone else.

At any rate though, it was an absolute blast from start to finish. Resident Evil games always leave me feeling accomplished and that’s what I love about them. Figuring out how to eliminate the bosses or navigate the newest puzzle is what these games are all about. Every time I figure it out, it feels so rewarding. It is also satisfying to manage your ammo and items effectively, maximizing your chances of survival.

Like in previous Resident Evil games, I enjoyed deciding what items to craft. You never have enough ingredients to make everything so you have to think about what playstyle works for you and build upon that. Ultimately I leaned more towards the shotgun, but with that choice came less ammo in the long run. These sacrifices make each playthrough unique for each player.

Jill Valentine

Anyone who knows me knows that I love myself a strong female character. From Lara Croft to Ellie from The Last of Us, give me a strong female character and I am a happy camper. Jill Valentine was immediately a favorite the second I began this game.

No matter what came her way, or how many times Nemesis came back, she was right there ready to take it all on. She was fearless, strong and persistent. She also knew the truth about Umbrella and this outbreak, so she wasn’t buying into any of the lies around the issue. That only made her more headstrong and more willing to do whatever it took to save herself and Carlos.

I adore the other characters in the Resident Evil franchise but Jill might be my favorite so far. Rooting for her the whole time was a given and I certainly couldn’t get enough of her gumption. I wanted the game to be longer just so I could play as her some more. The voice actress really nailed the role too, bringing a wonderful character to life with her stunning performance. Don’t get me wrong here, Carlos was great, too. We all know I was here for Jill though, right?

Nemesis and Raccoon City Exploration

Never knowing when Nemesis would show up kept me on the edge of my seat for sure. As I explored a different collection of areas around Raccoon City, I took in the scenery and fought my way to safety. While I did this though, Nemesis would pay me a visit from time to time and shake things up. Each time he did, I had to figure out a way to evade him. This meant that sometimes exploration took the backseat while I tried to make my escape. I was okay with that though, because Nemesis isn’t meant to be convenient but rather a complete pain. He is not an enemy you want to waste bullets on. Unless the game prompts you to fight him, it is best to find your way around him and run away.

The city itself was rewarding to explore. It was mostly linear like most Resident Evil games, but there were plenty of nooks and crannies to scour for resources. Of course, there was lore scattered about too, whether it was Umbrella documents or civilian letters. Everything you could get your hands on helped expand your knowledge of the world and what exactly was going on. This is where some games can really shine since they don’t want to bog players down with a million cutscenes.

One of my favorite things to do in Resident Evil games is revisit areas. These games are expertly made to encourage the player to explore and try everything, sometimes more than once. Inventory space is limited even after finding a few hip pouches, so sometimes revisiting areas is a necessity to pick things up once you’ve made space. Even if you have space to carry items, you may not have the appropriate tools to access certain areas. I always encourage people to double back when they get the chance to.

More Jill and More Resident Evil Please

This was my second Resident evil game this year, the first being Resident Evil: Village. I know the year is almost over but I wish I could fit another Resident Evil game in there somewhere. Who knows, maybe I can. These games always leave a mark on me and I am left wanting more every single time. They are perfectly crafted to engage the player and leave them feeling rewarded and accomplished.

Jill Valentine was the perfect companion for this experience and she has me itching for more action. I was thrilled to play as her and witness her journey through Raccoon City. Her success was my success and together we survived the outbreak and Nemesis. This was an experience I will never forget.