In an era where video game remakes are constantly being made, few have achieved the level of admiration and lasting impact that the 2002 version of resident Evil. Inspired by George A. Romero Dawn of the Deadthe 1996 version made for the PlayStation laid the foundation for the survival horror genre in video games. The GameCube remake, however, took that groundwork and fully realized it, modernizing it for today’s audiences. Even more than two decades later, other games in the genre continue to follow this path. resident Evil footsteps. Many agree with the testament that this is not only one of the best horror games ever made, but also the best remake ever made.

“The best remake ever” is a bold statement. With superb works like the recently released Silent Hill 2, Resident Evil 4 And Demonic soulsit can be hard to agree that a 22 year old game is better than all of these games. However, while resident Evil has decades under his belt, the fact that he was way ahead of his time makes up for it. With superb gameplay, mesmerizing sound design, and its ability to make even the bravest gamer tremble in their seat, resident Evil remains the crème de la crème of the genre.

Resident Evil Remake Had a Weak Release, But It Will Never Be Forgotten

The game paved the way for future entries in the Survival-Horror genre

Being a timed exclusive for the GameCube, resident Evil didn’t get off to the best start in terms of sales, only selling around 1 million units at launch. Its exclusivity may strengthen the argument that tons of fans have yet to try the remake since it was locked to the GameCube for years. It was released for the Nintendo Wii in 2008, but by then the remake was all but forgotten. As the 2010s approached, everyone was playing Nintendo’s motion-controlled console’s greatest hits, like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and the incredibly addictive Super Mario Galaxy. It was not until 2015, when resident Evil has been remastered for the next generation of consoles, that it began to gain popularity. Due to its release on all platforms, there is now no excuse or reason to avoid playing this masterpiece of a remake.

resident Evil was the first to show how a remake can breathe new life into what many consider a flawless classic. It includes a series of improvements that make it memorable, such as Reworked enemies, fluid level design, improved story beats, and an all-new backstab defense mechanic that adds a strategic element to combat. These innovations took the already impeccable original into a whole new league of its own, influencing countless titles to follow. These priority components are now the norm in survival horror, almost as if Capcom had written the blueprint for the genre with Resident Evil.

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Fans of the genre will be able to find Resident Evil’inspiration everywhere. From Alan Wakethe dreary atmosphere of the level design Dead spaceall the survival horror hits learned their tropes from Capcom’s innovative episode. Additionally, the remake’s emphasis on resource management highlighted the importance of survival elements in gameplay, encouraging other games to focus on the tension due to scarcity. While other games in the genre bring their own ideas to the table, it’s almost impossible to avoid borrowing or taking inspiration from Resident Evil, because of all the boxes checked for what makes a survival horror game work.

Developers can make games like this, and some can do brilliant work, but no one can come close to Capcom’s first remake. resident Evil is a remake that has aged surprisingly well, both classic and modern. It can be enjoyed by veterans and newcomers alike, with everyone leaving satisfied. Veterans can experience their beloved game with a fresh coat of paint, while newcomers can experience the absolute best starting point in the genre. This is a game that will never be forgotten and will be remembered for its setting, creativity and for being one of the scariest games ever made at the time.

Resident Evil Remake’s unsettling atmosphere is complemented by haunting sound design

The game sounds are straight out of a nightmare

One of the most notable aspects of the 2002 remake is its atmosphere. Formerly simple bland decor, Spencer Mansion is transformed here into a character in its own right, imbued with an overwhelming sense of dread.. All thanks to the updated graphics and lighting, where every room and corridor now looks like a dangerous place where Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield (the two protagonists) are not welcome. The clever placement of camera angles further amplifies the tension, creating the unsettling sensation of something lurking around the corner. Due to the limited technology of 1996, the original simply couldn’t create that feeling as well as the remake.

A survival horror game is only as good as its sound design and music, and resident Evil excels perfectly in both departments. Composed by Shusaku Uchiyama, Makoto Tomozawa and Misao Senbongi, the soundscape of Resident EviI am simply extraordinary. From the intense notes of the piano to the chilling wails of zombies in the distance, the sounds of Spencer Mansion heighten the horror of the game, putting the player in a constant state of fear and paranoia. As hackneyed as this praise may seem, the resident Evil remake is truly the first horror game to truly make players feel as if they were trapped in a nightmare.

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As mentioned before, there are tons of games that can replicate what makes the difference. resident Evil redo so special. This is especially true in the ambiance and sound design departments. Remakes of the classic Resident Evil 4 and the nightmare Silent Hill 2for example, features some of the best music and environments in video game history. However, it’s the rhythm and the way these two components come together resident Evil who outperform their competitors. Musical notes fade in and out as the musicians weave through the pieces, adding silence for a moment, then slowly crescendoing, as if the orchestra is there with you on this nightmarish journey, knowing exactly when to play its role.

Fixed camera angles help amplify sounds and atmosphere, giving the game a unique feel not commonly seen in games anymore. In modern remakes, players have the ability to have a full 360-degree view of their surroundings. This reduces the risk of threats hiding from behind, as they can easily be spotted with a simple movement of the analog stick. THE resident Evil the remake, however, requires the player to be locked into a single camera angleremoving their sense of control. It is because of these camera angles that the “fear of the unknown” is constantly present. It is difficult to predict what lies ahead or what dangers lie ahead. However, it’s also impossible not to move forward, as environments tend to suck the player in.

Sound and atmosphere work together in perfect harmony and make resident Evil stands out as the jewel of the genre. It’s quiet and dark, sometimes loud and intense, but always very immersive. Games rarely have the ability to make the player truly feel something, but Resident EviI do this in a fascinating way through its mixture of music, sounds and environments. The remake never fails to remind the player of the horrors within Spencer Mansion, even if nothing attacks it yet. It’s a game that creates a dreamlike feeling of being trapped and lost, like trying to escape a strange and disturbing limbo. Capcom has always been known as the king of survival horror, and it’s hard not to argue that the famous studio earned that title thanks to 2002’s founding. resident Evil gave their successors more successful titles.

Resident Evil Remake Sets the Bar for Survival Horror Remakes

The game modernized the original with updated controls, level design, and much more.

A video game is only considered a remake if it remains faithful to the source material, while expanding on it through gameplay mechanics and its story. The GameCube resident Evil does right by the original by remaining the same game, while adding desperately needed features and plot points to make it feel more modern. One example is the newly added character, Lisa Trevor, who introduces a tragic backstory that strengthens the game’s story. With this newcomer, players have the opportunity to further connect to the disturbing story of Spencer Mansion and better understand what really happened there. In fact, it was one of the first major revelations in the history of resident Evil frankness that earned his stories attention.

Combat and controls have also been reworked for the resident Evil remake, adding a more modern feel to the gameplay. Gone are the clunky control schemes, replaced by a more natural feel for navigation and exploration. Most importantly, the dagger has been added to players’ arsenal. This new weapon added a strategic element to combat, where players were allowed to use it as a defense mechanism to escape the clutches of a zombie. It seems like a small change, but it’s a very welcome addition that has made enemy encounters more intense, while also being fairer and more satisfying. There’s no better feeling than stabbing an enraged zombie in the neck, giving it a chance to flee danger.

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In addition to new combat mechanics, Jill and Chris encounter new types of enemies during their journey through the remake. For example, the Crimson Heads are a remake-exclusive enemy that seems more dynamic and unpredictable in its movements, making fights more tense and unforgiving. There’s something terrifying about a humanoid entity moving in a strangely “inhuman” way, and these enemies never fail to send chills down your spine. In comparison, the zombies of resident Evil remake moves in a scarier way that resembles the terrifying enemies appearing in the reimagining of Resident Evil 2. This change in approach to horror differs from the original, where it focused more on fixed enemy placements and unrealistic movement.

The level layout design is also improved in the Resident Evil RemakeOr the game takes a less linear approach and instead opens most areas up to further exploration. Each area fits together cohesively, making Spencer Mansion more interesting to navigate and discover. While not strictly a Metroidvania, the game incorporates elements of the genre, with backtracking, optional rooms, and mastering the map to progress further in the story. This level design keeps players occupied for hours, as each location in Spencer Mansion has its own secrets to share.

All of these improvements come together to create the perfect package that any fan can only dream of. The 2002 version of resident Evil is the epitome of what a remake should be: staying true to its source material, while making necessary changes in the right places. Although some will say that there are better remakes, no one can take away the fact that resident Evil remains the touchstone of survivalall the horror. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and how easy it is to see resident Evil‘s DNA is all over the industry, we can confidently say that this is the best remake ever made.

Resident Evil (2002) is available on GameCube, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Wii, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC.

In 1998, a special forces team is sent to investigate bizarre murders in the suburbs of Raccoon City. Upon arrival, they are attacked by a pack of bloodthirsty dogs and are forced to hide in a nearby mansion. But the smell of death hangs heavily in the air. Supplies are scarce as they struggle to stay alive.

Platform(s)

GameCube, Wii

Released

April 30, 2002

Developer(s)

Capcom Production Studio 4

Editor(s)

Capcom

Engine

MT frame

ESRB

m

How long to beat

12 hours

Benefits

• Stunning level design
• Immersive atmosphere and sound design
• Faithful to the original, while bringing new ideas
• Sets a standard for the survival horror genre

Develop