Resident Evil is the preeminent survival horror game, launching an entire genre from niche to popular and well-traveled. Capcom has redone and re-released the original title on multiple platforms from the PlayStation One to the Sega Saturn to the Gamecube. Further up-rezzed to 1080p and put in 16:9 for HD displays, Resident Evil HD Remaster is a stunning way to return to the mansion.

Capcom did an excellent job with keeping the essence of the game in tact while addressing the pieces that make the PS One version look old and outdated. The graphical models are superb. The details are evident in the facial and walking animations. There is also a lot of detail in the sound effects and music in the game, keeping the ambiance and tone exactly where it needs to be.

The game still holds up. It is creepy and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It has those jump scares that you know are coming but still get you anyway. It isn’t really those moments that make Resident Evil great. It’s honestly the rest of the time when you aren’t sure what’s around the next corner and you never quite feel safe until you enter the safe room and hear the telltale music. As I’m writing this, I realize that I stopped playing over an hour ago and I still feel tightness in my chest. The proof that Resident Evil still has that “it” factor is even with this admission, I still want to get back in and play more.

Normally, this is the point in my review I bring up the gameplay or mechanics I struggled with in the game. Oh, I definitely struggled with the original “tank” gameplay mechanics as aiming directions of up, straight and down are a far cry from my modern training with an analog stick and a reticule. The camera was also a pain point as the fixed cameras sometimes made fights difficult as I was stuck behind a wall or right after I walked through a door and the camera was pointed at my face. Thing is, this is how the game was meant to be played and I give Capcom a pass on staying the course.

Overall, Resident Evil Remastered has a lot going for it. The improved graphics bring the classic up to speed for both new audiences who may not have been around when it initially hit stores shelves almost 20 years ago as well as seasoned veterans like myself who enjoy a solid survival horror game and classic. If you are into survival horror or simply want to see what makes this classic tick, I recommend picking this up.

Resident Evil Remastered is out now on PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Sony PlayStation 4.

Resident Evil Remastered Gameplay Commentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcBbqpPCvuU