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The world of video game remasters has exploded since the advent of the PS4 and Xbox One. Many classic titles have been resurrected and given new life with updated graphics and features. However, Resident Evil HD Remaster offers a unique twist: a remaster of a remake. This stems from Capcom’s earlier decision to remake the original 1996 Resident Evil for the GameCube in 2002. That version was a ground-up rebuild with vastly improved graphics, earning widespread acclaim upon release. So, does the Resident Evil HD Remaster simply offer a superficial polish to a decade-old remake, or does it offer something more?

alt text describing Jill Valentine aiming her pistol in a dimly lit hallway of the Spencer Mansion

A True Return to Survival Horror

Resident Evil pioneered the survival horror genre, a subgenre of action-adventure emphasizing resource management, puzzle-solving, and atmosphere over intense combat. Players are not heavily armed, ammunition and healing items are scarce, and the focus is on creating a genuine sense of dread. Resident Evil HD Remaster, by staying true to the 2002 GameCube remake, successfully recaptures the terrifying essence that defined the series and has become diluted in later installments.

This original game serves as the foundation for all subsequent events in Raccoon City. Players choose between Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, members of the S.T.A.R.S. special forces team investigating mysterious disappearances. Trapped in the sprawling Spencer Mansion, infested with zombies and other horrors, the player must escape and uncover the truth behind the outbreak.

alt text showing Chris Redfield confronting a zombie in the mansion's hallway

Each character offers a different gameplay experience. Jill can carry more items but is less resilient, while Chris is stronger but has limited inventory space. Unlike later games, the two characters share a core narrative, with only minor variations in puzzles and routes. Solving these complex, logical puzzles while managing limited resources and fending off enemies creates a uniquely challenging experience. This focus on resource management and puzzle-solving is a hallmark of the early Resident Evil games.

The limited inventory space forces constant prioritization, and the fixed camera angles, with pre-rendered backgrounds, enhance the classic survival horror feel. These elements are rarely seen in modern horror games. For those who played the GameCube version, the HD Remaster offers a nostalgic trip back to a defining era of survival horror.

alt text depicting a zombie lurking in the shadows of the mansion's dining room

Modernized Controls

Beyond the visual enhancements, Resident Evil HD Remaster modernizes the control scheme. The original “tank controls,” where left and right turned the character and up moved them forward, are now optional. A new analog stick control scheme, along with button customization, allows for more fluid 360-degree movement. This makes the game more accessible to both newcomers and veterans alike.

alt text showcasing a close-up of a zombie's gruesome face in Resident Evil HD Remaster

Enhanced Visuals

Those impressed by the GameCube remake’s graphics in 2002 will be amazed by the Spencer Mansion’s return in Resident Evil HD Remaster. The familiar environments and characters are now more detailed and vibrant, with improved lighting effects adding to the eerie atmosphere. The game boasts a 1080p resolution and a smooth 60fps frame rate. On consoles, Capcom offers both 16:9 widescreen and the original 4:3 aspect ratio for a truly classic experience.

alt text displaying a zombie reaching out from behind a barred window in the Spencer Mansion

While not matching modern graphical standards in every aspect, the HD remaster offers a significant visual upgrade. The game also allows players to switch between classic and updated character models, including Resident Evil 5‘s BSAA uniforms for Chris and Jill.

Few Drawbacks

One notable omission in the Resident Evil HD Remaster is the absence of the original’s live-action cutscenes. These are replaced by in-engine cutscenes that lack the same dramatic impact. The game’s slower pace may not appeal to younger gamers or those accustomed to the action-oriented gameplay of later Resident Evil titles.

alt text depicting a zombie dog attacking Jill Valentine in the mansion's courtyard

Conclusion

Resident Evil HD Remaster proves that some classics are best left untouched, at least in spirit. While the updated visuals and control options are welcome additions, the core gameplay and atmosphere remain faithful to the original, providing a chilling and rewarding survival horror experience.