Resident Evil

Gameplay – 9/10

Resident Evil HD Remaster polishes the classic survival horror experience while still retaining the tension and challenge that made the original so iconic. The game still has its fixed camera angles and tank controls, but modern control alternatives make movement easier for the neophyte. The game is also about resource management, forcing players to carefully ration ammunition, healing items, and even the ink ribbons for saving the game.

The combat is intense and methodical, and players will need to think before engaging enemies because resources are scarce. Zombies do not stay down; if they are not disposed of properly, they can rise up as Crimson Heads, which are faster and deadlier than before. The use of defensive items like daggers and stun guns adds another layer of strategy to gameplay without making it overly forgiving.

The puzzle-solving remains untouched, featuring intricate mansion layouts, searching for keys, and environmental riddles that challenge players' logic and memory. Although some backtracking may feel tedious, it enhances the feeling of being trapped within the nightmarish labyrinth.

Graphics & Remaster Quality – 9/10

The remastered graphics have received a massive facelift over the previous version with high-definition textures, enhanced lighting, and improved character models. The pre-rendered backgrounds look gorgeous in high resolution while still having the eerie gothic mood of the Spencer Mansion. Dynamic shadowing and atmospheric effects such as fog and flickering candlelight add to the immersion.

However, certain character animations still feel stiff, and some pre-rendered assets can appear slightly blurry in places. Despite this, the overall presentation remains incredibly effective, bringing new life to a horror classic.

Sound & Music – 10/10

This game's sound design is remarkable, increasing the horror with every creak, distant moan, and echoing footstep. Celling a very apt atmosphere that keeps players on their toes with ill-timed encounters as heard through eerie silence in specific areas.

The soundtrack perfectly captures the tension, from the haunting save room theme to the intense orchestral pieces during boss fights. Voice acting, while improved over the infamous 1996 original, still retains a certain cheesy charm, staying true to its B-movie horror roots.

Story & Atmosphere – 9/10

The off-time and a time-old adventure in the Incident of the Spencer Mansion are, however, interestingly narrated to unveil the deadliest experiments of Umbrella Corporation. By playing Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, one might find little variations in the experiences attached to different paths and characters.

The atmosphere is created in the way that it is truly ingenious--dark, oppressive, and a constant wave of dread. Every corridor that you walk through, every dimly lit room, every blood-stained corridor is a tale in itself of the horror that occurred before you even stepped into this place. With a pacing very slow and gradual, it makes the suspense enjoyable by making every safety moment feel like it will not last long.

Replayability – 8.5/10

There are multiple difficulty settings, various character scenarios, and other unlockable modes (Invisible Enemy Mode, Real Survival Mode), creating a powerful set of incentives for replayability. There are also speedrunning challenges and unlockable weapons for additional replayability.  

Others may be turned off completely by the slow pacing and repetitive playstyle of the game.

Final Verdict – 9/10

Resident Evil HD Remaster shines brightly under the sun as the perfect example of modernizing a survival horror classic and grasping the original essence. The stunning visuals with haunting sound design and tense gameplay come well into consideration for creating some of the scariest atmospheres under which this series has ever been presented. The angles of fixed cameras and tank controls would be outdated for a fresh audience, but they are such a vital part of that tension and fear within the game.

If you're a longtime fan or have never been to Spencer Mansion before, this is a must for every horror aficionado. 🧟‍♂️🔪