Resident Evil 3 Nemesis (1999): A Love Letter to Survival Horror with a Side of Frustration

Jill Valentine vs. the World (and Nemesis)

Launch Day Larry

Ah, Resident Evil 3 Nemesis, the game that taught us all that “running away” is a perfectly valid survival strategy. This classic survival horror title has been resurrected for modern PCs, bringing with it a mix of nostalgia, terror, and a few technical hiccups that might make you want to throw your Steam Deck out the window. But fear not, brave gamers, for there’s plenty to love about this undead adventure.

Gameplay: A Dance with Nemesis and the Devil in the Details

Resident Evil 3 Nemesis is a masterclass in tension, with the titular Nemesis hot on your heels like a particularly persistent door-to-door salesman. The gameplay is a delightful blend of classic survival horror elements and innovative mechanics that keep you on your toes. Quick turns, environmental hazards, and the choice-based Live Select system add layers of strategy and replayability, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.

However, the controls are about as intuitive as a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. On the Steam Deck, players are forced to wrestle with a default control setup that feels like it was designed by a committee of octopuses. The lack of native gamepad support means you’ll be spending more time adjusting settings than actually playing, and the absence of modern conveniences like a pause button or cloud saves is a glaring oversight. Menu navigation is a chore, requiring the dexterity of a concert pianist to manage with a touchscreen or trackpad.

Despite these frustrations, the game runs smoothly on modern PCs, and the introduction of Nemesis as a relentless pursuer adds a thrilling element to the gameplay. Plus, the Mercenaries mode and a variety of costumes offer some welcome variety, even if they’re not as developed as in later titles.

Graphics: A Nostalgic Trip with a Few Bumps in the Road

Visually, Resident Evil 3 Nemesis is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, the upscaled graphics and slightly improved textures breathe new life into the game, maintaining the nostalgic charm of the original while providing a modernized experience. The game looks sharp and crisp on modern PCs, and the atmospheric environments are as immersive as ever.

On the flip side, the Full Motion Video (FMV) quality is about as appealing as a VHS tape left in the sun. The graphics settings are limited, with resolution and aspect ratio options that seem to have been designed by someone who thinks pixels are a form of abstract art. The settings menu is hidden behind the mysterious F1 key, a fact that is about as well-documented as Bigfoot sightings.

Platform compatibility issues further muddy the waters, with controller layout challenges on the Steam Deck and registry changes causing headaches on Linux systems. The lack of Steam Overlay functionality means you’ll have to rely on your memory to capture those perfect zombie-slaying moments.

Story: A Gripping Tale of Survival and Umbrella Shenanigans

The story of Resident Evil 3 Nemesis is a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a city in chaos. Jill Valentine, our fearless protagonist, navigates the doomed Raccoon City with a mix of resilience and determination that would make even the most hardened action hero proud. Her journey is enriched by visits to familiar locations like the Raccoon Police Department, adding depth to her character and the overarching story.

The remake expands on the original story, incorporating previously cut content and offering players a more comprehensive experience. The live selection feature allows for different story paths, enhancing replayability and player engagement. Nemesis, the relentless antagonist, ties the story and gameplay together, making every decision and escape feel significant.

While the narrative is immersive and engaging, it does rely heavily on prior knowledge of the Resident Evil series, which might leave newcomers feeling a bit lost. Some content is missing in the remake, which could disappoint fans of the original narrative. However, Jill Valentine remains a standout character, celebrated for her strength and independence, making her one of the most iconic female leads in video game history.

Final Verdict

Resident Evil 3 Nemesis is a classic survival horror experience that delivers tension, excitement, and a few technical frustrations. While the controls and graphics settings leave much to be desired, the game’s immersive story and innovative mechanics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Just be prepared to wrestle with your controller and settings menu along the way.

Score: 7.5/10