Resident Evil HD Remaster Review (PlayStation 4)

Survival Horror REmastered.

 Resident Evil (Biohazard in Japan) was a groundbreaking game for its time back in 1996. Like Alone in the Dark and Clock Tower, which are both great Survival Horror games that came before RE1, it had a lot of genuine jump scares. However, one "feature" that made RE1 stand-out compared to the other games was the bad voice acting, literally.

 While it didn't hurt the game at all, voice acting in video games was like a miracle back then. Moving on, if Jill was your choice as a playable character, at some point in the game one of your partners, Barry Burton, will meet up with her and tell her this: "Jill, here's a lock pick. It might come in handy if you, the master of unlocking, take with you." Let's not forget the famous "Jill Sandwich" line by Barry after the ceiling trap. Overall, it was pretty campy.

 Later in 2002, Resident Evil received a remake for Nintendo GameCube, often called Resident Evil Remake (or REmake), which improved many aspects of the original game, including the voice acting. While many didn't experienced the great remake of the game, Capcom took the chance to remaster the 2002 remake in HD for a wider audience. Does this latest remaster of Resident Evil justify the $20 purchase? Let's find out.

Enter the most scariest mansion in gaming.

 STORY- Resident Evil takes place in 1998, bizarre murders have occurred in the outskirts of Raccoon City, including signs of violence and cannibalism. Raccoon Police Department's Special Tactics And Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) are sent in to investigate these murders. Since S.T.A.R.S. is divided into two teams, Bravo and Alpha, Bravo was sent first to investigate. However, communications with Bravo was lost and Alpha Team was sent to investigate their disappearance. 

 Unfortunately, there were no signs of survivors and Alpha Team were attacked by zombie-like dogs and immediately took refuge in a nearby mansion, which is supposedly abandoned...

 Throughout the story, you'll be investigating floors and corridors for clues of Bravo Team's disappearance, and even some of your own teammates'. Also, you'll be unfolding many conspiracies regarding the Spencer Mansion and get ready for some plot-twists every here and there.  

Get ready for some scares.

 GAMEPLAY- Since the HD Remaster is based on the 2002 REmake, it's best to explain the features it introduced. Right off the bat, you can choose between two of Alpha Team's finest, Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield, both of which have their own abilities. Choosing Jill will (that rhymed) grant you eight slots and access to the Grenade Launcher. Barry Burton will be your partner and will come aid you every now and then. Chris, however, has six slots and has access to the flamethrower, Rebecca Chambers will be your partner. If this is your fist time playing RE, Jill offer an easy experience simply because of the eight slots that saves you from extensive backtracking.

 New features that were included in the REmake were Crimson Heads. These dead zombies will return faster and stronger if not disposed properly. There are three ways to prevent Crimson Heads:

 1- Shoot the Zombie's head, but be careful, head shots are random. 

2- If the Zombie is killed normally (without a head shot), use the Lighter and Kerosene to burn it. However, Kerosene tanks are limited, so be careful.

3- This is probably the most easiest and straight forward way, don't kill the zombie in the first place. Just simply pass by them and don't let them grab you.

 Also, defensive weapons are a huge help when Zombies grab you. Weapons like daggers and battery packs (grenades for Chris) are best used as a last resort due to them being uncommon to find. Since you'll be exploring a giant mansion that's filled with secrets, expect some puzzle solving moments, though some of them are a bit easy. 

 RE HD adds a new control scheme, which makes controlling Chris or Jill easier and 180-degree turn, for quick reactions. If you are a diehard fan, no worries, the original "Tank" controls are here to stay. Also, and a nice treat, are RE5 costumes for Chris and Jill, and some secret one's for finishing the game at certain conditions.

The new control scheme makes navigating more fluid.

PRESENTATION- In terms of presentation, REmake was a drastic visual change from the original (obviously). The environments and character models were stunning for their time, as well as the cutscenes, all of which have been redone and is like watching a Hollywood movie. The fixed camera is great , meaning that you can never see what's in the next corner, creating a sense of helplessness and wonder.  

The HD Remaster does a good job polishing things up.

 Also, and thankfully, the voice work has been redone. No more "Master of Unlocking" and "Jill Sandwich" for you Barry, and the new voice cast are slightly more bearable than the original's. Additionally, the sound work, such as fire arm shots and Zombie growling are believable and eerie. Speaking of eerie, the soundtrack certainly is. You'll hear nothing but haunting tunes as you explore around the mansion, which adds many creepy layers to the game.

 Resident Evil REmake has aged incredibly well on the GameCube, however, Capcom took it and polished it even further for a new audience in HD, though some environments could have gotten much attention. The game can be played in 4:3, if you're feeling nostalgic, and in 16:4. However, in the end, the choice is yours to make.

Jill is looking good.

 OVERALL- Resident Evil HD Remaster is a great HD makeover to one of gaming's most iconic games, Resident Evil. All of the neat features of REmake are present and improved upon in HD. The game offers replay-value for it's multiple endings and additional costumes and weapons. For $20, RE HD is a must-buy for fans and newcomers alike.

OUTSTANDING 

 The series changed drastically when Shinji Mikami, creator of the series and known as "The Father of Survival Horror" left Capcom after Resident Evil 4. Since then, the series began to lse its identity. However, the series is slowly heading back to its roots thanks to Resident Evil Revelations. Hopefully we'll see great remakes of RE2 and RE3 in the future.