Resident Evil 3

The story of Resident Evil 3 receives praise for its refined character dynamics, narrative cohesion, and connections to the broader Resident Evil universe. Critics like Screen Rant highlight the strong chemistry between Jill Valentine and Carlos Oliveira, noting their believable bond and growth throughout the game. Meristation and Destructoid commend the remake’s expanded character roles and improved storytelling, particularly in filling narrative gaps and enhancing ties to Resident Evil 2. Easy Allies and Shacknews also praise the partnership between Jill and Carlos, emphasizing their high-stakes struggles against Nemesis and the game’s engaging pacing. Additionally, GameStar and PC Invasion appreciate the polished dialogue and expressive voice acting, which add depth to the protagonist’s journey despite the game’s linear structure. However, several critics criticize the story for its lack of originality, shallow character development, and repetitive mechanics. PC Gamer and Pure Xbox describe the narrative as disjointed, with a flimsy plot that leaves players confused about their objectives. Multiplayer.it (on PS4) and Cubed3 note the absence of meaningful character growth, while Gamer.nl and Games.cz point to reused assets and a lack of surprise, making the experience feel derivative. Digitally Downloaded and Twinfinite criticize the game’s reliance on action over storytelling, with minimal quiet moments for characterization. Vgames and Stevivor also mention missed opportunities, such as the removal of player choices and the failure to expand the series’ lore beyond its core elements. Overall, critics present a mixed but nuanced view of Resident Evil 3’s story. While many acknowledge improvements over the original—such as better pacing, refined writing, and stronger character interactions (Meristation, Shacknews, Destructoid)—others argue it falls short in delivering a truly immersive or innovative narrative. The game’s focus on survival mechanics and action-heavy gameplay often overshadows its storytelling, leading to polarized reactions. Despite this, the remake is generally seen as a solid entry in the series that respects its roots while offering fresh perspectives for new players (Trusted Reviews, GameWatcher). Ultimately, the story serves as a functional but unspectacular foundation for the game’s survival horror experience, with its strengths and weaknesses equally evident across reviews.

The gameplay of Resident Evil 3 receives praise for its modernized action elements, streamlined mechanics, and engaging combat. Critics highlight the introduction of dodge mechanics, bullet time, and improved gunplay, which elevate the intensity of encounters with enemies like Nemesis. IGN Japan notes the game’s shift toward an action-oriented approach, while The Digital Fix appreciates the added depth from evasion and unique sequences. Trusted Reviews lauds the “fantastic” gunplay and tense combat, emphasizing the satisfaction of overcoming hordes of zombies. Additionally, the inclusion of character-specific abilities—such as Jill’s agility and Carlos’ role in later sections—adds variety, with ZTGD praising the boss fights for their mechanics-driven challenges. The game also retains core survival horror elements, such as limited ammo and inventory management, which some critics argue maintain its tension (e.g., Cultured Vultures). Overall, the action-focused design is seen as a refreshing evolution of the series’ formula. However, several critics criticize the game’s linearity and reduced emphasis on puzzles and exploration. PC Gamer describes the gameplay as “stiflingly linear,” with players forced into predetermined paths, while Games.cz and Everyeye.it note the diminished survival elements compared to earlier entries. The lack of complex puzzles and backtracking is a recurring complaint, with Gameplanet and IGN Spain pointing out that the game feels more streamlined at the expense of depth. Inventory management issues also arise, as COGconnected and Softpedia mention frustrations with limited space and inconsistent dodging mechanics. Additionally, some argue that the focus on action overshadows the horror aspects, with GRYOnline.pl noting the game’s “more action-oriented than scary” nature. While the fast-paced combat is praised, critics like Game Revolution and PCMag acknowledge that the reduced puzzle complexity and shorter runtime detract from the classic Resident Evil experience. The overall consensus among critics is that Resident Evil 3 strikes a balance between action and survival horror, though opinions on its direction are divided. While many appreciate its modernized mechanics, intense combat, and improved pacing (e.g., IGN’s praise for “modernizing the original game”), others feel it sacrifices the series’ signature challenges for accessibility. The game’s linear structure and simplified design are seen as both a strength and a weakness—offering a more focused experience but limiting exploration and puzzle-solving. Critics like PCMag and GameStar acknowledge these trade-offs, noting that while the game “maintains the core elements” of the series, it prioritizes action over traditional survival mechanics. Ultimately, Resident Evil 3 is viewed as a solid entry in the franchise, with its action-heavy approach resonating with fans of the remake era, even if it diverges from the more puzzle-driven roots of earlier titles.

The majority of critics praised Resident Evil 3’s graphics and visual design as a significant leap forward, emphasizing its detailed environments, immersive atmosphere, and technical prowess. Many highlighted the RE Engine’s capabilities, noting how it brought Raccoon City to life with stunningly rendered character models, dynamic lighting, and atmospheric storytelling. IGN lauded the “stunning detail” of locations and the “tense atmosphere,” while GameSpot praised the “impeccable detail in locations” and nostalgic references to classic Resident Evil settings. Critics like PC Invasion and Twinfinite celebrated the game’s “superb production values,” with the RE Engine breathing new life into the 1999 original. The city itself was frequently described as a character, with critics like Game Rant noting its “cutting-edge graphics” and IGN Italia calling it a “delight to explore.” Environmental storytelling, such as abandoned cop car lights and in-game advertising, added layers of authenticity, while the game’s cinematic polish—highlighted by Riot Pixels and The Digital Fix—enhanced immersion. Even the fast-paced action was seen as complementing the visuals, with Gamer.nl noting that the “polished visuals” were a standout feature despite the frenetic gameplay. However, some critics pointed to minor flaws that detracted from the experience. PC Gamer criticized later environments for being “dingy and artistically uninspired,” while Hardcore Gamer noted frame rate issues with distant models and lip-syncing problems. New Game Network observed that the open streets of Raccoon City “don’t work well for horror,” suggesting a mismatch between the setting and the game’s survival horror roots. Others, like Softpedia, mentioned technical hurdles such as tricky HDR setups and blurry textures, while Jeuxvideo.com (XBOX) and (PC) pointed to visual artifacts and basic physics. CGMagazine humorously critiqued Carlos’ hair as an “issue,” and Game Revolution noted a “lack of detail in the gore” compared to earlier entries. Additionally, some critics, like TheXboxHub, pointed out repetitive zombie models, though these were often seen as minor quibbles in an otherwise polished package. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with Resident Evil 3’s graphics and visual design widely regarded as a triumph. While a few critiques highlighted technical or artistic shortcomings, the majority celebrated its ability to modernize the classic formula without losing its essence. Critics like IGN, GameSpot, and PC Invasion emphasized that the game’s “stunning detail,” “impeccable” environments, and “cinematic quality” made it one of the best-looking entries in the series. Even the minor flaws—such as frame rate hiccups or recycled assets—were overshadowed by the game’s technical achievements and atmospheric depth. As Eurogamer Italy noted, the visuals effectively conveyed the “atmosphere of a devastated Raccoon City,” while Critical Hit called it “some of the best work Capcom has ever done.” For most reviewers, Resident Evil 3’s visual design was not just a technical success but a key factor in its ability to reinvigorate the survival horror genre.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Resident Evil 3 as a standout element, emphasizing their role in enhancing immersion and tension. Many highlighted the effective use of ambient sounds, such as the ominous footsteps of Nemesis, which were repeatedly noted as a key contributor to the game’s horror atmosphere (e.g., Digitally Downloaded, GameSpace, Shacknews). The soundtrack, while described as "classic" by some (Carole Quintaine), was lauded for its reorchestrated themes and ability to complement gameplay, with IGN Japan and Eurogamer Italy noting how it “enhances the overall experience.” Critics like Everyeye.it and VGC praised the audio cues that heighten suspense, while GameStar and PCMag highlighted the subtle yet impactful soundscapes that create an unnerving atmosphere. The voice acting also received acclaim for its natural performances (GameCrate, Gamer Escape), with 3DJuegos and Generación Xbox noting the high-quality localization and immersive audio that “maintains Capcom’s standards.” Despite these positives, some critics pointed to specific shortcomings. GameCrate and Multiplayer.it criticized the lack of memorable music and rough sound design compared to previous entries, with Carole Quintaine noting the “classic” score lacked the elegance of original tracks. GameRant and Eurogamer Italy argued that the game’s action-oriented music diluted the eerie atmosphere of the original, favoring loud explosions over subtle horror cues. Others, like Everyeye.it, mentioned imperfect audio mixing, while Multiplayer.it and Gamer Escape noted issues with voice clarity during critical moments. Additionally, GameCritics pointed out gameplay mechanics that could be improved, such as the absence of onscreen indicators for enemies, which indirectly affected the sound design’s effectiveness. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that the sound design and music significantly elevated the game’s horror experience. While a few critiques about musical memorability and atmospheric consistency existed, they were overshadowed by widespread praise for the immersive audio, effective use of silence, and iconic elements like Nemesis’s footsteps (LaPS4, Critical Hit). Critics such as GameSpew, God is a Geek, and Gamer.no emphasized how the sound design “adds to the terrifying atmosphere,” while Cultured Vultures and Digital Trends highlighted its role in creating tension. Even those with minor reservations acknowledged the technical excellence, with Vandal and Jeuxvideo.com noting the game’s ability to balance horror and action through its audio elements. The majority of reviewers concluded that Resident Evil 3’s sound design and music were a critical success, reinforcing its status as a strong entry in the franchise.

The voice acting in Resident Evil 3 is overwhelmingly praised as a standout element, with multiple critics highlighting its role in enhancing character depth and emotional engagement. Reviewers like Areajugones, Atomix, and BaziCenter emphasize that the performances contribute to richer storytelling and stronger connections with characters such as Jill Valentine and Carlos Oliveira, who are noted for their improved development compared to the original game. Critical Hit specifically commends Nicole Tompkins’ portrayal of Jill as a career-defining performance, while GameCrate and Shacknews highlight the more natural and refined dialogue delivery compared to earlier entries in the series. The voice acting is also praised for its accessibility, with Eurogamer Italy noting that it appeals to non-English speakers, and Digitally Downloaded appreciating the removal of “delightfully lousy” lines from previous games. Overall, the consensus is that the voice work elevates the game’s narrative and immersion, making characters like Jill and Carlos feel more dynamic and relatable. While the majority of reviews celebrate the voice acting, some critics point to minor shortcomings. GameCritics criticizes the dialogue as shallow and lacking depth, arguing that the action-heavy gameplay leaves little room for meaningful character interaction. Gamer Escape notes that the Russian U.B.C.S. characters’ voices feel underwhelming compared to the main cast, and Multiplayer.it mentions technical issues like inconsistent volume levels affecting clarity. Additionally, New Game Network and VG247 observe that while Jill’s performance is strong, the voice acting isn’t a defining highlight of the game overall. Some reviewers, such as Video Chums, point to generic banter between characters, though they acknowledge the cast’s charisma. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is generally excellent, it occasionally struggles to match the intensity of the game’s action sequences or fully realize all supporting roles. The overall consensus among critics is that Resident Evil 3’s voice acting represents a significant improvement over previous entries in the series, with Jill Valentine and Carlos Oliveira receiving particular acclaim for their nuanced performances. Reviewers like GameRant, Gamer.no, and VGC highlight how the voice work brings characters to life, enhancing both immersion and emotional impact. While some minor issues—such as uneven character development or technical inconsistencies—are noted, these are largely overshadowed by the positive reception. The majority of critics agree that the voice acting contributes meaningfully to the game’s atmosphere and storytelling, with Twinfinite and Worth Playing calling it “superb” and “excellent,” respectively. Ultimately, the voice work is seen as a key strength that elevates Resident Evil 3 beyond its predecessors, making it a memorable experience for fans of the series.

The technical performance of Resident Evil 3 is largely praised across all platforms, with reviewers highlighting its stability, optimization, and visual fidelity. On PS4, multiple critics like Areajugones, Atomix, and Eurogamer Italy lauded the game’s consistent 60fps frame rate, minimal glitches, and strong use of Capcom’s RE Engine. Push Square noted improved performance on PS5 with faster load times and adaptive trigger support, while PC reviewers such as 3DJuegos and Multiplayer.it praised the game’s optimization for high settings and varied graphical options. Xbox One critics like GameSpew and MondoXbox also highlighted smooth gameplay without major frame drops, though some noted minor technical flaws in bright environments (Generación Xbox). The Nintendo Switch version faced cloud-specific issues, with Nintendo Life mentioning server connection hiccups, but overall, most platforms received acclaim for their stability and polish. Despite the positives, several platform-specific negatives were mentioned. On PS4, critics like BaziCenter and Hardcore Gamer pointed to online multiplayer struggles, including frame rate drops and animation glitches in Resistance. Gameplanet noted minor lip-syncing issues, while Everyeye.it mentioned aliasing as a graphical flaw. For PC, Cubed3 and Gamer Escape cited occasional frame-rate stutters and lighting problems, though these were often attributed to hardware or specific conditions. On Xbox One, Press Start Australia reported performance dips during boss battles, and Pure Xbox criticized the game’s rushed execution despite technical stability. The Nintendo Switch’s cloud version faced server instability, as noted by Nintendo Life, while some reviewers like Jeuxvideo.com warned of increased fan noise on older consoles. These issues, though varied, were generally seen as minor compared to the game’s overall strengths. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most platforms receiving high marks for technical performance. The RE Engine’s capabilities were consistently praised, particularly on PS4 and PC, where reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and PCMag highlighted its efficiency in delivering smooth frame rates and detailed visuals. While platform-specific quirks—such as multiplayer bugs on PS4 or occasional hiccups on Xbox One—were noted, these did not detract from the game’s broader technical achievements. Critics like Push Square and 3DJuegos emphasized that Resident Evil 3 showcases Capcom’s technical prowess, with only minor issues affecting a small subset of players. The near-universal praise for stability, optimization, and visual quality underscores the game’s strong technical foundation across all platforms.

The reviewers who highlight positive aspects of Resident Evil 3’s replay value emphasize its structured design and post-game incentives. IGN (multiple mentions) praises the game’s “smart level design” that makes replaying almost compulsory, while The Sydney Morning Herald notes that experimentation and unlockable content after completion encourage repeat playthroughs. Additional elements like difficulty modes, challenge runs, and a shop system for purchasing items post-campaign are frequently cited as motivators. For instance, Shacknews highlights unlockable modes and a shop for special items, stating the game surpasses the original in replayability. The multiplayer mode Resident Evil Resistance is also seen as a redeeming factor by critics like GamesRadar+ and Guardian, offering an enduring addition to the experience despite its flaws. However, the negatives dominate the discourse, with many critics criticizing the game’s short length and lack of substantial content. Multiple reviewers, including IGN Spain, Multiplayer.it, and LaPS4, argue that the linear structure and absence of branching paths or parallel narratives (unlike Resident Evil 2) make it feel like a “one-time experience.” The lack of a New Game Plus mode is repeatedly mentioned as a significant drawback, with Everyeye.it and GRYOnline.pl noting this limits replay value. Critics like GameCritics and Riot Pixels lament the absence of modes like Mercenaries, while others, such as Destructoid and Vandal, point to minimal unlockables and underwhelming multiplayer. The campaign’s brevity—often cited as 5–7 hours—further diminishes its appeal for players seeking extended engagement. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward disappointment. While some praise the game’s design for encouraging multiple playthroughs through challenges, difficulty modes, and unlockables (e.g., IGN, Shacknews), the majority feel these elements are insufficient to offset its shortcomings. The lack of narrative depth, linear progression, and short duration are recurring criticisms, with many comparing it unfavorably to Resident Evil 2. Critics like LaPS4 and GameCritics argue that RE3 feels more like an expansion than a standalone title, while others, such as TheXboxHub and God is a Geek, acknowledge its appeal to completionists. Ultimately, the game’s replay value is seen as limited but not entirely absent, with its strengths in design and post-game content failing to fully compensate for its structural constraints.