In a remake of the finale to the classic Resident Evil trilogy (before Resident Evil 4 started down a new path), Raccoon City returns torn up between a deadly virus, its own citizens and the mysterious and powerful Umbrella corporation. Similar to the 1999 original, half of the events of Resident Evil 3 (RE3) occur before those of the 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake, and the other half after. The overlap between the two timelines is particularly evident around the police station (where we finally learn how Marvin was bit), and at Kendo's place (another homage).

On the upside:
-The new RE3 features stunning visuals and rich, beautifully detailed environments that feel ominous and immersive. Devour all the stunning visuals RC has to offer! The return of a number of familiar enemies and villains is welcomed, although the collection is by no means expanded.
-The inclusion of a new quick-step dodge system is an excellent addition and the controls feel connected, involved and agile.
-Jill Valentine is a much more rounded, engaging and likeable character than either Leon or Claire from RE2. This iteration of Jill may be my new favourite Resident Evil character (having played the entire canonical series).
-Carlos has undergone some massive improvements since his last appearance in the series, and it's about time (goodbye corny 1999 Carlos).
-Nemesis is a noteworthy, well... nemesis. His pursuit is not as ever-present and creeping as Mr X in RE2 (who felt like he was constantly on your tail), but he is larger, faster, more aggressive and more intimidating when he does jump into the action. His evolution through boss fights into menacing final monster is impressive and well-executed. For a boss fight worth frustration and a racing heart, try the final boss fight on Inferno difficulty.

On the downside:
-The campaign is short. Really short. Across 6 runs, my originally chilled 4h50min was reduced to under an hour (albeit with the help of some helpful additions acquired with achievement points).
-While the action is good, there is a serious lack of puzzles that formed a large part of the foundation of early RE games. Where are the cool puzzles, Capcom?!
-The original RE3 featured story choices that altered the game and the endings. Here, there is really only one ending (arguably two if you REALLY refuse the no-brainer choice the game forces you into). This is a serious under-delivery of an otherwise excellent game and seriously cuts replay value.
-Past the early phases of the game, this is really a very linear experience, often underscored by cinematic click scenes that really have neither alternative nor challenge.
-There are some weapon modifications and the usual arsenal, but I miss some of the bizarre customisation options that really allowed one to decide how you want your weapon to behave (I want my lever-action Western Custom M37). Shotties should be fun to fire. Period.
-As many others have pointed out, the trade of Mercenaries mode for 4v1 Resistance is just not acceptable. Surely the addition of both could have been possible? It feels like the 2019 RE2 had a little more body to it.

RE3 is both a worthy sequel to the 2019 remake of RE2, and a worthy remake of the original. For a reality check of how far gaming has come in 21 years, check out comparisons between the 1999 and 2020 RE3s, particularly the final boss fight. With that said, RE3 is a good addition to RE2, rather than an evolution of it. It's very good, but it could have been so much better, especially at the premium price. Still very much worth a rainy weekend, and then some.

In a remake of the finale to the classic Resident Evil trilogy (before Resident Evil 4 started down a new path), Raccoon City returns torn up between a deadly virus, its own citizens and the mysterious and powerful Umbrella corporation. Similar to the 1999 original, half of the events of Resident Evil 3 (RE3) occur before those of the 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake, and the other half after. The overlap between the two timelines is particularly evident around the police station (where we finally learn how Marvin was bit), and at Kendo's place (another homage). On the upside: -The new RE3 features stunning visuals and rich, beautifully detailed environments that feel ominous and immersive. Devour all the stunning visuals RC has to offer! The return of a number of familiar enemies and villains is welcomed, although the collection is by no means expanded. -The inclusion of a new quick-step dodge system is an excellent addition and the controls feel connected, involved and agile. -Jill Valentine is a much more rounded, engaging and likeable character than either Leon or Claire from RE2. This iteration of Jill may be my new favourite Resident Evil character (having played the entire canonical series). -Carlos has undergone some massive improvements since his last appearance in the series, and it's about time (goodbye corny 1999 Carlos). -Nemesis is a noteworthy, well... nemesis. His pursuit is not as ever-present and creeping as Mr X in RE2 (who felt like he was constantly on your tail), but he is larger, faster, more aggressive and more intimidating when he does jump into the action. His evolution through boss fights into menacing final monster is impressive and well-executed. For a boss fight worth frustration and a racing heart, try the final boss fight on Inferno difficulty. On the downside: -The campaign is short. Really short. Across 6 runs, my originally chilled 4h50min was reduced to under an hour (albeit with the help of some helpful additions acquired with achievement points). -While the action is good, there is a serious lack of puzzles that formed a large part of the foundation of early RE games. Where are the cool puzzles, Capcom?! -The original RE3 featured story choices that altered the game and the endings. Here, there is really only one ending (arguably two if you REALLY refuse the no-brainer choice the game forces you into). This is a serious under-delivery of an otherwise excellent game and seriously cuts replay value. -Past the early phases of the game, this is really a very linear experience, often underscored by cinematic click scenes that really have neither alternative nor challenge. -There are some weapon modifications and the usual arsenal, but I miss some of the bizarre customisation options that really allowed one to decide how you want your weapon to behave (I want my lever-action Western Custom M37). Shotties should be fun to fire. Period. -As many others have pointed out, the trade of Mercenaries mode for 4v1 Resistance is just not acceptable. Surely the addition of both could have been possible? It feels like the 2019 RE2 had a little more body to it. RE3 is both a worthy sequel to the 2019 remake of RE2, and a worthy remake of the original. For a reality check of how far gaming has come in 21 years, check out comparisons between the 1999 and 2020 RE3s, particularly the final boss fight. With that said, RE3 is a good addition to RE2, rather than an evolution of it. It's very good, but it could have been so much better, especially at the premium price. Still very much worth a rainy weekend, and then some.