Resident Evil 3 for the Switch 2 brings the 2020 remake to Nintendo’s latest hybrid console. The Resident Evil series has such a long, varied history that seeing this title in all its intended glory on a Nintendo console is a truly satisfying experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, Resident Evil 3 on Switch 2 is a standout addition to the horror series.
I’ll get the controversy out of the way first. The Resident Evil 3 remake received some fan backlash upon initial release. This was due to the removal of some scenes and gameplay. As someone who hasn’t played the original, this doesn’t bother me at all; yet I can understand the frustration. Perhaps the ability to play the untouched original as an included bonus would have helped appease some hardcore fans. It’s been six years since the remake launched, so I won’t factor this aspect into my review.
Taking the remake for what it is, it actually fits perfectly with the rest of the series in this format. Having played Requiem earlier this year and currently enjoying the Resident Evil 2 remake, there are constant reminders that this is all part of the same ongoing story. The overlapping characters and locations give more meaning to this adventure. Now, so does the gameplay style.
It’s particularly close to Resident Evil 2. In some ways, it makes Resident Evil 3 feel like DLC, especially given its relatively short runtime. This outing clocks in at around 5-8 hours, depending on your proficiency and penchant for finding everything. It’s noticeably shorter than Resident Evil 2 by a few hours; though that game has two paths. You could consider this game a third experience in line with Leon’s outing in RE 2. I personally don’t mind the briefer encounter, and the price point reflects this shorter experience compared with other entries.
However you feel about the runtime or scene changes, what we’re presented with is a terrific-looking adventure full of terror. In this outing, you play the role of Jill Valentine, a member of STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Service). STARS is a tactical unit within the Raccoon Police. For some reason, a monster known as Nemesis is relentlessly hunting STARS officers. Jill must outrun this fiend while traversing various areas and solving puzzles.
Nemesis is like the Terminator. Large. Relentless. Unstoppable. To have this beast chase you while the city is on fire and zombie hordes persist around every corner truly amps up the terror factor by several notches. It also keeps the momentum moving quickly, a somewhat different approach to other Resident Evil outings that rely on creepiness. This also suits the shorter runtime. Aapart from not overstaying its welcome, I just don’t think I want to be chased by this thing any more than I have to!
He’s comparable to Mr. X from Resident Evil 2. I’d argue he’s stronger. He’s bigger and certainly more nimble. He also appears more frequently. It’s a nice way to tie the two games together without being an outright copy.
Along the way, Jill runs into a soldier named Carlos Oliveira. He works for the Umbrella Corporation, but let’s not hold that against him. Carlos is genuinely trying to find and rescue any survivors within Raccoon City. Unfortunately, not all the Umbrella soldiers are this honorable.
Like several other entries in the series, the player switches characters during the game. These switches help change up the pace, keeping things fresh. In this case, you play as Carlos a couple of times. This includes one of my favorite in-game moments involving a tense scene at the hospital. Here, Carlos has to hold the fort until an explosive can go off. And by “hold the fort”, I mean literally keeping multitudes of angry, mutant zombies from breaking in. It’s nothing short of intense.
I also enjoyed playing through the surrounding hospital area as both Carlos and Jill, one after the other. Certain environmental elements make sense the second time around because Jill has different tools in her possession.
Carlos also works his way through the police station, a location familiar to players of Resident Evil 2 and 9. I loved playing this area again after seeing it in Requiem. Since Requiem occurs in the future, it was neat to relive the time when the virus was first released. If only things had gone differently.
The graphics are simply sublime (if you can call zombie-infested streets and beaten-up heroes sublime). Visually, things are on par with any of the modern entries. The cutscenes and voice acting are also fantastic, and I was constantly impressed with the detail. Capcom continues to go above and beyond when it comes to the Switch 2. I didn’t notice any issues with framerates or loading times, loading, or any other issues. It works, and it works well. Color me impressed (and terrified).
Mission accomplished, I guess.
Review: Resident Evil 3 (Nintendo Switch 2)
Great
Overall, Resident Evil 3 is a terrific port of an excellent game. While it’s not the same as the 1999 original, this newer version feels like it belongs with the rest of the remake series, as well as fitting in with the modern games. It all ties together so well. Whether you’re revisiting Raccoon City or stumbling upon it for the first time, Resident Evil 3 successfully adds to the lore with its interesting characters and chilling scenes.
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