Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

"Good, now only if the graphics were better..."

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis original came out for Dreamcast, PC, and PSone. They say the dreamcast version was the best for the most upgrades on it. Well now we have a new best, the Gamecube version. It's main advantage is the fact that you have much easier controls than any of the other 3 versions. Though transferred to a superior system, RE3 still has some things they should have made better.

Graphics- Ugh... weak point. They did very little to the gameplay graphics. It looks almost identical to the DC version. While the GC is capable of 128 bit graphics, RE3 only has 64 bit graphics in gameplay. So basically all the characters, monsters, in game objects, and such all look a little... outdated. Okay positive time! The cinemas look great. They are incredibly detailed. Unlike then other system versions, the cinemas run smooth and unblocky from the GC's superior processing abilities. When comes to the end though, gameplay graphics are much more accounted for so I can't say this game has real great graphics.

Sound- On a more positive note, the sound is very good. Everything does sound very crisp and clear, better than on any other version. The zombies sound pretty creepy (as they should). The weapons and such make realistic noises that give the game a more tense feeling. All the other effects such as munching, crunching, eating, splatting, yelling, screaming, vomiting (yes vomiting), and all that jazz sound pretty much as you would hear them in real life. And as for all RE games, the music is very creepy and makes your heart pump real fast. Builds much suspense. I think the sound is pretty awesome here.

Gameplay- Awesome. Now if not for the graphics, I'd say this is pretty much perfect gameplay. You start as Jill Valentine (remember her?) in Racoon City. Umbrella Corp. has let the virus loose in the city and the city is being destroyed by zombies. The police are helpless to stop them. Jill takes shelter in a warehouse with a fat man (the fat man is only in the beginning, plays no significant role, and is stuck up). Jill wants to leave but the fat man locks himself in big iron box. So you're on you're own for awhile. In a little bit you meat the NEMESIS. He's basically a big Zombie guy with tentacles who stalks you the whole game (he has to kills STARS members aka. Jill). He's the guy on the cover of the box. So basically you walk around, shoot zombies or other mutants, solve puzzles, collect items, and gradually work your way to the sweet sweet bonuses at the end of the game (as in every RE title). Just beware your health, because more health isn't always easy to find. Also you save at typewriters and use Ink Ribbons. On Easy you have unlimited ribbons, but on hard you must seek them out. You have status conditions (Fine, Caution [Yellow], Caution [Orange], Danger, Poison, and Virus) all which effect your character. If poisoned or virused (is that a word?) you must get a cure. Health can be replenished with First Aid Sprays, and Green herbs, while poison leaves from a blue herb. Virus takes an antidote which takes a while to get. If you've played other RE titles you should know the system by now.

In conclusion, this is a great game. It's only about $20-$30 these days so pick up a copy. It's worth your while. With little flaws and graphical error, I give Resident Evil 3: Nemesis for Gamecube a 9/10.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/22/04