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Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Our Price: £129.99 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
The third instalment of the series that redefined the survival horror video-game genre, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is the best Resident Evil yet. As Jill Valentine, one of the original game's survivors, players must fight for their lives while fleeing a city overrun by hordes of zombies and other hideous creatures mutated by a sinister corporation's biotechnological virus. To make thing worse, a near-invincible monstrosity known as the Nemesis stalks Jill throughout the game, which raises the series' suspense level to an all-new high. In addition to the constant threat of the Nemesis, Resident Evil 3 features other gameplay elements new to the series: players can now dodge attacks, perform quick 180-degree turns, and create ammunition by mixing gunpowder types. Also, the "Live Selection" feature forces players to make decisions that affect the story's direction. While none of these additions are particularly groundbreaking, Resident Evil 3 keeps the player in suspense and the action even more intense than in its predecessors, proving that more of same can be a good--make that very, very good--thing in a sequel. --Joe Hon
The game they made after Resident Evil 2, but before Resident Evil 4
Review date: 2009-05-15 Rating: 8 out of 10
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
The thing about Resident Evil 3 is that there are effectively two different games here. When played on Hard mode it's the archetypical survival horror that you'd expect, with limited ammunition, tough enemies and fiendish puzzles. When played on Easy, it hints towards the direction that would be subsequently taken by Resident Evil 4, in that it's pretty much an all-out action fest. The starting weapon on Hard mode (a pistol) is replaced by an assault rifle, and within five minutes you stumble across a stash of pretty much every weapon you'll need. Two different ways to play, and both have incredible merit.
The major new innovation in this third installment is the titular Nemesis; a giant monstrosity hellbent on killing your character (the returning Jill Valentine). He can follow you from room-to-room, use weapons, and is generally a complete nightmare to face. Luckily, there is usually an escape route, and some of the best setpieces in the game are based around evading the Nemesis.
For those who've played previous games in the series, but were put off by Resi 4/5's rather gung-ho approach, rest assured that the classic gameplay is present and correct. Also, those who enjoyed the newer titles and are looking for a good place to start in the 'classic' trilogy, Resident Evil 3 is probably the best place to start. You needn't worry about jumping into the plot at the third game either. Whilst there is a narrative that continues through the series, I've found that each game works equally well as a standalone story.
ReviewsA fitting send-off for the 'old' Resident Evil seriesReview date: 2009-03-18 Rating: 10 out of 10The Resident Evil series and I have a long and largely happy history. Ever since the heady days of 1997, when I was a spotty, socially inept school kid, I've been battling my way through hordes of zombies, solving fiendish puzzles and listening to appalling voice acting. Now I'm a twenty-something university graduate - a little older, a little less spotty and perhaps a little more socially aware, but I still enjoy nothing better than blasting zombies apart with high powered shotguns.
Before the Resident Evil series became an over-the-shoulder Gears of War wannabe, it relied on tension, atmosphere and subtle suggestion to provide the bulk of its scares. The original Resident Evil was a masterstroke of brooding menace, where a silent room was often more threatening than an entire alley full of zombies, and a single box of shotgun rounds could often mean the difference between life and death. Resident Evil 2 expanded the story of its predecessor, introducing new characters, featuring improved graphics and a more complex plot.
And so we come to Resident Evil Nemesis - the third entry to the main series, and the last of the big Resi titles on the PlayStation. You play as Jill Valentine, a member of STARS Alpha Team from the first game. Disgraced after the Mansion Incident, she has quit the police force but continues her efforts to expose the ill deeds of the evil Umbrella Corporation. Unfortunately for her, she gets caught up in the T-Virus outbreak in Raccoon City before she can act. Trapped in the zombie infested town, she soon finds herself allied with Carlos Olivera, an Umbrella mercenary brought in to help combat the outbreak, while at the same time being hunted by a seemingly unstoppable bioweapon - the eponymous Nemesis of the title. Nemesis thus serves as both a prequel and a sequel to Resi 2, being based heavily around the events of that game.
Anyone who played Resi 2 will pretty much know what to expect here. You fight your way through zombie infested streets, collect ammo and heath, solve the odd puzzle and occasionally meet other characters who may or may not wish to help you. Nemesis uses the same game engine as its predecessor, so the graphics are reasonable enough. The backgrounds are generally high quality, and the zombie count has been upped, meaning that it sometimes feels as if you're facing overwhelming odds.
On the gameplay mechanics front, zombies can now climb stairs. This might sound perfectly reasonable these days, but back then it was quite a shock when it first happened. An ammunition creation tool allows you to mix and match different ammo types to create new weapons, providing a chance to tailor your attacks to suit your style. A quick-dodge function has also been added to the controls, allowing you to... yup, you guessed it - quickly dodge an enemy's attacks.
Those fond of behind the scenes info will know that Nemesis was originally planned as a side story to Resi 2 rather than a full game in its own right. And although its plot has clearly been beefed up since then, one can't get over the feeling that it's never escaped its humble roots. Nemesis reuses a lot of scenes and backgrounds from Resi 2, to the point where it actually becomes quite irritating at times.
Still, for the most part it's a decent, solid survival horror. The plot expands on Jill's character, allowing her more depth and resourcefulness, and even a hint of romance with Carlos. Although there isn't a great deal of chemistry between the two leads, their interactions are entertaining enough to make you care about them. And the Nemesis itself is a welcome addition - a hulking, menacing figure capable of breaking through walls and wielding a rocket launcher. Its appearance usually gives rise to an Active Time Event, meaning you have the choice to fight it, run away or do nothing - either choice will have an impact on the game's plot.
Overall then, I give Nemesis five stars. It's not as engaging as Resi 2, but it brings in enough new features to keep things lively and entertaining.
dead entertaining!Review date: 2009-02-07 Rating: 8 out of 10This is a real "edge of the seat" scary game! I would recommend a fresh change of underwear after playing this! Very tense!A great game for fans of the series.Review date: 2008-08-24 Rating: 8 out of 10the third game is great, and highly origional. jill is your character, and has help from carlos, who you even control for a bit. nemesis is the main enemy and he certainly becomes irritating, but he sure is fun to defeat as every time you defeat him he says stars in a low groan which gives you a satisfaction of knowing hes getting his rear kicked by something he hates. strangley enogh, anyone who has played re2, will find it strange that pilot brad vickers is still alive. although you find out how he dies and becomes a zombie, it is strange as re2 and 3 must be happening at the same time. a great game which i cant recomend enough !Resident Evil 3: NemesisReview date: 2008-06-29 Rating: 10 out of 10This is the best resident evil game out of the series it's got a good story great gameplay and it does have some good puzzels 10/10 must buy!
Product Details/SpecificationsRecording label: Eidos Manufacturer: EidosEAN: 5032921009263Binding: Video GameNumber of items: 1Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and overManfacturer maximum age: 216Manfacturer minimum age: 180 monthsPlatform: PlayStationBrand: Eidos
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