Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis builds upon the solid foundations of its predecessors with refined controls and new mechanics that keep the tension high throughout Raccoon City’s streets. Jill Valentine retains her signature “master of unlocking” abilities, but now wields an expanded arsenal of moves, including a convenient dodge roll and 180-degree turn that lets you quickly evade zombies and mutated creatures. The auto-targeting system smooths out gunplay, while the new dodge move injects fresh urgency into every encounter.

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A key addition to the gameplay is the ability to mix three different types of gunpowder to create specialized ammunition. Scavenging for these powder components becomes a strategic choice: do you prioritize high-powered rounds for tougher foes or conserve resources for emergencies? On top of that, the game randomizes certain item locations on each playthrough, enhancing replay value and ensuring that veteran players remain on their toes.

What truly sets Resident Evil 3 apart is the relentless Nemesis. Unlike the lumbering Tyrant or Mr. X from earlier titles, Nemesis can sprint faster than Jill, use firearms like a rocket launcher, and even navigate doors and rooms to hunt you down. This mid-game upgrade in enemy AI transforms the streets of Raccoon City into a true survival nightmare, forcing players to balance exploration with the constant threat of a bio-weapon on their heels.

Graphics

The game continues the series’ tradition of pre-rendered backgrounds paired with polygonal character models, creating a cinematic atmosphere that heightens suspense. Compared to Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3 boasts a marked increase in polygon count for characters and monsters, resulting in more detailed and expressive animations when zombies lunge or Nemesis smashes through walls.

On PC, the graphical fidelity shines with support for resolutions up to 1600×1200 at 32 bits of color depth—an impressive leap from the PlayStation-era cap of 640×480 at 16 bits. These higher resolutions and richer color palettes bring Raccoon City’s crumbling urban landscape to life, from flickering streetlamps to the gore-soaked interiors of Umbrella labs.

The Dreamcast version benefits from similar visual upgrades and includes all of Jill’s possible costumes unlocked by default, along with the bonus Operation Mad Jackal mini-game. In contrast, the original PlayStation release requires high-score runs to unlock these extras, but still delivers the core visual experience that defined late-’90s survival horror.

Story

Set against the backdrop of Resident Evil 2’s outbreak, Nemesis thrusts players into the final days of Raccoon City. Jill Valentine races against time (and a relentless bio-weapon) to escape the undead-infested metropolis, while the Umbrella Corporation’s dark secrets unravel in increasingly grisly fashion. The narrative cleverly intertwines with events from Resident Evil 2, offering fresh perspectives on key locations such as the police station and the Raccoon City Park.

Along Jill’s path are three stranded Umbrella mercenaries—fighters who may aid or betray her depending on the situation. These NPC encounters introduce branching scenarios, forcing players to make critical choices that permanently affect character fates and game endings. This branching structure gives the story weight, as every decision feels consequential to the survival of Jill and her uneasy allies.

At the heart of the narrative is Nemesis himself, Umbrella’s ultimate bioweapon tasked with eliminating S.T.A.R.S. members. His signature “STARS” slashing attack and chilling growls echo through deserted streets, establishing him as one of the most memorable antagonists in horror gaming. Nemesis isn’t just a boss fight; he’s a persistent nightmare that stalks players from the very first minute to the climactic finale.

Overall Experience

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis stands as a turbo-charged evolution of the survival horror formula. The addition of a true roaming nemesis, strategic ammo crafting, and randomized item placements breathe new life into familiar corridors and sewers. Each playthrough feels distinct, driven by both the unpredictability of item spawns and the dynamic interactions with side characters.

The game’s pacing strikes a satisfying balance between high-tension chases and exploratory downtime. Dashes through zombie-filled streets can abruptly shift to tense puzzle sequences or quiet moments of resource management. This rhythm keeps players engaged, ensuring there’s no single formula for success and that every escape attempt feels earned.

With multiple endings influenced by in-game decisions, morbidly iconic villains, and enhanced visuals on modern platforms, Resident Evil 3 delivers both nostalgia and fresh thrills. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer to survival horror, Jill Valentine’s harrowing escape from Raccoon City remains one of the genre’s most exhilarating experiences. This is a game that refuses to let you rest—and that’s exactly how it should be.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10