Is Resident Evil 3 Worth Buying? Yes, Especially for Fans of the Series

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As a longtime Resident Evil fanatic who has played every entry in the survival horror series, I highly recommend picking up the Resident Evil 3 remake. For RE devotees hungry for more after the stunning RE2 remake, RE3 sates that appetite with another horrifying trip into the zombie-infested Raccoon City.

While not quite as beefy an experience as RE2, the RE3 remake still delivers pulse-pounding action, gorgeous visuals, and a refreshed take on a Resident Evil classic. Considering it can regularly be found for 50% off or included as part of bundled deals, RE3 becomes easy to recommend for most players. The tense gameplay and blockbuster presentation alone make this a great option even for those new to the storied franchise.

Breaking Down the Gamplay, Story, and More

Resident Evil 3 casts players once again into the midst of the 1998 Raccoon City disaster, this time following Jill Valentine rather than Leon or Claire from RE2. Set both before and after the events of RE2, Jill‘s escape from the zombie hordes overlaps with Leon and Claire‘s ordeal. The refreshed story maintains the beats of the original while expanding on characters like the mercenary Carlos Oliveira.

Veterans will feel right at home with RE3‘s over-the-shoulder shooting and exploration gameplay. Limited resources force you to make every shot count. The dread of what horrors await around the next corner permeates every room you enter. RE3 also sets itself apart with segments involving Nemesis, the relentless mutant bio-weapon pursuing Jill. These white-knuckle confrontations punctuate the tension magnificently.

Both Jill and Carlos have great chemistry and make for compelling leads to follow. The expanded content for Carlos was a particular highlight. At only around 5-7 hours, RE3‘s biggest drawback is its brevity. The pacing rockets along at breakneck speed, preventing the memorable downtime and backtracking found in RE2. Locations like the Clock Tower being cut is disappointing for fans of the original.

How Does RE3 Stack Up to Other Resident Evil Games?

In terms of quality and memorability, RE3 doesn‘t quite surpass the incredible RE2 remake, but still stands tall as one of the best Resident Evil games. With its emphasis on bombastic action, RE3 harkens back to the faster-paced entries like RE4 and RE5.

For newcomers to the survival horror genre, RE3 represents a great entry point given its more action-oriented direction. The thoughtful exploration of RE7 or RE2 might be better starting points for those who prefer slower tension. But RE3 undoubtedly provides some of the most intense thrills in third-person combat across the whole RE franchise.

If ranking all the mainline RE games, here is how I would slot RE3 based on overall quality:

1. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
2. Resident Evil 4
3. Resident Evil (2002)
4. Resident Evil 3 (2020)
5. Resident Evil 7
6. Resident Evil Village
7. Resident Evil (1996)
8. Resident Evil 5
9. Resident Evil 6

So in my book, RE3 deserves to be considered top 5, even if I give the slight edge to the masterful RE2 remake. For adrenaline-pumping enjoyment, it stands tall.

Critic Reviews and Sales Show the REMake Treatment Pays Off

While reviews for RE3 weren‘t quite as glowing as its immediate predecessor, they still reflected positively on the blockbuster reimagining:

Critics praised the excellent combat, visuals, and performances – while dinging the remake for cutting content from the original.

In sales, RE3 topped over 2 million units shipped in its first 5 months – a solid result, if not matching the new heights set by RE2 at 5+ million. But the proof is in the pudding – remaking the classic PS1 Resident Evil games clearly connects with fans new and old, delivering blockbuster production values and quality gameplay with a dose of nostalgia.

Is RE3 Worth Full Price? Depends on the Player

This is where things get tricky – RE3‘s value proposition at full price really depends on the player. At $60 for 5-7 hours of gameplay, it‘s on the shorter side for sure. However, Resident Evil games have always emphasized repeat playthroughs and unlocking every last piece of content. Players looking to fully conquer RE3‘s extra difficulty modes, unlock all concept art, and really master the gameplay will get their money‘s worth.

But more casual players just looking for a single, solid playthrough might want to wait for a discount. Coming in at half the length of RE2, RE3 feels like it should be priced at $40 or $30 for players not looking to 100% complete everything. Luckily, with frequent sales and bundles including RE3 available, deals are out there.

Tips for Getting Into Resident Evil from a Longtime Fan

For those looking to dip their toes into Resident Evil for the first time, here are some tips from someone whose been playing since the 90s:

• Take it slow and steady – ammo is limited, so move cautiously and avoid enemies when you can
• Savor the atmosphere – RE games are like an immersive horror movie, so soak in the ambiance
• Save often – on multiple slots in case you get stuck or die
• Try both 3rd and 1st person games – to see which camera angle you prefer
• Don‘t get discouraged – these games can be tough, but practice makes perfect
• Experiment with different weapons – to keep combat exciting
• Play with headphones on – for full immersion in the gripping audio experience
• Check your corners – don‘t let the enemies get the drop on you
• Have fun! – at the end of the day, that‘s what gaming is all about

Whether you start with RE3 or another entry, the series as a whole provides some of the best survival horror and action experiences in gaming. Welcome to the family!

The Verdict: RE3 Remake is a Must-Play for Fans, Solid for Newcomers Too

While I can understand some of the criticism lobbied at RE3 for cutting content from the original, in my eyes as a longtime fan, the remake is still an exhilarating experience and tour-de-force of blockbuster horror gaming. The team at Capcom nailed the tense combat, spectacular set-pieces, and modernized presentation. Nemesis has never been scarier or more imposing.

For Resident Evil fans yet to give the remake a shot, I couldn‘t recommend it more – especially at its newly discounted price. Even newcomers to the series can‘t go wrong here as an entry point if the action-focused gameplay appeals to them.

Could RE3 have been a slightly more robust package? Sure. But taken for what it is – an intense, polished rollercoaster of monster-slaying and survival – Resident Evil 3 satisfies on almost every front. The short but sweet adventure through the doomed Raccoon City is one I‘d happily take again and again.