What can be said about REmake that hasn't already been said? This is the pinnacle of classic survival horror. Lush visuals, unmatched atmosphere, and challenging but fair gameplay. Every room, pre-rendered background, and camera angle is expertly crafted to suit the mood and needs of the scene, whether that is building suspense, drawing your eye to a specific location, or offering a reprieve from the horror.

I played the Steam remaster using Jill on the Normal difficulty, with tank controls. I appreciate the option for newer players to go with modern controls, but as far as I am concerned there is no option, tank controls are the way to go.

This is the fifth classic RE game I have played, having previously enjoyed 1, 2, 3, and Code Veronica. At first I was surprised at some of the changes compared to Code Veronica. Jill is a lot heavier and slower than I was used to my main character being. An individual zombie is a legitimate threat, able to take you down in 3-4 bites. If you are grabbed, you will receive a bite, unless you use one of the new defense items. The pistol no longer has any knockback on zombies, meaning you have less room to operate in while taking them down. Once I adjusted to the changes, I came to appreciate them for making this experience feel truly unique among the series. The first RE doesn't actually have that many zombies in it, mostly due to technical limitations at the time. REmake is faithful to the enemy count but has incorporated it into the gameplay design by making each encounter more important and memorable.

The Spencer Mansion is still the greatest setting the series has seen. The story is fun, with the new twists involving Lisa Trevor doing a great job at shaking things up and subverting expectations. The voice acting isn't as cheesy as the original, but it has plenty of charm.

The game has plenty of replayability. The protagonist selection, along with numerous small choices along the way, the multiple endings, the unlockable difficulty settings, costumes, and weapons. It is a complete package. I just finished the game but I am already looking forward to eventually replaying as Chris one day. I am sure this is a game I will come back to many times in my life.

In short, REmake is a masterpiece, and a must play for everyone.

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2024


7 Comments


3 months ago

Pinnacle of classic survival horror? A game that gives you no option for stealth is the pinnacle of survival horror? A game with many mandatory combat scenes is the pinnacle of survival horror?

I disagree with 99% of this review, but at least it was all subjective. That statement, though, I have no idea how you can make in a non-sarcastic way. Clocktower is the epitome of classic survival horror: REmake is relic from a bygone era of gaming we thank for its foundations but are ultimately glad to have moved on from.
@redbackloggd I mean, a lot of people actually agree with that statement so it's not that weird
good review tho btw! re1 remake is great

3 months ago

@NOWITSREYNTIME17 If you don't have stealth options, it can't be the best survival horror. It's like saying Portal is the best first-person shooter when it doesn't have combat.
okay? lol

3 months ago

@redbackloggd how would you sneak past the zombies? they would smell you

3 months ago

@NOWITSREYNTIME17 Nice response

@Elkmane LOL, fair enough.