glad I finally got to get this one finished, for as big a fan of the series I am I'd never actually completed it before. it's a very rewarding experience, and I'm blown away by the sound work especially in something as far back as 1999. it's "only" pretty good overall though. makes me appreciate its next two sequels even more (hell even SH4 which is only let down by some mechanics).
it's hard not to sound dismissive, but this one does feel dated though. very much a practise run, a very successful one, but it's clear where the inspiration is and isn't at this point. will happily say the puzzles are at the worst they've been in the series and the enemy placement often sucks too. ammo is incredibly generous too which downplays the threat and danger. all of the hospital material rules though.