WhilePlayStation Plusmay not be as comprehensive as Xbox Game Pass, it does offer a superior library of classic games. There are numerous classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games, and many of these titles still hold up, such asJak and Daxter,Sly Cooper, andJumping Flash. There are also plenty of classic Capcom titles on the service, given that the developer made some ofthe best games on the PS1.
This week brings the arrival of the originalResident Evil 2andResident Evil 3: Nemesisonto PS Plus, but before you dive in, it’s well worth checking outResident Evil: Director’s Cutif you haven’t already.Resident Evil 1 Classicis arguably the most historically significant horror game ever made, and it still offers a spooky good time.
Resident Evil 1 Classic Wrote The Blueprint On Survival Horror
The Mario 64 For Horror Games
The fifth generation of consoles was ahuge learning period for the games industry. These new systems, like the PS1 and Nintendo 64, could make full 3D games now, but executing them without a hard precedent was tricky for virtually every developer. One of those developers was Capcom, a studio notorious for its reliance on 2D titles into the late 90s, especially regarding its fighting games.
However, 1996’sResident Evildemonstrated how horror games were done, just asMario 64did for 3D platformers. First off, the technical aspects were perfect for the survival horror genre.RE1usedpre-rendered backgrounds, which were both effective in setting the mood and utilized low hardware resources, allowing enemies and objects to be easily dropped in without slowing the game down.
Resident Evil 1 Classicalmost perfected the survival horror gameplay on its first release,establishing the rules for the genre. You have limited inventory, limited resources, a labyrinth-like level design, and the core choice of running away or fighting the enemies. This core gameplay would be the focus of so many horror titles to come afterResident Evil.
Capcom was still experimenting withRE1. In future games, an item box would always accompany a typewriter, whereas inRE1, you would sometimesfind a typewriter or item box all alone. There are refinements in the sequels, but the first game still has some special qualities that make it worth playing today.
The Game Is Still Fun Today
So Much Replay Value
When looking at all threeResident Evilentries on the PS1, they all have tons of replay value, includingResident Evil: Director’s Cut. Compared to theResident Evil 1 Remake,RE1 Classichas amuch larger branching story system, with tons of scenes you’re able to miss. There are choices throughout the game that drastically change story events, a stark contrast to the remake, when everything remains mostly static.
For example, not taking Rebecca with you at the start of the game as Chris will result in a moment where you must save Rebecca from a Hunter, whereas this rescue moment will always occur in the remake. This makes replaying the title far more interesting.Additionally,Resident Evil: Director’s CutfeaturesanAdvanced mode.
This mode isan entirely remixed campaign, featuring new enemy and item spawns, new camera angles, and new pre-rendered backgrounds, plus gameplay adjustments. Advanced mode makesResident Evil: Director’s Cutone ofthe hardestResident Evilgames, as enemies are much tougher to kill this time around.
Playing Advanced mode is so much fun for those who’ve already mastered the regular campaign, and it will lead tomany surprises and jump scares. Advanced mode is exclusive to the PS1Director’s Cut, but is that version the best way to playRE1 Classic?
How Good Is The PS1 Director’s Cut On PS Plus?
Almost The Best Way To Play RE1 Classic
The PS Plus version ofResident Evil: Director’s Cutis quite interesting. The original downloadable PS1 Classics on PS3 digital version was based on theDualShockedition, which had a terrible new soundtrack. This recent PS Plus version is the originalDirector’s Cut, featuring the good music, and it still supports analog controls.
Playing on PS5 controls great, and thisDirector’s Cutoffers more content than the current PC version on GOG. The PC port is completely uncensored and has the best graphics of the bunch, but Advanced modegives the PS Plus version the edge. However, it’s still the second-best way to playRE1 Classic, when considering the Nintendo DS port.
Resident Evil: Deadly Silenceis one of myfavorite games on the Nintendo DS, offering a phenomenalRE1experience. So many nice quality of life improvements are added here, along with a newRebirth mode, which is debatably better than Advanced, offering tons of new DS-specific puzzles.
Sadly, a complete-in-box physical copy is quite expensive, making the PS Plus version the best and most accessible way for most people to experienceRE1 Classic. Whatever method you use to playRE1 Classic, whether GOG,PS Plus, or DS, the game’s still worth experiencing today, as it’s where survival horror began, with an already phenomenal execution back in 1996.
