Capcom has announced the return of Resident Evil. Don’t expect a number or subtitle after it though. They’re remastering the GameCube remake of the original Resident Evil for the PlayStation. This port will be available digitally in early 2015 for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC.
The GameCube remake, or REmake if you will, was originally created with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The new remaster will offer the option to play it in either 4:3 or 16:9 widescreen standard that has become the norm. This option can be changed at anytime. Capcom will also up the resolution to 1080p for the current-gen consoles while the previous generation consoles will have to make due with 720p.
Graphics aside, the major update is the inclusion of what one might label as intuitive controls. Players will be able to choose between classic controls and the newer, more accepted form of controls for a 3D game. Classic Resident Evil controls have gotten a pretty bad reputation garnering the name “tank controls” for good reason. Like a tank, it excludes the ability to move sideways, always forcing the player to either move forward, backwards, or turn in place. It was a major turnoff for many. Like the aspect ratio, the controls can be switched back and forth at anytime.
As ports and remakes in general go, the GameCube remake of Resident Evil stands as one of the best out there. Not only did it update the graphics, it added new enemies, new areas, and replaced the incredibly cheesy, albeit entertaining in the most unintentional way possible, full motion video cutscenes and voice acting. In the minds of many, it has supplanted the original.
