When is Resident Evil 3 Remake released? Everything you need to know about the new game

Last year's Resident Evil 2 remake was one of the finest games of 2019, taking the groundwork established by Capcom's 1998 classic and updated it both in the gameplay and graphical departments to meet the expectations of modern day gamers.

The game proved such a success, Capcom are taking a similar tack with 1999's Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, updating the game with new graphics and an overhauled presentation to bring it in line with today's standards.

The game comes out this weekend (3 April), the latest blockbuster game to tide gamers over during this time of uncertainty and lockdown.

Here's everything you need to know about it:

What is Resident Evil 3?

Resident Evil 3 is a remake of 1999's Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, first released for the original PlayStation.

The game follows Jill Valentine - one of the Resident Evil series' most iconic heroines - as she attempts to survive a zombie apocalypse sparked by the ominous - and oddly prescient - T-Virus.

As she attempts to escape the game's Raccoon City, she's hunted down by an intelligent bioweapon known as Nemesis-T Type, who attempts to kill her and all remaining members of S.T.A.R.S. - the Special Tactics and Rescue Service.

Unlike the original which used so-called "tank" controls and fixed camera angles, the remake features third-person gameplay similar to the 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake.

The remake includes a brand new online multiplayer mode, which puts a team of four players against a "mastermind" who can create traps, enemies, and other hazards.

Is it any good?

Unusually for a blockbuster game, reviewers have been able to post their views on Resident Evil 3 ahead of its release.

Many had high expectations for the new release, following last year's similar remake of Resident Evil 2, which was regarded by most to be one of the best games of last year.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem as if Resident Evil 3 has quite met the lofty heights of its reimagined predecessor, but is still a game worth picking up.

The game currently has an approval rating of around 80 on Metacritic (essentially to video games what Rotten Tomatoes is to film).

Praise has directed at the game's graphics, sound, gameplay, and its fast pace horror element.

But that faster pace has also been one of the game's downfall, with Resident Evil 3 eschewing previous games in the series' slower, survival horror mechanics in favour of more action-oriented gameplay.

PC Gamer said that while "there's nothing wrong with a short game", the pacing "feels off... before you know it, it's all over."

Eurogamer also criticised the short length of the game, saying "the pacing, the progression, the action... contributes to the feeling the Resident Evil 3 remake is over too soon."

When can I play it?

Resident Evil 3 is scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on 3 April.

However, developers Capcom has warned that physical copies of the game may take longer to arrive in Europe, as stock suffers from delays due to global coronavirus lockdowns.

"Some European markets may experience delayed deliveries or availability of physical goods, including disc copies of games," Capcom stated.

"We are closely following official regulations to ensure we are prioritising the safety of our fans, employees and partners."

Of course, you will still be able to buy the game digitally through your console of choice's digital storefront.

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