Campaign
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis takes players back to the doomed Raccoon City, but this time, the horror is more relentless than ever. The game follows Jill Valentine, one of the last survivors of the Spencer Mansion incident, as she attempts to escape a city overrun by zombies and deadly bioweapons. Unlike the previous two games, Resident Evil 3 takes place during and after the events of Resident Evil 2, offering a new perspective on the outbreak’s full devastation.
What truly sets this entry apart is its main antagonist—the Nemesis. This towering, near-indestructible bioweapon hunts Jill throughout the game, appearing unexpectedly and forcing players into high-stakes encounters. His presence creates a persistent sense of tension, making every step through Raccoon City feel dangerous.
The story is straightforward but effective, focusing on Jill’s desperate struggle for survival. Along the way, she meets members of the Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service (UBCS), including Carlos Oliveira, a mercenary with his own motivations. While not as intricately woven as Resident Evil 2, the plot is engaging, bolstered by multiple choices that affect the narrative.
The city itself is a highlight, offering a more open-ended approach compared to the confined police station of Resident Evil 2. With a strong lead in Jill, an intimidating villain in Nemesis, and an oppressive atmosphere, Resident Evil 3 delivers an intense, action-packed survival horror experience.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Gameplay
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis refines and expands upon the mechanics of its predecessors, introducing new features that enhance both action and survival elements. The most significant addition is the dodge mechanic, which allows players to evade enemy attacks with precise timing. This gives Jill more mobility and makes encounters with the Nemesis slightly more manageable—though still terrifying.
The game also features a more dynamic decision-making system. At certain points, players must make split-second choices that impact how a scene plays out, influencing the narrative and leading to different encounters. While these choices don’t drastically alter the overall story, they add replay value by encouraging players to see alternate paths.
Unlike Resident Evil 2, which had two playable characters with separate campaigns, Resident Evil 3 is a more streamlined experience. Carlos is briefly playable, but the bulk of the game is centered on Jill. While this makes the narrative more focused, it also slightly reduces variety compared to its predecessor.
The difficulty is well-balanced, with limited resources and aggressive enemies keeping the tension high. However, the Nemesis changes everything—his unpredictable appearances and relentless pursuit make him one of the most terrifying enemies in the series.
The Mercenaries: Operation Mad Jackal mode adds even more replayability. This unlockable mode lets players take on timed challenges as UBCS soldiers, rewarding them with points to unlock extra items for the main campaign. While Resident Evil 3 lacks traditional multiplayer or co-op, Mercenaries serves as a fun and challenging bonus that extends the game’s lifespan.
Overall, Resident Evil 3 offers a more action-packed experience while still retaining the series’ survival horror roots, making it a thrilling but slightly shorter entry in the franchise.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Production
For a PlayStation-era title, Resident Evil 3 pushes the hardware to its limits, delivering detailed pre-rendered backgrounds that bring Raccoon City to life. The game’s art direction leans into a darker, grittier aesthetic, making the city feel more oppressive than ever before. From burning streets to blood-soaked alleyways, every environment oozes atmosphere.
The character models are well-animated, and Nemesis himself is particularly impressive—his grotesque design and hulking frame make him a visually terrifying presence. However, like its predecessors, Resident Evil 3 uses the classic fixed-camera angles, which can sometimes be frustrating but also enhance the cinematic tension.
Cutscenes are well-directed, adding dramatic flair to key moments, especially Nemesis encounters. The soundtrack is another highlight, blending eerie ambient tracks with intense battle themes that escalate the horror. The main theme of Nemesis is especially effective, creating a sense of dread whenever he appears.
Sound design plays a crucial role in the game’s atmosphere. The groans of zombies, distant explosions, and Nemesis’ haunting growl of “STARS...” all contribute to the game’s unsettling tone. The voice acting, while a step up from the original Resident Evil, still retains some of the series’ trademark campiness. Jill’s voice performance is solid, while Carlos and the UBCS members add some entertaining moments.
Despite some audio compression issues typical of the PlayStation era, Resident Evil 3 excels in building a terrifying world through its sound and visuals.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis delivers a high-intensity survival horror experience with relentless action and a terrifying antagonist. While shorter than its predecessor, it refines gameplay with new mechanics and a more dynamic world. With its eerie atmosphere, great soundtrack, and heart-pounding encounters, it remains one of the most memorable entries in the series. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis gets 5 out of 5.
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