The Japanese developer/publisher has over the past two decades done a superb job of remastering, remaking and re-releasing versions of its classic back catalogue to an all-new generation of gamers. Far from being the sort of lazy, penny-pinching and thoughtless remasters that we’ve so often seen elsewhere, Capcom instead treats its properties with respect, with an eye on the past, to ensure that the essence of those games is maintained while keeping an eye on contemporary expectations of game design.
Capcom’s approach to remastering and remaking its iconic titles has been nothing short of exemplary. The company understands that its classic franchises, many of which have achieved legendary status within the gaming community, hold a special place in the hearts and minds of players, both old and new.
Consequently, Capcom has developed a meticulous process that involves carefully preserving the core gameplay, atmosphere, and storytelling that made the original games so compelling, while simultaneously updating the visuals, controls, and other aspects to meet the expectations of modern audiences.
With a back catalogue that contains so many bonafide genre classics, that have arguably stood the test of time, Capcom runs a heightened risk of remastering or remaking its titles in such a way that it fails to meet such expectedly lofty expectations.
Yet in recent times, the Japanese studio’s remake and remastering acumen has proven to be practically unassailable thanks to a largely superb run of Resident Evil remakes that have managed to capture the imaginations of series veterans and newcomers alike.
The Resident Evil franchise, in particular, has been the centerpiece of Capcom’s remastering efforts, showcasing the company’s unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of its beloved properties. The Resident Evil remakes, such as the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes, have not only faithfully recreated the original experiences but have also seamlessly integrated modern gameplay mechanics, visuals, and narrative elements to create truly captivating and immersive experiences for both longtime fans and new players alike. Speaking of Resident Evil, Capcom’s remastering journey arguably began with its legendary 1996 survival horror opus. The original Resident Evil, which set the tone for the entire franchise, has undergone multiple remastering and re-release efforts over the years, each one aimed at introducing the classic title to new generations of gamers while honoring the core elements that made it a genre-defining masterpiece.
Here is the elaborated and longer version of the original passage: In 2002, Nintendo fans were treated to the release of the beloved GameCube console, which would go on to become a fan-favorite platform for many classic and genre-defining games.
Among the standout titles that found a home on the GameCube was the highly anticipated remake of the seminal survival horror game, Resident Evil. Commonly referred to simply as the “Resident Evil remake,” this reimagining of the original PlayStation title kept the core structure and spirit of the 1996 classic fully intact.
Developers at Capcom meticulously maintained the fixed camera perspectives that had defined the original Resident Evil experience, ensuring that the game’s signature tense and claustrophobic atmosphere remained intact.
However, the team went beyond merely replicating the aesthetics of the PSOne version, entirely remaking the visual presentation with all-new, high-detail character models and painstakingly re-rendered backgrounds. The Resident Evil remake was not merely a surface-level graphical upgrade, however.
The developers took great care to maintain the essence of Capcom’s survival horror masterpiece, while also expanding and enhancing the experience in meaningful ways. The game’s inventory system was expanded, puzzles were reworked, and entirely new enemies, weapons, and areas were introduced, expanding the scope of the original game in ways that felt organic and true to the franchise’s DNA.