"RESIDENT EVIL" (1996) Revisiting the Original Survival Horror Classic 30 Years Later [REVIEW]

Written by: Luis Vox

Since Truly Disturbing has reanimated itself like a Crimson Head zombie and is going for the throat at the beginning of 2026, I personally think it would be a disservice to celebrate 30 years of Resident Evil and not do a proper Respawned Review of this classic game. But of course, when it comes to Resident Evil, nothing can ever be easy. Lacey of the Dead has issued a gauntlet of sorts and challenged me to play every port and remake of this classic that I can get my hands on and review them individually.

It's been a little while since we've played this classic, and truth be told, this was our first time playing our original long box version that we've owned for more than 20 years. It's very near and dear to our heart. But truth be told, it was never our favorite in the series growing up. That honor belonged to the original Resident Evil 2 before eventually being replaced by the GameCube remake in 2002. Resident Evil completely altered our perception of gaming, along with Metal Gear Solid, and became the catalyst for our obsession with horror games. So, it's going to be interesting to replay everything from the original long box version and Director's Cut to the GameCube remake, the HD Remaster, and the Nintendo DS version, Deadly Silence.

I won't dive too much into the story here. This game is 30 years old, and most people know what it's about. The short version is this: Random attacks in the mountains have been reported to police. The bodies of the victims have been mutilated and torn to pieces. Raccoon City Police dispatch S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) Alpha Team to investigate. Upon arriving deep in the wilderness, they're attacked by mutated dogs and become separated before taking shelter inside a nearby mansion. Once inside, they soon realize the horrors aren't just outside.

As a kid, and now as a jaded adult, I can say that the story presented here still works. It was a linchpin then just as much as it is now. The original game laid so much of the groundwork that Capcom still builds upon today. Reading the journal entries of doomed scientists who were too smart for their own good, but too stupid to know when to stop, tells the story of a seemingly innocent pharmaceutical company, Umbrella, conspiring with the government to create bioweapons for its own personal gain.

Obviously, the voice acting is hilariously bad, but in the best B movie sort of way. The cheesiness of the performances gave you a little respite from the countless times the game scared the shit out of you. Thirty years later, the fear factor might not hold up quite as well. It really depends on how immersed you become while wandering the labyrinthine halls of the mansion.

The atmosphere is another element that some people may only appreciate through nostalgic glasses. I still think it absolutely does the job, because if you're playing in the dark and have no idea when dogs are about to come crashing through the windows, or you suddenly find yourself decapitated after hearing the shriek of an offscreen Hunter, it's pure nightmare fuel. I've played this game countless times, and walking through a door only to find yourself instantly attacked on the other side still gets me. This time, though, it's with a smile instead of a scream.

Gameplay will divide people now just as much as it did 30 years ago. Tank controls have been heavily criticized since their inception. I was never in the camp that hated them. I got used to them because they were the standard for most games like this. I will defend the static camera angles, though. Not knowing where those sounds are coming from works in horror. Walking down blind corridors and hoping there isn't a monster waiting to deliver a killing blow while your health is flashing "Danger" is pure anxiety-driven terror.

I do think it's fair to note that this version of the game predates quality-of-life improvements such as aim assist. That does add a degree of frustration when you're already low on ammo and end up wasting shots on a wall because you're turned ever so slightly away from an enemy. I recommend keeping that in mind if you've never played the original before.

FINAL WORD

The fact that we're 30 years removed from the release of this game and we're still talking about it so fondly speaks volumes about how well Mikami and company crafted this masterpiece. While I wouldn't consider this version to be the best way to experience Resident Evil today, it is still so damn good and absolutely worth playing if you get the chance. Collecting it is another story. Prices can easily reach $200 or more, depending on how complete you want your copy to be.

I give Resident Evil (1996)

3.5 Zombie Bites out of 5.