Resident Evil (2002)

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Apr 30, 2002
  • Also On: PC
User Score
9.6

Universal acclaim- based on 1926 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,855 out of 1926
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 1926
  3. Negative: 44 out of 1926
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. JoeM.
    Nov 21, 2007
    9
    My favourite RE of all time. When I think upon the franchise called, 'Resident Evil', I think about this particular remake. I got this when I was 12 years old, and I didnt enjoy it because it scared the absolute hell outta me, but now I'm 17. I bought a gamecube again just so I can relive the experience. I am now back in the mansion with all the hunters and I AM LOVIN' My favourite RE of all time. When I think upon the franchise called, 'Resident Evil', I think about this particular remake. I got this when I was 12 years old, and I didnt enjoy it because it scared the absolute hell outta me, but now I'm 17. I bought a gamecube again just so I can relive the experience. I am now back in the mansion with all the hunters and I AM LOVIN' IT. Just like what a previous reviewer said below me, you have to relax and let the game engulf you.… Expand
  2. Tubie
    Jan 19, 2011
    9
    I loved this game and was one of the most compelling reasons to buy a Gamecube and if you own a Wii now you should try this game out. The graphics aged well because at the time they were simply incredible.
  3. Residentevilfan
    Jan 1, 2011
    9
    I love how they redid resident evil 1 but, I felt like the game was a real challenge wear the zombies come back to life if you didn't head shot them or burn them on fire. Also trying to find ammo was very difficult but, overall i loved the game and the whole resident evil story. Resident evil 5 is a joke. Love most resident evil games obviously :P
  4. Subject98
    Jun 27, 2012
    9
    This is, in my opinion, a shining example of a remake done right. It stays almost completely parallel to the original except with updated graphics, cinematics, and voice acting. None more was really needed, as the original resident evil's core was just fine and didn't need to change... with the exception of the bad gameplay mechanics.
  5. Rox22
    Jan 25, 2013
    9
    A fantastic remake. To be honest, I think this is better than the original in every regard, graphics, voice acting, combat, atmosphere, etc. pretty much everything. Most importantly it generally stays true to the original, with few minor alteration. New elements are just an improvement. The Zombie shark is just AWESOME!! Overall: Just utterly brilliant. I love this game, I wish all remakesA fantastic remake. To be honest, I think this is better than the original in every regard, graphics, voice acting, combat, atmosphere, etc. pretty much everything. Most importantly it generally stays true to the original, with few minor alteration. New elements are just an improvement. The Zombie shark is just AWESOME!! Overall: Just utterly brilliant. I love this game, I wish all remakes would be given this kind of care and attention.… Expand
  6. Storm1672
    May 4, 2013
    9
    Best remake ever. All of the additions are of essence. Graphics hold up really nice even today (11 years after release). Brings back all of the chills of the original and even adds a really great sidestory.

    Controls feel clunky these days and the voice acting is from a B movie (although better than the original). Still best in the series... probably.
  7. sharkshockey32
    Jan 28, 2013
    9
    This is by far one of the scariest games that i have ever played. When i bought it i was expecting nothing was going to be change just a graphics boost but boy i was wrong (well some things were sort of the same from my previous play through on the PS1) there were some new puzzles which i liked and new zombies which scare the crap out of me this game. To make the review short i wouldThis is by far one of the scariest games that i have ever played. When i bought it i was expecting nothing was going to be change just a graphics boost but boy i was wrong (well some things were sort of the same from my previous play through on the PS1) there were some new puzzles which i liked and new zombies which scare the crap out of me this game. To make the review short i would recommend this title to any horror fan out there give it a shot. :)… Expand
  8. 32Bit
    Sep 14, 2014
    9
    Reviewers should play games more before reviewing. I've played games for 20 yrs & a lot of "professional reviewers" either have no skills or give me the impression that they don't even like video games.

    When it comes to games on the Gamecube & during that generation, this game offers a very interactive experience over more "movie" like games of today like Tomb Raider on PS3. Compared to    Reviewers should play games more before reviewing. I've played games for 20 yrs & a lot of "professional reviewers" either have no skills or give me the impression that they don't even like video games.

    When it comes to games on the Gamecube & during that generation, this game offers a very interactive experience over more "movie" like games of today like Tomb Raider on PS3. Compared to even a lot of the story based RPGs on the system it pulls you in.

    The graphic presentation isn't really what makes the game. It's the creepy mansion setting and layout that has made this game an instant classic when it first came out and what makes it still a memorable experience today.

    I'm playing this game in 2014 and looking at it from a modern interpretation of video gaming & this game really is an entertaining game. Though on paper it's a fairly simple system of combat, item collecting, & map memorization, each aspect doesn't ask you to do more than needed so the controls never feel limiting except for one...

    In this game you cannot leave an item or pick up an item if your inventory is full. People say play Jill because she has 2 extra inventory spaces. This is horrible until you find the storage chests in the various rooms. In the beginning it will be annoying but later on it does mean some backtracking but load times are quick & the mansion isn't that big that you'll dread going back and forth. This flaw though has a justifiable reason though so KEEP READING:

    In RE Zero ( a top favorite of mine that was designed specifically for the gamecube) you can leave objects anywhere and come back later to pick them up & the game memorizes where you leave everything until you progress onto the next main area. In this RE the ZOMBIE POSITIONS are MEMORIZED BY THE GAME.

    Why that is because in this new RE the zombies never die until you luck out and their head explodes while shooting them or you have to burn them with kerosine in your inventory!

    All the zombies you kill eventually rise again but with more durability & the run & lunge fast at you!

    The only hint to this is in a paper you have to read.

    In fact most the game is like this. You have to utilize & master all the different systems in place like reading, examining up close your inventory, attacking with your knife, modifying your control scheme etc...

    This is a very detailed game that provides a great sense of control & accomplishment once you get used to it. AND NO MATTER WHAT pro reviewers say these controls worked for people almost a decade ago when it was it first came out on the Playstation 1 and it's not that difficult or clunky as some suggest & it would be a shame to miss the game based on that.

    Most reviewers talk about the looks and controls. I'm going to write that it's much more than these... It's about a classic game environment & atmosphere that's still better than what you will find since it's release. It's also very challenging because you have to remember everything & it's a great game to play with my girlfriend watching in a dark room as she helps me keep track.

    It's not perfect so I'm giving it a 9... because I think though the developer's focus on having the game memorizing the zombie positions and them resurrecting harder is definitely intense it does remove some sense of realism & common sense that our heroes should be able to leave things to pick up stuff that's more important but despite this you get a game that has different difficulty levels, two playable characters to play through with & it's a fairly long adventure.

    I keep this game in my top 30 list of must have Gamecube games & I honestly feel you should too, right next to RE4, RE Zero & Code Veronica    … Expand
  9. REFR_MrTrent
    Mar 19, 2017
    9
    Je le place au même niveau que l'épisode 0 car j'y ai joué juste après (et j'avais aimé, c'était la continuité scénaristique). L'avantage de celui ci ce sont les coffres, pour ranger les objets.
    Mais l'histoire me prend moins aux tripes, le passé des personnages est moins "travaillé" (contrairement au 0 avec Billy). Attention, ça reste très intéressant, et l'ambiance est au même niveau    Je le place au même niveau que l'épisode 0 car j'y ai joué juste après (et j'avais aimé, c'était la continuité scénaristique). L'avantage de celui ci ce sont les coffres, pour ranger les objets.
    Mais l'histoire me prend moins aux tripes, le passé des personnages est moins "travaillé" (contrairement au 0 avec Billy). Attention, ça reste très intéressant, et l'ambiance est au même niveau que le 0 (superbe). ^^

    Deux jeux équivalents au final pour moi. Un très bon Resident Evil, un classique. ;)    … Expand
  10. SkeletonBones
    Aug 9, 2017
    9
    Capsom just took and showed in 2002 how to do real remake of games on the example of Resident evil remastered. Originally the game was released in 1996 at PlayStation and after 6 years left for the 2001 console from Nintendo-Gamecube. As stated by the developers of the original game was only 35% and they did not lie, if you have already played in the original, then you still need to play in Remake
  11. Alex_Pilgrim008
    May 28, 2023
    9
    A masterful remake of a classic. It stayed true to the original RE while adding new rooms, bosses, weapons, dialogue and voice acting. Graphically, it pushed the GameCube in the same way that Splinter Cell took advantage of the Xbox's capabilities. This is even better than the original PlayStation game from '96. I would rate this with a 9.3 out of 10.
  12. BeboFett
    Dec 17, 2018
    9
    One of my favorites RE, almos perfect. This remake are great survival horror, a great audiovisual experience.
  13. Mahmus
    Oct 20, 2020
    9
    Easily one of the best video game remakes ever made. I wish the remakes for Resident Evil 2 and 3 had kept the fixed camera style of the originals like this one did.
  14. Hevox
    Jul 4, 2023
    9
    An excellent remake of an already great game. The atmosphere is fantastic and each shot is close to the work of art. The slow gameplay adds stress making the game more frightening than most modern productions. Resident Evil is a video game icon.
  15. crispyburger
    Nov 18, 2022
    9
    There's just something so incredibly unnerving playing Resident Evil. In terms of atmosphere, it's one of the best horror games I've ever played, period.
  16. J_R
    May 21, 2023
    9
    9.7/10

    The pinnacle of survival horror and one of the greatest games ever made. It's been over 20 years and I still love it just as much if not more. Survival horror gameplay is so satisfying, especially in Resident Evil Remake. When you start out you feel like a mouse trapped in a violent maze. Then you start to learn the map, figure things out, get better and make your way through.    9.7/10

    The pinnacle of survival horror and one of the greatest games ever made. It's been over 20 years and I still love it just as much if not more.

    Survival horror gameplay is so satisfying, especially in Resident Evil Remake. When you start out you feel like a mouse trapped in a violent maze. Then you start to learn the map, figure things out, get better and make your way through. Then the replays begin. You go from fumbling your way through to attempting things like harder difficulties, speed runs, no save runs, no hit runs, etc. It is so enjoyable, rewarding and fun. If there was any game I could forget and experience all over again it would probably be this.

    Every enemy encounter is meaningful because they don’t go down quickly and you have to consider the risk, limited resources, item management and backtracking. When you approach a zombie or hear one around the corner you need to stop and make a decision. Do I take it out or try to run past? Is there another way to go? How much health and/or ammo do I have? How much health and ammo is back in the item box? When am I going back to the item box? How often am I going to come back here? If I put it down will I come back and burn it so it doesn’t get back up? What do I do if I get hit? Do I have any self defence items? How much progress will I lose if I die? The game allows you to screw yourself and never holds your hand but this makes overcoming it so much sweeter. It is utterly fantastic.

    Then on top of this there is enjoyable exploration through creepy, atmospheric environments that you slowly unlock your way further into. With tense action against tough, scary enemies that forces you to stand your ground or run. The weapons hit hard and can produce graphic headshots and you can die just as horrifically. And the puzzles that are just right. Nasty traps, horror, gore and jump scares. This game recipe is f**king exquisite.

    The presentation is stellar. The fixed camera angles allow the developers to perfectly frame the whole game to increase the atmosphere, horror and player discomfort, and to highlight or hide things for the player. The visuals and art direction are excellent. The environments are gorgeous and detailed or dirty and gruesome when needed. The mansion is stunning and has so much atmosphere. It is my favourite video game location ever, it’s that good. The character and enemy models are great. The game is getting old now but still looks so good. Of course the audio is top notch too. The music, sound effects and ambient noises are so well done but they also knew when to have restraint and it’s all such a big part of the game's unnerving atmosphere.

    I love the characters, story, lore and dialogue too. The history of the mansion, Umbrella and the experiments is fun to dive into and all the notes/diaries/documents are worth reading. Jill, Chris, Barry, Rebecca, Wesker, even poor Richard, I love them all. The famous dialogue is a joy as is the B horror movie vibe.

    The only thing I can think of that is wrong is that I wish there was more of it and that we still got games like this regularly. A little bit longer, more options, more unlockables, more variety on further playthroughs. But I’m probably just being greedy, this game is near perfect. The only other issue is that the cave and laboratory areas are not as memorable as the mansion and residence for me.

    It improves on everything from the original while staying true to that vision. It doesn’t really throw anything away or remix stuff too much. It just makes it better and the new additions fit in so well it’s like they were always meant to be there.

    Go play this now if you've never tried it. I’m serious, I don’t care what your plans are. If you’ve never played Resident Evil Remake, fix that as soon as possible. I’m jealous that you get to experience this for the first time and wish I could again. Give it some time, you will get used to the older gameplay style and find it really works for this type of game. I hope as many people as possible enjoy this. Resident Evil Remake is how remakes should be done and how well games in general should be done.

    9.7/10    … Expand
  17. Kondorr
    Oct 12, 2011
    8
    By today's standards this is by far not a perfect game... the controls need getting used to... the writing is sometimes worse than in old Norris movies... but this is an oldy in trendy clothes... and despite all of its archaic shortcomings this is a great game - if you like the Resident Evil games, that is. After playing only Resident Evil 5 I really wanted to expierience the older games,By today's standards this is by far not a perfect game... the controls need getting used to... the writing is sometimes worse than in old Norris movies... but this is an oldy in trendy clothes... and despite all of its archaic shortcomings this is a great game - if you like the Resident Evil games, that is. After playing only Resident Evil 5 I really wanted to expierience the older games, the origins... and I got what I wanted. This is of course a completly diffrent expierience than the newer games. It is more about building a suspensefull atmosphere, where even one random zombie encounter could be your last. The music supports this almost on every occasion (the exeption is the horrible shark fight score)!
    The biggest issue I had, was the terrible inventory... not enough slots... which cqused endless needless backtracking, the same is to say about saving the game... those limited saves are a real pain. But in the end you get an interesting and suspensfull origins story on characters you care... couse if you don't care for them... move along... this might not be the right game for you.    … Expand
  18. JesterTRT
    Jan 27, 2020
    8
    Great start to the series. I loved the horror aspect mixed with action.
    The storyline was solid. So good that, look, it broke off into a never ending series! The whole build up of the zombies, the danger and the threat, the bad guy, and good guys. Everything was built up perfectly. Setting it up nicely, for the destruction that awaited.
    The gameplay was fixed up a lot with the remastered    Great start to the series. I loved the horror aspect mixed with action.
    The storyline was solid. So good that, look, it broke off into a never ending series! The whole build up of the zombies, the danger and the threat, the bad guy, and good guys. Everything was built up perfectly. Setting it up nicely, for the destruction that awaited.
    The gameplay was fixed up a lot with the remastered version. Fixing the movements up a little. It was still a lot of fun, and manageable. The puzzles were good, and not too hard. But it was mostly the story and anticipation on what will come out at you next that kept you going.    … Expand
  19. Dinerofresco
    May 17, 2021
    8
    My goodness one of the best remakes a game has been ever given and honestly one of the best if not the best story in the whole series , truly a legendary start to a legendary franchise
  20. Crimson9
    Dec 24, 2022
    8
    This is a remake, but honestly it improves so much from the original that I almost consider this to be the original.

    As a game RE1 is sensational. It's one of the first survival horror games, and it deserves high praise simply for kickstarting a genre like that. But not only was it one of the first, it is, to this day, one of the best. The survival elements in resident evil probably    This is a remake, but honestly it improves so much from the original that I almost consider this to be the original.

    As a game RE1 is sensational. It's one of the first survival horror games, and it deserves high praise simply for kickstarting a genre like that. But not only was it one of the first, it is, to this day, one of the best. The survival elements in resident evil probably never exceeded how well they were done in this game. The level design also might be the best here. The plot is devoid of the convolution introduced later. Honestly, the only thing that steadily improved in the series was the combat. It is a bit clunky here.    … Expand
  21. BlancoA.
    May 7, 2002
    7
    Ok, so I started playing the game as Chris at about 3:30 a.m. to scare the crap out of myself and found the control system to be hugely counterintuitive (not a RE veteran, obviously). I also realized that survival horror is much more adventure-oriented than action, which is fine, but not really my cup of tea. The mansion is absolutely beautiful, and the music is perfect. I soon made the Ok, so I started playing the game as Chris at about 3:30 a.m. to scare the crap out of myself and found the control system to be hugely counterintuitive (not a RE veteran, obviously). I also realized that survival horror is much more adventure-oriented than action, which is fine, but not really my cup of tea. The mansion is absolutely beautiful, and the music is perfect. I soon made the switch to the chick after I read that she's easier (to play as, that is....). And I realized that trying to confront & kill every zombie & mutant dog is an exercise in futility. So I'm on my way. Definitely a good time if played in the DARK, late night. I'm trying to resist the urge to go for the walkthrough.....… Expand
  22. drlowdon
    Jun 29, 2014
    7
    With its slow paced gameplay and fixed camera angles Resident Evil was a truly scary survival horror title and this is a superb update of the PSone original that improves the graphics and adds in a few extra elements as well. Of course the flaws, such as the clunky controls and terrible voice acting are still present but even today this is a game still worth playing.
  23. TimH.
    Apr 2, 2003
    6
    Looks great. Controls BLOW! Maybe I wouldn't be so harsh if I hadn't just played Eternal Darkness.
  24. AndrewC.
    Mar 3, 2007
    6
    Woah. I played through RE4 and was stunned and amazed. I played this one and saw...that Capcom truly did revolutionize their series. The camera angles and horrible controls here are so bad I couldn't play for more than ten minutes without shaking my head in disgust and going back to RE4. The graphics may be some of the best on the GameCube, but the controls are seriously bad, Woah. I played through RE4 and was stunned and amazed. I played this one and saw...that Capcom truly did revolutionize their series. The camera angles and horrible controls here are so bad I couldn't play for more than ten minutes without shaking my head in disgust and going back to RE4. The graphics may be some of the best on the GameCube, but the controls are seriously bad, especially in the light of RE4. Seriously. Pressing up to go forward, regardless of the direction you're facing is atrocious. Forget this game, I'm going to go play RE4 right now.… Expand
  25. WalterO.
    Nov 19, 2005
    6
    Played the first RE, loved it. Played the second, loved it. Played #4 and loved it. Now, I can't bring myself to sit down with this one for any real ammount of time. Why? Because it uses a cumbersome control system and poor camera angles. Combine that with the tough (HP wise) monsters and you have a bit of a frustrating time ahead of you. The maps have been changed significantly, but Played the first RE, loved it. Played the second, loved it. Played #4 and loved it. Now, I can't bring myself to sit down with this one for any real ammount of time. Why? Because it uses a cumbersome control system and poor camera angles. Combine that with the tough (HP wise) monsters and you have a bit of a frustrating time ahead of you. The maps have been changed significantly, but the addition of "Red" zombies and lack of improvements to gameplay make me reticent to suggest the acquisition of this particular offering. I suggest rental before purchase.… Expand
  26. B00tador
    Dec 4, 2021
    6
    A little too obtuse on the puzzle front for me. Very much for the nostalgia grabbers.
  27. KrammittheFrog
    Jun 2, 2003
    5
    I am mainly a first-person shooter fan. I decided to purchase a used copy of Resident Evil hoping to jump into a new genre of videogames. I made RE my choice because of the outstanding graphics and the interesting puzzle-solving gameplay. I have to admit, it has the best graphics of any Gamecube game, thus far. However, once I started playing it, I realized how boring it was not being I am mainly a first-person shooter fan. I decided to purchase a used copy of Resident Evil hoping to jump into a new genre of videogames. I made RE my choice because of the outstanding graphics and the interesting puzzle-solving gameplay. I have to admit, it has the best graphics of any Gamecube game, thus far. However, once I started playing it, I realized how boring it was not being able to see the action take place in first-person. I also found it frustrating because of the fixed cameras and not being able to see where the character is going. I believe that the game is not creepy at all, like many critics have said. Maybe if it was in first-person I'd be able to feel the creepiness better. I have come to a conclusion. I didn't like third-person games on previous consoles, and I still don't like them. I don't know, call me a die-hard FPS fan, I guess. If I was a 3rd-person fan, I would most likely give this game the 10 it deserves, but obviously I'm not a 3rd-person fan.… Expand
  28. Nathanimations
    Sep 4, 2022
    5
    Userscore too high. They were at the top of Best user rated games of all time.
  29. DemonicAngel
    Sep 25, 2004
    4
    Pros: Graphics are extraordinary, with gorgeous prerendered backgrounds and immensely detailed 3D characters. The atmosphere is palpable. -- Cons: The controls are awful, horrible, detestable. They may have been OK for the original Resident Evil, but the world has moved on since then, and frankly I expect to have more control over my gameworld avatar when he/she's being attacked by Pros: Graphics are extraordinary, with gorgeous prerendered backgrounds and immensely detailed 3D characters. The atmosphere is palpable. -- Cons: The controls are awful, horrible, detestable. They may have been OK for the original Resident Evil, but the world has moved on since then, and frankly I expect to have more control over my gameworld avatar when he/she's being attacked by zombies and rabid dogs. And as you know, any game lives or dies by its controls. The gameplay (when you're not frantically battling against the stupid controls in order to defend yourself against zombie attack) is tedious in the extreme, consisting basically of wandering around the mansion until you figure out (without any noticeable clues) what you're supposed to do next. As much as I wanted to like this game, after a while I just could not summon up the will to continue. Not worth the effort unless you loved the original. (And for the record, I never played the original.)… Expand
  30. KentKouh
    Jun 25, 2023
    2
    I am probably too late to the party, but this game did not age well at all. How on earth is this game the most high rated game among user scores? I don't get it. Gameplay feels not smooth at all, kind of clunky. Story is meh, but likeable characters atleast. The mansion is cool, however, it feels like a chore to backtrack often. The game is also very hard because there is hard to find ammoI am probably too late to the party, but this game did not age well at all. How on earth is this game the most high rated game among user scores? I don't get it. Gameplay feels not smooth at all, kind of clunky. Story is meh, but likeable characters atleast. The mansion is cool, however, it feels like a chore to backtrack often. The game is also very hard because there is hard to find ammo and healing items. Overall, it's safe to say that you probably have to prepare that this is a old game and don't expect anything great.… Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best GameCube Game of 2002
3
#3 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2002
6
#6 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. GMR Magazine
    90
    This remake could almost be described as a new game. But is it really Resident Evil without the laughably bad voice acting? [Feb 2003, p.96]
  2. RewiredMind
    80
    An incredibly impressive re-imagining of a gaming classic.
    Read full review
  3. Total Video Games
    100
    The graphics are some of the best we have ever witnessed in a game to date, the storyline has been refined giving you more information about Umbrella and STARS, the game itself is pure genius.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »