Resident Evil 3 is a survival horror action game that places players in control of Jill Valentine as she navigates the collapsing streets and buildings of Raccoon City. Developed by Capcom, the title combines tense exploration, resource management, and direct confrontations with powerful enemies in a remade version of the 1999 classic. It runs on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, with the package also bundling the separate online experience known as Resident Evil Resistance.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around third-person survival mechanics where ammunition, healing items, and key objects must be carefully allocated. Jill moves through linear yet detailed environments filled with zombies and other threats, solving environmental puzzles to progress while avoiding or engaging in combat. The standout element is the pursuit by Nemesis, a relentless bio-organic weapon that forces players into quick decisions about when to fight, hide, or run. Controls feel responsive with modern aiming and movement options that support both cautious creeping and more aggressive playstyles on higher difficulties. Inventory management adds another layer, as limited slots require prioritization of weapons and supplies during extended sequences.
Atmosphere plays a major role through sound design, lighting, and sudden encounters that heighten tension. The game emphasizes preparation and adaptation rather than pure action, though it includes more scripted chase and boss moments than some earlier entries in the series. Exploration rewards players with optional paths that uncover additional items or shortcuts, encouraging replay attempts on different difficulty settings.
Game Modes
The primary experience is the single-player campaign that follows Jill's efforts to survive and uncover the events unfolding in Raccoon City. This mode focuses entirely on solo progression through story-driven levels with no online requirements.
Resident Evil Resistance serves as the included multiplayer component, structured as an asymmetrical 1 versus 4 online match. Four players act as Survivors who must cooperate to complete objectives and reach an escape point before a timer expires. The fifth player takes the role of Mastermind, observing through cameras and deploying zombies, traps, and environmental hazards to block or eliminate the team. Matches unfold across rounds with escalating challenges, and Survivors win by escaping while the Mastermind succeeds by preventing all escapes. Quick match, custom lobbies, and team play options exist for queuing as either side.
Story and Setting
The narrative centers on Jill Valentine as one of the few remaining witnesses to Umbrella Corporation's experiments in Raccoon City. Umbrella deploys Nemesis specifically to eliminate her and cover up their actions, leading to a focused sequence of events that unfold across key locations in the city. The story builds on themes of corporate conspiracy and survival against overwhelming odds, delivered through cutscenes, in-game documents, and character interactions.
Environments capture the chaos of a city under siege, with detailed interiors and streets that reflect the outbreak's progression. Pacing keeps the plot moving while allowing time for players to absorb the horror elements through exploration and encounters.
Is It Worth Playing?
Resident Evil 3 delivers a polished single-player campaign that stands out for its intense Nemesis encounters and atmospheric tension, making it a strong choice for players who enjoy survival horror with action elements. The experience runs smoothly on Xbox Series hardware and offers replay value through difficulty adjustments and item collection goals. Reception from critics highlighted the compelling narrative, visuals, and overall tension, with scores generally in the favorable range across major outlets.
Resident Evil Resistance adds an asymmetrical multiplayer layer that appeals to those interested in cooperative versus competitive sessions, though it receives less consistent praise than the campaign. The full package remains available as a complete title without ongoing seasonal content or major post-launch expansions. Players seeking a focused horror story with memorable antagonist pursuit will find the most value here, while those primarily interested in extensive multiplayer may prefer other options in the genre. The game does not support Xbox Play Anywhere, so the Windows version requires a separate purchase and excludes Resistance.
