25 Years Later, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis Remains a Fitting Farewell to the PS1 Era

Among the many iconic franchises born during the fifth console generation, few have left as lasting an impact as Resident Evil. As one of the first horror games to achieve mainstream success, Resident Evil not only defined itself but helped establish the genre of "Survival Horror." While much of the attention tends to focus on the original Resident Evil and its legendary sequel, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis often doesn’t receive the same recognition—despite its crucial role in shaping the series' future.

Released 25 years ago, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis laid the groundwork for many elements that would come to define later entries like Resident Evil - CODE: Veronica and Resident Evil 4. Developed by Capcom's "B Team" while Resident Evil 2 director Hideki Kamiya worked on what would eventually become Resident Evil 4, with series creator Shinji Mikami overseeing the project, Nemesis delivered an intense, action-packed experience. Its innovation and high-octane gameplay have helped it endure as a worthy finale to the Resident Evil trilogy on the PlayStation.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis Set the Stage for Future Series Staples

While Resident Evil 3 may seem like a satisfying conclusion to the PS1 trilogy, it brought significant changes that would leave a lasting impact on the series. Despite retaining the "tank" controls that are often criticized in the original trilogy, Nemesis was the first game in the series to introduce the "quick 180" turn, a feature that transformed how movement and combat were handled in later games.

This small but vital addition was a lifesaver, especially given the relentless and agile enemies Jill and Carlos faced throughout the game. The 180-degree turn has since become a key feature in modern Resident Evil titles, regardless of whether they use the classic control scheme or more updated versions.

Beyond movement, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis introduced another major mechanic that would become a staple in later games: ammo crafting. For the first time, players could gather three different types of gunpowder to craft their own ammo, rather than relying solely on pick-ups. This gave players more control over their resources, adding a strategic layer to the game while maintaining the series’ signature challenge. The result was a perfect balance between Resident Evil’s traditional survival horror and the more action-oriented gameplay the series would adopt in later entries.

The Thrill of 'Fight or Flight' Made Resident Evil 3 Stand Out

While the inventory and movement innovations were key, one of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis' most memorable features was the Live Selection system. These moments gave players just a split second to decide whether to confront Nemesis or flee, with both choices offering distinct risks and rewards. Opting to fight presented the chance for rare and powerful items but came at great peril.

Unfortunately, this unique mechanic was cut from the 2020 remake, replaced by fixed encounters with Nemesis. While the remake retained the original's fast-paced combat and action-oriented design, many fans felt the loss of the Live Selection system diminished the tension that made the PS1 version stand out. This feature remains exclusive to the original, further solidifying Resident Evil 3: Nemesis's place as a unique and essential part of the franchise.

Though its storyline runs parallel to Resident Evil 2, some might view Resident Evil 3: Nemesis as less central to the series’ overarching plot. However, to overlook the innovations, gripping set-piece moments, and exhilarating gunplay of the original would mean missing out on one of the most important and thrilling chapters of the Resident Evil series. It’s a true swansong for the PS1 era that gave birth to one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.