Capcom has exciting news for fans of the Resident Evil series. The company has officially announced that the physical versions of Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard for the PlayStation 5 (PS5) will be released in December 2024. These releases are designed to tap into the capabilities of the PS5, enhancing the gaming experience beyond the digital upgrades offered the previous year.
Scheduled for release in Japan on December 6, 2024, these PS5 ports will cost around 2,960 yen each, approximately $20. For fans in the United States and other regions, the games will be available a bit later, with a planned release in January 2025. This staggered release schedule builds anticipation and allows Capcom to manage distribution effectively across different markets.
Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard were originally released for the PS4 and received their PS5 upgrades in the summer of 2022. These upgrades were fairly straightforward but brought significant improvements to the table, such as faster loading times, the addition of ray tracing, support for the PS5 DualSense controller, and the ability to run the games at 120 frames per second. These enhancements not only improved the visual fidelity but also enriched the overall gameplay, making the horrific and intense atmosphere of the games even more immersive.
The physical versions of these games on PS5 are especially appealing for collectors and fans who prefer owning a tangible copy. Physical editions often hold a nostalgia factor and can be valuable for display or future resale. Moreover, the Japanese market will enjoy unique box art, which has been particularly praised by fans and critics alike, although it's a disappointment for fans elsewhere since this specific art won't be available globally.
The enhancements made in the PS5 versions of these games have been well-received, as indicated by various reviews. For instance, Resident Evil 2 received praise for being a cost-effective upgrade that maintained all the thrills of the original game while elevating its performance and visual presentation. Despite Resident Evil 3 being considered a weaker remake compared to others in the series, its PS5 version saw improvements in both looks and functionality, which might give players a reason to revisit the title. Lastly, Resident Evil 7, which is celebrated for its return to true survival horror elements, benefited from basic but effective upgrades that helped modernize the game for the latest console generation.
For those unfamiliar with these games, Resident Evil 2 and 3 are remakes of the classic late 1990s titles and offer a blend of horror, puzzle-solving, and action, featuring stories of survival in a zombie apocalypse. Resident Evil 7, on the other hand, departs from the third-person perspective of its predecessors for a first-person view, which increases the intensity and immersiveness of its creepy, unsettling atmosphere.
This upcoming release not only brings classic horror games up to modern standards but also aligns with the trend of preserving and honoring video game history through enhanced re-releases. It’s part of a broader industry trend where companies like Capcom are investing heavily in their back catalogs to appeal to both new and returning players, ensuring that legendary titles continue to excite and terrify audiences just as they did years ago.
Looking forward, fans of the series and newcomers alike have much to look forward to with the physical releases of these enhanced Resident Evil titles on PS5. Whether for the love of the series, the joy of collecting, or the thrill of experiencing these enhanced horror classics, these releases are set to start 2025 with a scream.
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