Resident Evil Games: What are the Best Versions?

[greedostick]

I've been searching forever and I can't figure out what the best versions of the Resident Evil games are. I have beat all of the PS1 versions except for the long box version. Code Veronica on Dreamcast, 4 on Gamecube, and have 5 on PC. I also think I beat Zero on gamecube but am unsure if their are better versions.

I would just like to know what you all think the best versions are. The only stipulations are they must not have content taken out, and if possible are the best looking versions. I will not be willing to take HD resolution if it means missing content. Furthermore I don't care about content that must be unlocked in one version but is made available in the beginning in some versions. And not concerned about extra art work and such. I'll just get a Resident Evil art book if I really need to see some RE art.

Here are the versions I know of some may be the same game i'm unsure. It's been a long time. So just copy and paste, add you favorite version and why briefly.

I noticed the dreamcast resident evil 2 seems expensive. Why is that?

Resident Evil (longbox)
Resident Evil Directors Cut
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 3
Resident Evil Code Veronica
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 5 (already have the PC version)
Resident Evil 6 (thinking of getting the pc version)

[Edmond Dantes]

Okay, here we go.

Favorite RE1 - PSOne, non-GH Director's Cut (I've heard the Greatest Hits changes the music, which is a big deal to me).

FWIW, I consider the REmake to be a different game, the same way I consider Peter Jackson's King Kong to be a different movie from Meriam C. Cooper's.

Favorite RE2 - Dreamcast. It's not really that different from the PSOne Greatest Hits release, but I just like some of the cool things that go along with the Dreamcast, such as being able to see your health and ammo count by looking at the VMU. Really though, for an average player all RE2s are about the same.

Favorite RE3 - again, Dreamcast.

Favorite Code Veronica - Again, Dreamcast, but there's an additional reason this time: the Dreamcast doesn't have all the cutscenes that were added to later releases, in some cases this makes a small but noteworthy impact on the story. It's kinda similar to why some people prefer the Original Star Wars trilogy to the Special Editions, although in this case the difference is nowhere near that extreme.

Favorite RE Zero - Ummm... isn't this a Gamecube exclusive?

Favorite RE4 - I've only played the Gamecube one so I can't really say anything.

Also, don't listen to the critics: RE Survivor rocks.

[LaughingMAN.S9]

I've been searching forever and I can't figure out what the best versions of the Resident Evil games are. I have beat all of the PS1 versions except for the long box version. Code Veronica on Dreamcast, 4 on Gamecube, and have 5 on PC. I also think I beat Zero on gamecube but am unsure if their are better versions.

I would just like to know what you all think the best versions are. The only stipulations are they must not have content taken out, and if possible are the best looking versions. I will not be willing to take HD resolution if it means missing content. Furthermore I don't care about content that must be unlocked in one version but is made available in the beginning in some versions. And not concerned about extra art work and such. I'll just get a Resident Evil art book if I really need to see some RE art.

Here are the versions I know of some may be the same game i'm unsure. It's been a long time. So just copy and paste, add you favorite version and why briefly.

I noticed the dreamcast resident evil 2 seems expensive. Why is that?

Resident Evil (longbox)
Resident Evil Directors Cut
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 3
Resident Evil Code Veronica
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 5 (already have the PC version)
Resident Evil 6 (thinking of getting the pc version)

There are 5 versions of rewident evil 1 to consider (6 if u count the jap release) the original longbox release has the least content so skip that, then comes the directors cut which added dualshock support and came with a demo disc, then the saturn release which had different character designs that were more fluid in movement but beefier models and more pixelated as well as adding new costumes and battle mode minigame exclusive to saturn and lastly came the greatest hits version that added all the content of the directors cut but with a remixed yet inferior soundtrack, best version?


...gamecube REmake, this is my favorite re title i think, also worth mentioning that the jap release was uncut and had the original slightly more violent intro cutscene

Best version of re2 is a toss up between. Dreamcast which you can run in 480p via the dreamcast vga box giving u the best looking version along with art viewer or you can get re2 for the n64 which also has higher resolution mode with the expansion pack (but not 480 p) and has a couple of new files strewn about explaining the building of the spencer mansion in re1

For re3 get the dreamcast version for the same reasons as listed or re2 dreamcast

Code veronica get the hd release on psn or xbla

Re4 ive only played on gamecube but i hear it looks better than the shoddy port to the ps2 but ps2 has extra content, just get the hd release on psn

Re5.....dont get re5


But in case u still want it, i think theres a gold release with all the dlc inluded

Re6 i have no idea, who cares looks wack


Also resident evil 0, survivor, gun survivor, and the. 2 ps2 online titles were only released unde 1 version so there u go

[M.Buster2184]

Throwing in my two cents. Not sure if this is sacrilege, but I love the Gamecube version of the original RE. Is their anything different about the Cube version other than the updated graphics? Also not to sound like a fanboy, I also like the 64 version of RE2 and I think the Cube version of RE4 is better than the PS2.

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

Of all the Resident Evil games that have been released throughout the years I've only played the first 3 and all of which on the Playstation. I did tinker around with Resident Evil 2 on the N64 a little bit but I felt the game was best on the Playstation and I think of the series as a Playstation exclusive, even though it really isn't. My favorite in the series was the first one, specifically the "Directors Cut" which I have played through at least 5 or 6 times. That game has so many memorable moments and whenever I play the game it just feels like "home", I can't really explain it but it was freakin' amazing back in 1996 when it first came out and there was nothing truly like it out at the time. My second favorite would be the 2nd game followed by the 3rd game as my 3rd favorite, so I guess for me in goes in order of 1-3 but with the first game being far and away my absolute favorite.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

Let's see now...

RE1 - While I still like the original Playstation version, I love the Gamecube REMake best. It took everything great about the original and just amped it up and added some extras like new areas and plot additions.

RE2 - I like the Dreamcast version best. Basically the same as the Playstation version but with sharper graphics and ability to see your health on the VMU :)

RE3 - Also like the Dreamcast version best for the same reasons as RE2 plus you got to choose Jill's costume fro the start of the game

RE4 - Gamecube version although I still like the PS2 version for the extra stuff added like Ada's missions

RE:CV - Tie for me between DC and PS2

Also throwing in some love for RE:0, Umbrella and Darkside Chronicles and....Dead Aim! Yeah, there, I said it! Actually not too bad of an RE offshoot...

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

Throwing in my two cents. Not sure if this is sacrilege, but I love the Gamecube version of the original RE. Is their anything different about the Cube version other than the updated graphics? Also not to sound like a fanboy, I also like the 64 version of RE2 and I think the Cube version of RE4 is better than the PS2.

If I remember correctly, the GameCube version required you to light the zombies on fire to kill them. Am I correct? If so than that is the main difference aside from the graphical increase because in the original Playstation version you could kill zombies just by shooting them a few times.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

If I remember correctly, the GameCube version required you to light the zombies on fire to kill them. Am I correct? If so than that is the main difference aside from the graphical increase because in the original Playstation version you could kill zombies just by shooting them a few times.


I don't remember the whole "lighting on fire" thing, but I do remember that they added the "crimson head" zombies which were zombies that came back to life after you killed them and were much harder to kill again..

[Daltone]

Was RE1 released on the DS? I am sure that I played through that.

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

Was RE1 released on the DS? I am sure that I played through that.

Yes, it was. It came out in either mid 2006 or early 2007 on the Nintendo DS.

[Scotterpop]

Yes, it was. It came out in either mid 2006 or early 2007 on the Nintendo DS.

Yep, it was called "Resident Evil: Deadly Silence." An excellent port of the PS1 original with some extra content.

As far as comparing gameplay quality between systems, I have to say that the cutscenes for Resident Evil 2 look MUCH better on the PS1 than they do on the N64. I guess the CD-ROM format is better suited for FMV than cartridges of the time.

If you haven't played the RE remake on the Gamecube, GET IT! It's an amazing exclusive and a fantastic re-imagining of the first game. That opening cinematic is one of my favorites of any game.

[Polygon]

As far as comparing gameplay quality between systems, I have to say that the cutscenes for Resident Evil 2 look MUCH better on the PS1 than they do on the N64. I guess the CD-ROM format is better suited for FMV than cartridges of the time.

Oh, no question. It was a size issue. The N64 cartridge didn't have the space for the cut scenes. They had to use some pretty heavy compression to get them to fit. I'm quite impressed that they look as good as they do considering.

[greedostick]

Thanks. You all have been very helpful. I have very clear memories of playing resident evil directors cut on ps1 in high school. And I played zero on gamecube but I don't remember it. When you guys say the original on GameCube are you referring to zero? And is it the same as directors cut?

I think I will go with the suggestions here. And for the recommended PlayStation network games the price seems right. That will leave me extra to put toward the dreamcast versions.

Finally, if I remember correctly I thought between RE longbox and RE Directors cut the difference was in the longbox version there where scenes where Chris would go crazy that were cut out of later versions? Is that correct?

[Edmond Dantes]

When you guys say the original on GameCube are you referring to zero?

They're referring to the REmake (http://www.amazon.com/Resident-Evil-GameCube/dp/B0000657SP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369286178&sr=8-1&keywords=Resident+Evil+Gamecube). Resident Evil Zero (http://www.amazon.com/Resident-Evil-Zero-GameCube/dp/B00006LELI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369286178&sr=8-2&keywords=Resident+Evil+Gamecube) is a prequel. And no, the REmake is not the same as the director's cut (http://www.amazon.com/Resident-Evil-Directors-Cut-Playstation/dp/B00000I1BY/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1369286265&sr=1-1&keywords=Resident+Evil+Director+Cut), in the same way that Jackson's King Kong is not the same movie as the 1930s original.

NOTE: If you go for the Director's Cut, make sure it is NOT the Greatest Hits edition (it'll be black-label, and will include a demo of RE2). Not unless the soundtrack doesn't make much difference to you.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

For Resident Evil, the GameCube is absolutely the way to go.

The original Resident Evil 1 has a spectacular remake that's easily among the best games of that generation,.
Resident Evil 0 is GameCube Exclusive.
Resident Evil 2 and 3 for GameCube are merely ports of the PS1 originals, but thanks to the GameCube's format load times are nonexistent and for those who just want to enjoy the game and solve puzzles, both games offer the ability to start with the most powerful weapon in the game with infinite ammo. This is only optional of course - you can still play the games as they were intended.
Resident Evil 4 was developed specifically for the GameCube hardware. The PS2 port that came out later, the Wii version and even the HD one on PS3 and 360 can't quite emulate some of the more advanced lighting effects that were programmed specifically for the weird GameCube's hardware. If you wanna see RE4 at it's best, you gotta go GameCube original.

[greedostick]

Awesome, I think I have all the info I need for now. Thanks a lot!

If you all are willing I would love to know about the metal Gear games as well. From Metal Gear Solid and later. I'm a bit confused by those gamecube ones, and then the ps2 remakes.

One of them has the Metal Gear MSX version in it right?

[Edmond Dantes]

Awesome, I think I have all the info I need for now. Thanks a lot!

If you all are willing I would love to know about the metal Gear games as well. From Metal Gear Solid and later. I'm a bit confused by those gamecube ones, and then the ps2 remakes.

One of them has the Metal Gear MSX version in it right?

Yes, there's a version of MGS3 that includes the two MSX games. That version is this one (http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Gear-Solid-Subsistence-Playstation-2/dp/B000BXKA38/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369397099&sr=8-1&keywords=Metal+Gear+Subsistence), with the green case. If buying online, always ask if its the green case and if its a two-disc set.

Basically, with MGS:

MGS1 is more or less a PSOne exclusive. There was a PC version (which I've heard is good, but might not run on modern OSes). Gamecube got a remake called The Twin Snakes, but I've heard that was terrible, so stick to the PSOne original.

MGS2 had a re-release called MGS2: Substance. I don't think it really matters what version you get, but Substance has more extras (mainly, more VR missions and optional side-stories called "Snake Tales.")

There's a box set called "The Essential Collection" which includes MGS1, MGS2: Substance, and MGS3: Subsistence, but there is a MAJOR drawback: No MSX games. However, it does have all the OTHER special features from the re-releases of each version. Another thing to look out for is there's a part where you're asked to look at the back of the "CD case" to find Meryl's frequency in part one, but in the box set its in MGS1's manual instead.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Also, don't forget about the GameBoy Color Metal Gear Solid, known in Japan as Ghost Babel.

GBC MGS takes the style of the two MSX games but refines them with modern MGS mechanics to create the best of the bunch; Metal Gear Solid on GBC is easily the best Metal Gear game not on a 3D system.

[Daltone]

Also, don't forget about the GameBoy Color Metal Gear Solid, known in Japan as Ghost Babel.

GBC MGS takes the style of the two MSX games but refines them with modern MGS mechanics to create the best of the bunch; Metal Gear Solid on GBC is easily the best Metal Gear game not on a 3D system.

I agree with the above entirely. It is, however, pretty easy.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Only by contrast to the 3D games, which boarder on extreme frustration.

[Edmond Dantes]

Only by contrast to the 3D games, which boarder on extreme frustration.

Extreme frustration? Maybe if you're trying to go for a perfect rank...

[Ed Oscuro]

All of a sudden I have the strange desire to check out the GH version of RE:DC.

'course I never got a chance to play RE:DC itself back in the day...

[tom]

I liked my game.com version of RE2
http://www.videogamecollectors.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=192334&g2_serialNumber=1

[greedostick]

I liked my game.com version of RE2
http://www.videogamecollectors.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=192334&g2_serialNumber=1

Just how amazing is that version?

[Satoshi_Matrix]

amazing in the sense that like all Game.Com games, it's amazingly bad.

[M.Buster2184]

I liked my game.com version of RE2
http://www.videogamecollectors.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=192334&g2_serialNumber=1

Classic. I had no idea this was even a thing.

[Daltone]

Classic. I had no idea this was even a thing.

One you have played it you can never unplay it, as the saying goes.

[Edmond Dantes]

There was almost a Game.com version of Metal Gear Solid, too.

I almost want to play that version of RE2, but... well... don't have a Game.com, don't want one.

[greedostick]

I liked my game.com version of RE2
http://www.videogamecollectors.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=192334&g2_serialNumber=1


There was almost a Game.com version of Metal Gear Solid, too.

I almost want to play that version of RE2, but... well... don't have a Game.com, don't want one.

Yeah its kinda like Atari jaguar. You know it exists but you have no desire to even try it. I'm gonna watch the youtube RE2 videos tonight after work and have a good laugh. I'm sure it looks amazingly awful.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Youtube's favorite British straightman Ashens did a video review of the Game.Com, and showed off the Game.Com version of Resident Evil 2. Spoilers: it sucks.

[greedostick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1whfiMVm-Hg

It could be worse... But that doesn't mean it's good.

Anyone know if this was actually developed by Capcom? Probably by Tiger

One of the gamefaq revies states "Resident Evil 2 for Game.Com, Like a bird without Wings." Just thought that was funny and probably accurate.

[M.Buster2184]

Sweet Mowgli. I will say it looks "good" for a game.com game, but there can't be anything fun about that.

[Daltone]

There was almost a Game.com version of Metal Gear Solid, too.

Now that I didn't know. I feel almost a bit sad that it didn't come to pass.

[Edmond Dantes]

That RE2 for Game.com kinda reminds me of some PC games I used to play. Which probably isn't praising those games any.

Here's an article about the aborted MGS for Game.com for your reading pleasure (http://thesnakesoup.org/?section=articles&content=gamedotcom)

[BlastProcessing402]

I'm a bit surprised at all the love for Dreamcast RE2. I always found it to be a fairly shoddy port of a port (it's based on a PC port, not the PSX original, it's even one of the few DC games that used the alternate Windows CE OS) and even if you can play with a VGA box, it's pointless because the pre-rendered backgrounds are still the same low res blurry mess making it look a bit funny with the sharper characters and items.

Personally, I'd go with the Dual Shock version of RE2 on the PSX.


As for RE1, I've never been able to track down a pre-GH version, so I don't get all the fuss about the music, but the GH version has dual shock support, so I don't care. I doubt I'd play RE1 in any way other than the NintendoDS version now, though. Just because it's more convenient, not that the version is better in any way I can see right off the bat.

Of course, if I was gonna play it on a console, I'd go for the Wii version of REmake. There are a ton of control options, from using a GC controller just like on the GC version, to just turning the Wii remote sideways and using it like an NES controller. There are also CC and nunchuck controls, but the game being what it is no worries about waggling or whatever. I just find it nice at how many options they let you have there, most games only give you 1 or 2 choices.

RE3, meh, I don't care enough about that game to care which version. Dreamcast port is a little more competent than RE2, and lets you use alternate costumes right from the start, so maybe that gets a slight edge, since the default costume is utterly ridic.

Code Veronica, pretty much any version with X in the title. There's a lot of extra content in those missing from the Dreamcast original version. Beyond that they should all be pretty similar.

RE4, Wii version. Has the extra content of the PS2 version with none of the flaws compared to the GC version. You can use a GC controller with it and play it just like the GC version if you want, or use the waggle waggle, up to you.

RE5-6, who cares, crap games.

RE0, GC or Wii, they're identical but Wii has more control options. Not as many as REmake (sideways remote version is gone because 0 requires too many buttons) but if you'd rather play with a CC than a GC pad, there you go.

[Rob2600]

In addition to having a hi-res mode and Dolby Surround Sound, the N64 version also has the most important feature: an option for normal, analog controls.

For some reason, the Dreamcast and GameCube version went back to the old horrible "tank" controls and removed the other option.

[Jorpho]

Game.com emulation is a thing now, in case you're wondering how all those videos were made. That means you can try out RE2 for the Game.com yourself, if you really want to.

Anyway, what about the PC versions of RE1, 2, and 3? I might have thought those would be the most superior versions of all, though I haven't looked into it at.

[greedostick]

For Resident Evil, the GameCube is absolutely the way to go.

The original Resident Evil 1 has a spectacular remake that's easily among the best games of that generation,.
Resident Evil 0 is GameCube Exclusive.
Resident Evil 2 and 3 for GameCube are merely ports of the PS1 originals, but thanks to the GameCube's format load times are nonexistent and for those who just want to enjoy the game and solve puzzles, both games offer the ability to start with the most powerful weapon in the game with infinite ammo. This is only optional of course - you can still play the games as they were intended.
Resident Evil 4 was developed specifically for the GameCube hardware. The PS2 port that came out later, the Wii version and even the HD one on PS3 and 360 can't quite emulate some of the more advanced lighting effects that were programmed specifically for the weird GameCube's hardware. If you wanna see RE4 at it's best, you gotta go GameCube original.

I just took your advice today and picked up Resident Evil 4 on gamecube for 6 bucks at the game store by my place. They had 5 copies from greatest hits to original all with different prices ranging from 6 bucks to $11.49. Turned out the one I got just happened to be non-greatest hits, and had the best case and manual. So I feel pretty good about that score. I also just got Metal Gear Solid Ghost Babel in the mail. Not because you recommended it here, but because I unknowingly stumbled on your contempory game reviews website and never knew that metal gear existed. Then I jsut realized yesterday that was the website we talked about. I have actually picked up a few games off your gameboy list and am patiently awaiting you to finish the top 100.

Also, is it probably woth picking up a second copy of Resident Evil 4 on PSN? Because I am curious about the extra content, but if it sucks I don't feel a need to get it.

[Satoshi_Matrix]

Yeah, RE4 HD on PSN is absolutely worth picking up. All the extras from the PS2 and Wii versions plus it looks considerably better than either of those. The lighting effects aren't quite on par with the GameCube (RE4 was developed for the GC originally, and uses the hardware's funky lighting effects that can't be completely reproduced on any other hardware even consoles as powerful as the PS3).

RE4 is the last good Resident Evil game, and you should enjoy it as many ways as you can.

As for the top 100 GB/GBC list, I'm still working on that. Sorry for the delays.

[Carbon]

RE 1 & 3 for PC. Odd collection...welcome to Korea.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/Deomophobe/IMG_5702_zpsdfe96b3b.jpg

[Parodius Duh!]

Preferred port of RE1 is the Saturn version. I consider the Gamecube remake a different game as well.......setting zombies on fire? yeah, Its a different game.

RE2 & 3 - Gamecube ports for the lack of loadtimes. I still prefer to play the original ps1 ports for nostalgic value.

Code Veronica - Original Japanese Dreamcast version.

Thought RE4 sucked and havnt played anything beyond it. No zombies=no more fun for me.

[Edmond Dantes]

Anyway, what about the PC versions of RE1, 2, and 3? I might have thought those would be the most superior versions of all, though I haven't looked into it at.

I don't know about 1 and 3, but RE2:Platinum for Windows 98 is a good port, but not the best. On my comp, the FMV sequences had a huge stuttering problem (often to the point where they'd be still videos with audio running). It's not my PC's fault either--no other game has given me this issue.

The Dreamcast port has everything that's in the PC version, but its geared specifically for one console and so (ideally) has no performance issues.

[Daltone]

So, after reading this thread I felt the need to replay some classic Resident Evil. I downloaded the RE1-3 collection from PSN and started up RE2.

First thing I noticed was that this was the US version, rather than the PAL one. The main menu had an "arrange mode" on it, which was a bit of a surprise. I decided to start with that. It's a bit of a shock to find an infinite ammo sub machine gun in your inventory right from the get go! There's no arrange mode option from the get go in the standard PAL version I've got on disc. Just when you think you've seen everything this pops up!

EDIT: I've always had a soft spot for the way these games looked. Pleased to say that they still look excellent today. It's good to be able to see all the detail that's in the backgrounds.

[BlastProcessing402]

In addition to having a hi-res mode and Dolby Surround Sound, the N64 version also has the most important feature: an option for normal, analog controls.

For some reason, the Dreamcast and GameCube version went back to the old horrible "tank" controls and removed the other option.

Honestly, I've never understood all the bitching about tank controls in the old RE games (not saying you're bitching mind you). With the way the camera changes happen in the games, tank controls are the only reasonable way to have things set up.

[Daltone]

Honestly, I've never understood all the bitching about tank controls in the old RE games (not saying you're bitching mind you). With the way the camera changes happen in the games, tank controls are the only reasonable way to have things set up.

Up to RE1 and 2it was understandable. RE3 it was getting a bit tired. (You could move and shoot in Dino Crisis and Silent Hill couln't you? )

I have no idea wtf was going on with the controls in RE4 onwards. Someone needed a slap there.

[zaneiken]

RE1: Original PSX or GCN REmake
RE2: 480p Dreamcast
RE3: 480p Dreamcast
CV: Biohazard: Code Veronica Complete 480p on Dreamcast
RE4: I prefer the Wii version - it's the GCN version with the PS2's extra content, plus pointer aiming (and GCN controls if you don't like the Wiimote) and proper widescreen. The HD versions are ports of the PS2 version.