Resident Evil HD Remaster: Digital Foundry's Technical Analysis

Introduction

Capcom's beloved survival horror classic, Resident Evil, has received a long-awaited high-definition remaster, bringing the iconic game to modern platforms. Digital Foundry has conducted an in-depth technical analysis of the remaster to evaluate its visual enhancements, performance, and overall technical merits.

Visual Enhancements

The Resident Evil HD Remaster boasts a number of visual upgrades compared to the original PlayStation release.

• Resolution: The game's resolution has been quadrupled from 256x224 to 1280x720, providing a much sharper and detailed image.
• Texture Quality: Textures have been improved across the board, resulting in more realistic and detailed environments and character models.
• Lighting: The lighting system has been overhauled, adding real-time lighting effects and shadows to enhance depth and atmosphere.
• Effects: New particle effects have been introduced, along with improved fog and water rendering, creating a more immersive and atmospheric experience.

Digital Foundry's Analysis

Digital Foundry's analysis revealed that the Resident Evil HD Remaster runs at a native 720p resolution with a variable frame rate.

• Frame Rate: The game's frame rate typically hovers around 60fps during gameplay, but can drop to the low 50s during cutscenes and more demanding sections.
• Performance: On PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the game runs consistently above 30fps, with only occasional dips below. On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the performance is generally smoother, with fewer frame rate fluctuations.
• Load Times: Load times have been significantly reduced compared to the original release, providing a more streamlined gameplay experience.

Table 1: Resolution Comparison

Table 2: Frame Rate Comparison

Tips and Tricks

• Enable the "Analog Controls" option in the settings for smoother and more precise character movement.
• Use the dodge button to avoid enemy attacks and quickly reposition yourself.
• Conserve ammunition and use it wisely, as enemies can be tough to take down.
• Explore the environment thoroughly to find hidden items and solve puzzles.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: A player encountered a bug where the game would freeze during cutscenes. By updating the game to the latest patch, they were able to resolve the issue.

Lesson Learned: Keep your game up to date to prevent potential bugs and glitches.

Story 2: A group of players experimented with different weapon combinations to optimize their damage output. They discovered that the shotgun and magnum were particularly effective against bosses.

Lesson Learned: Experiment with different weapons and tactics to find the most effective strategies for defeating enemies.

Story 3: A player discovered a secret message by examining the environment closely. By reading the message carefully, they were able to unlock a hidden bonus area.

Lesson Learned: Explore your surroundings thoroughly to uncover hidden secrets and rewards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying too heavily on melee attacks: Melee attacks can be risky and should be used sparingly. Focus on using firearms and dodging enemy attacks.
• Wasting ammunition: Conserve ammunition by only shooting when necessary. Aim for headshots to increase your chances of dealing critical damage.
• Ignoring puzzles: Puzzles are an integral part of the Resident Evil experience. Take the time to solve them to progress through the game.

How-To: Step-by-Step Approach

1. Choose your platform: The Resident Evil HD Remaster is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Choose the platform that best suits your needs.
2. Install the game: Insert the game disc or download the digital version from your preferred platform's store.
3. Update the game: Check for any available updates to ensure the best possible experience.
4. Adjust settings: Go to the game's settings and customize options such as graphics, controls, and audio.
5. Start playing: Embark on your journey to survive the horrors of the Spencer Mansion.

Conclusion

The Resident Evil HD Remaster is a faithful and visually enhanced update to the classic survival horror experience. It offers improved graphics, smoother performance, and a number of gameplay enhancements that make it a must-have for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Additional Resources

• Digital Foundry's full technical analysis
• Capcom's official website for the Resident Evil HD Remaster
• Resident Evil HD Remaster community forum