In a move that's sure to delight survival horror fans, Capcom has made the first three classic Resident Evil titles available on Steam. The iconic trilogy includes 1996's Resident Evil 1, 1998's Resident Evil 2, and 1999's Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, all now accessible through Valve's popular gaming platform.
Starting today, each game is priced at $9.99, but currently features a 50% launch discount. This brings the total cost for all three down to just $14.97, offering an affordable way to experience gaming history.
The original Resident Evil introduced players to the Bravo Team of Raccoon City's STARS unit - Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Barry Burton, Joseph Frost, Brad Vickers, and Albert Wesker. Their investigation of the mysterious Spencer Mansion in the Arklay Mountains not only launched a legendary franchise but essentially created the survival horror genre.
Resident Evil 2 continues the story months later, introducing future series regular Leon Kennedy alongside Claire Redfield, Chris's sister. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis brings back Jill Valentine to face one of gaming's most persistent foes - the relentless bioweapon known as Nemesis.
However, the Steam release comes with significant caveats. Players are reporting that these versions include what many consider unnecessary DRM protection and, crucially, don't function on the Steam Deck handheld system. This mirrors issues that emerged when Capcom briefly added controversial DRM to Resident Evil 4 Remake before removing it.
One disappointed fan commented, "I appreciate Capcom releasing these classics on Steam, but they need to remove the DRM. These games have endured for decades thanks to community support and modding."
Another user provided detailed criticism: "It's identical to the GOG version in every way except Capcom added problematic DRM and made it download all language files instead of just one. You also lose cloud saves and achievements compared to GOG, and it doesn't work on Steam Deck while the GOG version runs perfectly."
For those navigating the terrifying world of Resident Evil: Requiem, IGN's comprehensive guide offers step-by-step assistance through RE9. The guide provides essential tips, highlights crucial early items to find, and ensures players don't miss any collectibles or documents from the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center to Raccoon City.
IGN awarded Resident Evil: Requiem an 'Amazing' 9/10 rating, praising its narrative about FBI technical analyst Grace Ashcroft's investigation of the Wrenwood Hotel that leads her back to the series' origins in Raccoon City.
