This main game entry, originally released in 2000, places players in the role of Claire Redfield. Three months after the disappearance of her brother Chris, Claire infiltrates Umbrella Corporation's Paris headquarters in search of him. She awakens imprisoned on a remote island, where a T-Virus outbreak has unleashed zombies and mutated creatures. Aided by a guard, Claire must navigate the island, confront the undead, and uncover the secrets of the base's aristocratic commander, who has deep ties to Umbrella's origins. Escaping the island is presented as the initial challenge in a larger ordeal.

The gameplay centers on exploration, combat against hostile entities, and puzzle-solving. A notable aspect of this installment is its transition from pre-rendered backgrounds to a fully polygonal 3D engine. This technology allows for features such as real-time lighting and camera movement, though the camera perspective largely adheres to the series' established approach, utilizing static angles to present protagonists, enemies, and environments from specific viewpoints.

Story and Setting

The narrative unfolds on a remote, isolated island that has become the site of a T-Virus outbreak. The environment is characterized by a sense of dread and isolation, with players traversing desolate locations populated by zombies and mutated creatures. The story involves uncovering the island's grim history and the motivations of its commander.

Distinctive Features and Core Gameplay Mechanics

A significant advancement for the series, this game utilizes a fully polygonal 3D engine, moving away from the pre-rendered backgrounds of previous titles. This enables more dynamic visual elements, including real-time lighting effects that enhance the game's atmosphere. While the camera system employs strategic, static viewpoints, the 3D environments offer a more immersive exploration experience. Gameplay emphasizes resource management, strategic combat, and the methodical solving of environmental puzzles.

What makes this game unique?

The shift to a fully 3D polygonal engine was a key development, providing a more immersive and visually dynamic survival horror experience. This allowed for more sophisticated environmental design and lighting, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere of its isolated, outbreak-ridden setting.

Available Content

This main game release does not include any downloadable content (DLCs), expansions, remakes, or remasters. The experience is self-contained within the original release.

What platforms is this game available on?

This game was originally released for the Dreamcast platform.