Description
"Resident Evil: Director's Cut" is an enhanced version of the iconic survival horror game "Resident Evil", originally released for the PlayStation 1 (PS1). This edition was published in September 1997, approximately a year and a half after the original game's debut. It was developed by Capcom as a way to compensate for the delayed release of "Resident Evil 2", and came with a playable demo of the latter to increase fan interest and anticipation.
Set in the spooky Spencer Mansion, the game follows S.T.A.R.S. team members Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they investigate a series of disappearances and encounter unimaginable horrors. "Director's Cut" introduced new difficulty modes, such as "Beginner" mode, which made it easier to eliminate enemies and doubled the available ammunition, and "Advanced" mode, which offered a greater challenge with deadlier enemies and limited supplies.
One of the most notable updates was the inclusion of support for Sony's DualShock controller, which allowed for a more immersive gaming experience thanks to vibration and analog control. Additionally, the original soundtrack was replaced with a new one, which added a renewed atmosphere to the game.
Technically speaking, "Resident Evil: Director's Cut" featured improved graphics over its predecessor, especially in character depictions and lighting effects, contributing to a more realistic and terrifying experience. The game also included an auto-aim system and difficulty adjustments to provide a more accessible or challenging experience depending on the player's preference.
The "Director's Cut" version of "Resident Evil" has been re-released on several platforms over the years, including the PlayStation Portable (PSN), PlayStation 3 (PSN), PlayStation Vita (PSN), and most recently on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 through the PlayStation Plus subscription. It was also one of the games preloaded on the PlayStation Classic released in December 2018.
This title is remembered not only for being a pioneer in the survival horror genre, but also for how its "Director's Cut" improved and expanded the original experience, keeping players on the edge of their seats with its intense horror atmosphere and its technical innovations.
History
The story of Resident Evil 1 begins with the investigation of a series of mysterious murders on the outskirts of Raccoon City. The members of the S.T.A.R.S. team (Special Tactics And Rescue Service), Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, are sent to investigate and end up trapped in a creepy mansion. They soon discover that the mansion is a research laboratory for the Umbrella corporation, where illegal experiments have been carried out with a virus that reanimates the dead and creates mutant monsters. As they explore, they meet other members of their team and discover the betrayal of one of their own members, Albert Wesker, who is involved in Umbrella's experiments.