Resident Evil is one of the most influential games so far. It borrowed what was so great about 'Alone In The Dark' and helped to pioneer what the genre of survival horror is today. It is still creepiest in the series. The original Resident Evil is a unique game among its sequels.
Gameplay- The gameplay in this game is complicated to say the least. Controls are difficult at first, but if you get use to it, you will kind of see the point to why they decided to make the controls this way. Its becouse the game uses fixed camera angles throughout the various hallways and rooms your character comes across, giving it a truly cinimatic and atmospheric experiece for its time. The controls are detremental to the tension of the experience of coming face to face with your enemy, you must have your specific weapon of choice equiped, prepare to aim with R1, aim manually towards your target and fire. Perfect tension.
The game is also set up with two scenarios. One being a woman, who has a more involved story, able to unlock a number of doors and has a much easier setting. The male is more challanging and follows a story path of its own, with less ammo and limited items. the game overall is set mostly in a mansion within a large forest. Probably the biggest house you would ever see.
Resident Evil has a number of challenging bosses, such as a Gigantic Snake, a Monster plant and many other creatures of the night.
Item collection is detrementalin this game, ammo for all weapons is limited and must be preserved in order to survive agiants more dangerous foes. Collecting and knowing how to combine and use herbs is important, they heal health.
Graphics- For its time, Resident Evil's graphics were stunning. The playstation was still a new system in 1996 and Resident Evil used its capabilities well. The use of 3d poligons with moderatly detailed clothes, faces and hair, walking around a brilliantly designed mansion was amazing for its time. The zombies were terrifying and designed very well. This was perhaps the finest looking game that year.
Sound- Resident Evils sound was exceptional. The music was really its sound highlight. The use of slow creepy orchestra as the character moved through a hallway, not knowing whats around the corner was trully cinimatic. The sound effects, such as explosions were done fairly well, you would think a grenade launcher would make more sound than it displayed, but really, its not a problem. Voice acting however, well, wasn't very good. However with that being said, the voices do there job and dont hinder the games feel.
Playability- This game is worth playing again and again, just like a good b-grade horror movie. There is lots to do in it and completing both 'Jill' (the woman) and 'Chris' (the guy)is rewarding.There are unlockable costumes and multiple ending depending on your bravery for the other sub characters during the last act of the game. This game has charm, class and atmosphere.
Overall Resident Evil 1 is still one of the playstations best titles.