The original Resident Evil comes to PC, in all its unremastered glory

The original Windows PC version of Capcom’s Resident Evil is now available through digital storefront GOG, letting PC players experience the groundbreaking survival horror classic as it was back in 1996. PC versions of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis are also getting a re-release through GOG, the company announced Wednesday.

The re-release of Resident Evil for PC includes all of its original content with “quality of life improvements and enhanced compatibility for modern systems.” As with other PC releases through GOG, Resident Evil’s PC version is DRM-free.

Additionally, Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis are available to wishlist through GOG, and available for pre-purchase in a trilogy bundle.

The original Resident Evil was released first for PlayStation in 1996. Capcom later ported the game to Windows, a release that included uncensored footage not available in the original PlayStation version. The PC version of Resident Evil also had two additional unlockable weapons: the Ingram submachine gun for Jill Valentine and Minimi light machine gun for Chris Redfield. Jill and Chris also got PC-exclusive unlockable costumes.

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Capcom’s 2002 remake of Resident Evil has been available on Windows PC for nearly a decade now. But the classic PC version of Resident Evil has been stuck on CD-ROM format for much longer, though unofficial downloads of the game are readily available. The GOG release will be a legitimate and official way to acquire the PC version of Resident Evil and, eventually, its 1998 and 1999 sequels.

Resident Evil 2’s PC version was based on the PlayStation “Dual Shock Ver.” re-release of the game, and included high-resolution character models and an art gallery. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis for PC also featured enhanced 3D character models and higher-resolution graphics, but was dinged by players for its keyboard and mouse support.

Capcom has remade the first four mainline games in the Resident Evil franchise over the past two decades, but the GOG re-releases will give survival horror fans a chance to replay the originals in their original, tank-controlled forms, albeit with some modern conveniences.