TL;DR: Not as impressive as the games that came before it, and the story isn't allowed to do anything interesting.

Writing this review coming off of my high of beating the main story (there's an unlockable "Leech Hunter" mode). Keep in mind that this is an HD port of a Gamecube game from 2003, using the original Resident Evil Remake (2002) as a base - which also has an HD port on Steam. As such, it has many of the same common mechanics from that release + some modern conveniences. Examples being that with the "modern" control scheme, you have the ability to switch between tank controls and full-3D rotation just by switching between using the D-pad or thumb sticks. Other than that, as far as I can tell, there are very few tweaks for balance or bugs.

Narratively-speaking, this game is a prequel to a game that already had at least 4 sequels released prior. The story takes place the day BEFORE Resident Evil 1, and as such cannot do anything particularly interesting to the plot. Albert Wesker and William Berkin both make cameo appearances, but only insofar as saying "I'm going to go do the thing I did in Resident Evil 1!" and "I can't wait to be the lead villain in Resident Evil 2!". Billy, the new playable character partnered with Rebecca, is very bland. His outfit is that 2000's-chic complete with a silly tribal tattoo. I would highly recommend changing him to his other outfit, which lets him sport a cleaner "mafia/yakuza/club" look.

In terms of mechanics, I think the gameplay was very subpar. There's a hookshot that only gets used 4 times throughout the game, and it does not notify you when it is no longer necessary (you can safely get rid of it after you have access to the train car). Controlling both characters at once (or simply leaving one behind until they are necessary) does not feel engaging, and oftentimes I found myself frustrated with the AI not aiming/shooting properly. The lack of item boxes, thus replaced with simply leaving items on the ground, feels like a step in the wrong direction. It works for RE4, because that game's inventory is much larger, and allows you to properly organize. Item boxes, in a way, allowed for a bit more freedom, because there was no need to remember pathways to each item. You could simply make your way to the nearest safe room, pick up what you need, and continue playing. I found it difficult to navigate the mansion section, but that may have been my inexperience. Eventually, the areas become more narrow, and it's easier. Some may find it better than others.

Most bugs I saw were minor, but I highly recommend rotating saves. There was at least 2 bosses in the mid-game that appears IMMEDIATELY after exiting the safe room. If your character is not equipped with enough ammo, you will be soft-locked and need to reload an earlier save. Rotating saves allows you to keep as much progress as possible, and there's 20 save slots to use for this reason. Thankfully, the game provides an ample amount of ink ribbons (the items used to save your game @ type-writers). I was able to save 39 times in one playthrough on the normal difficulty.

FYI: It's the save room in the church. You have to fight a giant bat immediately after saving. I would highly recommend using Billy, and giving him the grenade launcher. The second time is immediately after attempting to ride the train car. Billy will be pushed out of the battle, and Rebecca will have to fight on her own. I suggest you drop all of Billy's items on the floor prior to starting the fight, as they will be ENTIRELY UNAVAILABLE OTHERWISE.