Capcom changed the world of horror gaming when it released the original Resident Evil in 1996. A year later a port to the Sega Saturn was made. Being an inferior console in most ways, the two versions differ in some key areas. In some ways the Saturn version actually adds stuff.
Ultimately you’ll want to play the PlayStation version if you want to experience the original Resident Evil, though most will probably want to play the HD version of the remake which is readily available on modern consoles. Still, it is interesting to analyze the Saturn version and see how some experienced it back in the day. In the long run, the PS1 managed to be more successful than the Saturn, and more people played the original Resident Evil on Sony’s hardware.
9 The Saturn Version Has A Battle Mode
On the PS1 the game does not contain a lot of content outside of the main campaign. The Saturn release actually contains the first Mercenaries mode of the series, something which would become a mainstay. Dubbed Arena Battle Mode, you shoot and slash your way through room after room until the end. Future entries would follow a similar format until Resident Evil 4 changed the mode to a score-based minigame.
8 Gold Tyrant
The Saturn version includes more enemies, and they are not all in the main campaign. At the end of the Arena Battle Mode you have to face off against a gold Tyrant. No word on whether this is actual gold or just a coat of paint. Whatever it is, the fight is extremely hard, topping off the Battle Mode as the ultimate test of skill in the debut entry. Aesthetically, however, a gold Tyrant looks less scary than the original color.
7 Slightly More Detailed Backgrounds On The Saturn
As every fan knows, the game features pre-rendered 2D backgrounds, meaning fixed camera angles. They already look great on the original PlayStation, but the Saturn version further touches these up to make them more detailed. It is hard to see the difference, but looking at them side by side reveals subtle improvements on the Saturn’s side. The series would utilize 2D backgrounds all the way through Resident Evil Remake and Resident Evil 0 for the GameCube, though Code: Veronica for the Dreamcast was fully 3D.
6 Zombie Wesker
The Tyrant destroys Wesker in the main game, but he survives. It seems like the developer intended for him to stay dead, as evidenced by his appearance in the Arena Battle Mode. partway through, you run into a zombified version of the iconic villain. Wesker ultimately returns, and it would be a long time before Chris does him in proper in Resident Evil 5. We’re pretty sure he is dead for good this time. Not even he could survive two rocket launchers to the face while melting in lava.
5 The Saturn’s 3D Models Were Worse
While the details may be better in the Saturn version’s backgrounds, the 3D models look worse and more blocky. Maybe some actually prefer this, because the style is ever so slightly different, but they look smoother on the PS1. The Saturn in general had worse looking 3D games, though it was nice for Capcom to port the game for owners of Sega’s machine. 25 years later and both versions look quaint, especially when compared to the GameCube remake.
4 Different Alternate Outfits
It is not a Resident Evil game unless there are alternate outfits unlocked after beating the game. The Saturn version similarly offers new clothing options, but they are entirely different from the costumes on the PS1.
Jill’s black crop top is replaced with a crop top more reminiscent of her default uniform, while Chris’s brown jacket is now a police uniform with body armor. It goes without saying, but these have no affect on the gameplay.
3 The Japanese Version Is More Violent
This change is not a part of the American release, but Japanese gamers on the Saturn received a more violent version of Resident Evil. Decapitated zombies’ heads stay on the floor after they have been kicked off, and the plant 42 monster can hit you more times during death. It is not too extreme and most might even miss it, but it is a difference none the less. Traditionally, Japanese versions are less violent and generally do not feature dismemberment.
2 Ticks
Ticks are exclusive to the Saturn release of the game. These monsters are new versions of Hunters. They start showing up and replace the Hunter appearances after entering the underground section of the Courtyard.
There are no actual differences between them and Hunters, but it is still nice to have some aesthetic variety in the game. Hunters and Ticks are scary monsters. They move faster than you and are harder to dodge.
1 A Second Tyrant Fight In Chris’s Campaign On The Saturn
The Tyrant is the last boss of the game and a daunting bout. Fortunately, Brad Vickers throws down a rocket launcher to even the odds. On the Saturn, Chris has to fight it once more before the final fight. After knocking the first one out who incapacitates Wesker, another one shows up in the same room. As long as you have a solid amount of magnum ammo, the second Tyrant should not be too difficult.
