Key Takeaway
1. Capcom has released the classic Resident Evil titles on Steam, but they are essentially ports of previous GOG releases with added Enigma DRM.
2. The inclusion of Enigma DRM has caused significant performance issues, crashes, and compatibility problems, especially for Steam Deck users.
3. Many gamers prefer the DRM-free versions available on GOG, leading to criticism of Capcom’s decision to add DRM to beloved classics.
4. Capcom has temporarily removed DRM from Resident Evil 4 Remake after community backlash, highlighting ongoing concerns about DRM implementation.
Introduction to Resident Evil on Steam
Capcom has recently launched the beloved Resident Evil series on Steam, offering players the chance to revisit or collect the iconic original trilogy that kick-started the franchise. The release features the original titles, including Resident Evil from 1996, Resident Evil 2 from 1998, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis from 1999. Additionally, they also released Breath of Fire IV for $4.99, which is 50% off until April 15, giving more options for nostalgic gamers. But, there are some controversy around this release that some gamers are not very happy about.
Details of the Re-releases
The main point to note is, all these classic Resident Evil titles on Steam are basically the same enhanced versions that were previously available on GOG. The improvements include smoother animations, better support for keyboard and mouse, upgraded audio, and more display options. These versions are just ported from the GOG releases, so they are not entirely new but enhanced ports. They provide a slightly better experience but come with certain drawbacks, especially concerning digital rights management (DRM).
The DRM Controversy
One of the biggest issues that gamers are upset about is that Capcom has added its Enigma DRM to the Steam versions of Resident Evil. Unlike GOG, where you can buy the games DRM-free and play offline anytime, the Steam versions require the Enigma protection software to run. This has caused frustration amongst fans, as they prefer DRM-free games that are easier to own and play without internet restrictions. The introduction of Enigma DRM has not gone over well, and many reports of performance problems have followed this decision.
Performance and Compatibility Issues
Capcom’s use of the Enigma Protector has led to various technical problems. The software was first seen in Resident Evil Revelations, and back then, users experienced crashes and slowdowns. When Capcom implemented Enigma in Resident Evil 4 Remake in early 2023, similar issues appeared, including frame stuttering and conflicts with mods. After some backlash, Capcom removed DRM from Resident Evil 4 Remake within about four weeks, acknowledging the problems. Still, players remain hesitant about these DRM software, especially for classic titles.
Community Feedback and User Experience
Since the original Resident Evil collection is quite old, many fans are confused about Capcom’s motives here. Despite the ports receiving a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, there’s widespread criticism online over the DRM addition. Many Steam Deck users say the ports are not well-optimized out of the box for their handheld devices. They report needing to manually tweak settings and fix issues to get games running smoothly. Some also face input problems, video playback glitches, lack of cloud saves, and general compatibility conflicts caused by Enigma DRM, making the experience less enjoyable for console and PC players alike.
Gaming on Steam Deck
For Steam Deck owners, these remastered titles come with additional hurdles. Many mention that the games don’t run perfectly on SteamOS without tweaks, and that DRM further complicates gameplay. The input lag and video playback inconsistency are common complaints, which diminish the portability advantage of the handheld gaming device. This situation has led to mixed feelings, with many players questioning whether these ports are worth buying given the array of issues caused by the DRM software and technical limitations.