Resident Evil 3: Who is Nemesis? (2024)

Who is Nemesis anyways?

This horrifying enemy made his debut in the 1999 version of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and has since been in The Umbrella Chronicles, along with Resident Evil: Apocalypse. He's the titular enemy in both the original RE3 and the upcoming 2020 remake.

To understand precisely what Nemesis is, it kind of helps to think of him as a biological weapon — like a Frankenstein's monster turned bounty hunter. Men created him, he has brute strength, and he's out to kill you and all the other surviving members of S.T.A.R.S. under the direction of the Umbrella Corporation.

He was created by Paris Labs, a European branch of The Umbrella Corporation, by placing a NE-α parasite into the body of a Tyrant (a.k.a. a biologically engineered super-soldier). Secretions from the parasite disfigured his body but provided him with regenerative abilities that make him a very formidable opponent. Unlike the other zombies and creatures you encounter, he's intelligent and fast. Suffice it to say that you won't want this large abomination with tentacles catching up with you.

As such, while making your way through Raccoon City, he'll jump out at random moments and attempt to kill you. You'll have to think quickly to get past his tentacles, his large gun, and his long reach.

What's different about Nemesis in the remake?

Obviously, the visuals have gotten a serious overhaul, giving Nemesis a creepy new look. The skin around his mouth is permanently peeled away, revealing his elongated teeth, while his muscular body has more definition.

However, there are also a few gameplay mechanic changes that make Nemesis encounters more terrifying. In the original game, players could duck into a safe room in order to get away from this Tyrant on steroids. However, in the remake Nemesis will be able to access some rooms that have a save point. Basically, if it isn't a proper safe room, he can still get in. You'll have to work harder to escape him if you want to save your progress.

How does Nemesis compare to Mr. X in RE2?

If you're one of the people who just played the Resident Evil 2 remake, then you're probably wondering how Nemesis sizes up next to Mr. X. According to some folks who've already been able to get their hands on RE3, Nemesis makes Mr. X look like pushover.

Don't get me wrong Mr. X can definitely make you freak out when he walks towards you, but he moves slowly. You see, Nemesis can appear seemingly out of nowhere. He's incredibly fast, strong, and will launch you into a panic attack by sprinting directly towards you. Unlike Mr. X, he also carries weapons, including his signature rocket launcher. Basically, he's Mr. X on steroids. You're going to feel like you're backed into a corner with nowhere to go when you face off against him.

It's going to take a lot of split-second decisions and precise joystick movements in order to manuever around him and make your escape — that is, if you can stop screaming long enough to play effectively.