New Game + / Unlockables
Congratulations, S.T.A.R.S. operative! Surviving the horrors of the Spencer Mansion is no small feat. But the nightmare isn't truly over until you've uncovered all its secrets. Resident Evil (1996) rewards dedicated players with exciting unlockables and a compelling New Game + experience that adds significant replay value. This section details how to access these bonuses and what to expect.
Unlocking the "Real Survival" Mode (Director's Cut)
For those playing the Director's Cut version, a true test of skill awaits. "Real Survival" mode offers a significantly tougher challenge, designed for veterans who've mastered the mansion's layout and enemy patterns.
- How to Unlock: Complete the game once on "Normal" difficulty with either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine.
- Key Changes:
- Auto-Aim Disabled: Precision is paramount. You'll need to manually aim every shot, making combat far more challenging.
- Item Box Linking Disabled: This is arguably the most impactful change. Item Boxes are no longer connected. If you store an item in the Dining Room's Item Box, it will only be accessible from that specific box. This forces meticulous inventory management and strategic planning for item placement.
- Increased Enemy Health/Damage: Expect enemies to be more resilient and hit harder, requiring more ammunition and careful engagement.
- Limited Ink Ribbons: Saving is a luxury. Ink Ribbons are scarcer, demanding judicious use and a willingness to risk longer stretches without saving.
- Strategy: Prioritize conserving ammunition and healing items. Learn the most efficient routes between key areas to minimize backtracking, especially given the unlinked Item Boxes. Consider mapping out essential item locations.
Unlocking the "Battle Game" Mode (Director's Cut)
The "Battle Game" is a fast-paced, action-oriented mode that strips away the puzzles and exploration, focusing purely on combat against waves of enemies.
- How to Unlock: Complete the game once on "Normal" difficulty with either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine.
- Gameplay: You'll navigate a series of pre-determined rooms, each filled with enemies. The goal is to clear each room as quickly as possible.
- Characters: You can choose to play as Chris or Jill, each with their starting weapon loadout.
- Scoring: Your performance is graded based on time, enemies defeated, and damage taken. Aim for high scores to prove your combat prowess.
- Strategy: Memorize enemy spawn points and patterns. Utilize quick turns and strategic weapon choices to dispatch threats efficiently. Don't be afraid to run past some enemies if your goal is speed.
The Rocket Launcher (Unlimited Ammo)
The ultimate reward for conquering the mansion, the Rocket Launcher with infinite ammunition transforms subsequent playthroughs into a power fantasy.
- How to Unlock: Complete the game with a "Good Ending" in under 3 hours. This requires saving both your partner (Jill for Chris, Chris for Jill) and Barry (Jill's scenario).
- Good Ending Requirements:
- Jill's Scenario: Ensure Barry survives the entire game. This involves giving him back his Magnum in the Dining Room, and finding him in the Underground Laboratory to ensure he doesn't get killed by Lisa Trevor.
- Chris's Scenario: Ensure Rebecca Chambers survives. This involves saving her from the Hunter in the Medical Room and later from the Tyrant in the Underground Laboratory.
- Acquisition: Upon starting a new game after meeting the unlock conditions, the Rocket Launcher will be automatically placed in your character's inventory from the very beginning.
- Strategy: With infinite rockets, every enemy becomes trivial. This is perfect for speedrunning, exploring areas you might have rushed through before, or simply enjoying the destruction. Be aware that the Rocket Launcher still takes up two inventory slots.
Alternate Costumes
Add a touch of flair to your next playthrough with these unlockable outfits.
- How to Unlock: Complete the game once with a "Good Ending" (see Rocket Launcher requirements above).
- Acquisition: After meeting the unlock conditions, start a new game. When prompted to select your character, you will be given the option to choose an alternate costume.
- Jill's Alternate Costume: A stylish, more casual outfit.
- Chris's Alternate Costume: A rugged, mercenary-style vest and bandana.
- Strategy: These costumes are purely cosmetic and offer no gameplay advantages or disadvantages. Enjoy the fresh look!
Playing as Rebecca Chambers (Chris's Scenario)
While not a full campaign, there's a unique opportunity to briefly control Rebecca.
- How to Unlock: During Chris's scenario, ensure Rebecca survives the entire game. This means saving her from the Hunter in the Medical Room and later from the Tyrant in the Underground Laboratory.
- Acquisition: After saving Rebecca from the Tyrant, she will join Chris. In the final moments of the game, during the escape sequence, you will temporarily take control of Rebecca to perform a specific action.
- Strategy: This is a scripted event and not a full playable character unlock. Focus on completing the objective given to Rebecca quickly to ensure the team's escape.
Embrace the challenge of New Game + and strive for those elusive unlockables. The Spencer Mansion still holds secrets, and mastering its trials will solidify your status as a true Resident Evil veteran!