Capcom has made the cult classic horror games, Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, available on the Steam platform for the first time. These titles, often described as a blend of Resident Evil’s survival horror with a prehistoric setting, are currently offered at a reduced price, allowing a new generation of players to experience these PlayStation 1 era gems. However, their Steam debut is not without controversy, as both games include the Enigma Protector Digital Rights Management (DRM) system.
The reintroduction of these beloved games to a modern PC audience is a significant event for fans of retro survival horror. Dino Crisis and its sequel carved out a unique niche with their intense dinosaur encounters and challenging gameplay. The opportunity to play these titles on a widely accessible platform like Steam, especially at a discounted rate, is appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers looking to explore gaming history. Despite the excitement, the presence of Enigma DRM has ignited considerable debate within the gaming community, echoing past grievances with other Capcom releases.
The Return of Prehistoric Terror: Dino Crisis on Steam
The highly anticipated re-release of Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 on Steam marks a significant moment for fans of classic survival horror, offering these titles to a new generation of PC gamers. Originally renowned for blending the tension of the Resident Evil series with the primal terror of Jurassic Park, these games carved out a unique niche in the late 90s and early 2000s. Players can now revisit the perilous research facilities and dinosaur-infested islands, experiencing the distinctive blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, and intense combat that defined the series. This digital debut on Steam, alongside a special introductory pricing, seeks to reignite interest in Capcom's iconic dinosaur-themed adventures, making them more accessible than ever before. However, beneath the surface of nostalgia and excitement lies a contentious issue that has quickly become a focal point of player discussion.
The availability of Dino Crisis and its sequel on Steam is a welcome development for those who cherish these entries in Capcom's storied history. Both games, previously ported to PC in the early 2000s and later offered on GOG, now arrive on Steam largely mirroring their GOG counterparts. This re-release allows players to once again step into the shoes of Regina and Dylan, confronting genetically engineered dinosaurs in thrilling, high-stakes scenarios. The discounted price further sweetens the deal, making it an opportune time for many to either rediscover or experience these unique survival horror titles for the very first time. Yet, the conversation surrounding this re-release is dominated by concerns over the included Enigma Protector DRM, which has raised questions about game performance and Capcom's broader approach to game modification and preservation.
DRM Controversy and Community Backlash
The Steam release of Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 has been met with significant player backlash due to the inclusion of Enigma Protector DRM. This decision by Capcom has immediately drawn comparisons to past controversies, such as the issues encountered with Resident Evil Revelations, where the same DRM led to widespread complaints about performance degradation and game crashes. For a pair of classic games, the addition of a DRM system known to cause instability is a major point of contention. The Steam forums for Dino Crisis are already filled with discussions from disgruntled fans expressing their frustration, not only with the DRM's potential technical impact but also with the perceived lack of thought given to the player experience for these beloved retro titles.
The choice to implement Enigma Protector DRM is particularly vexing given its history and the context of Capcom's broader stance on game modifications. While Dino Crisis hasn't traditionally boasted a large modding community compared to some other titles, the DRM's presence is seen by many as a preventative measure. This aligns with Capcom's recent public statements against game modding, especially following incidents involving inappropriate mods in games like Street Fighter 6. This situation highlights a tension between developers' desire for control over their intellectual property and players' expectations for unobstructed access and compatibility, particularly with older games. The controversy raises questions about the long-term viability and player acceptance of such DRM solutions, especially when applied to cherished classics, potentially dampening the excitement of their Steam debut.