The original Resident Evil for Playstation in 1996 was, and still remains classic. Now, pretty much every aspect of the old game has been updated, redone and improved into this very well-made and highly entertaining game.
The graphics are some of the best out there for GameCube, mainly because of the static camera angles (which are annoying to some, but helps keep the scare factor and dark atmosphere). Different kinds of shadows dance along the walls, water drips onto the ground, and characters move both fluidly and realistically.
The gameplay has been improved also; there is now these so-called "defense items", which can prove to be very useful in deadly situations. The controls remain mainly the same, for the better, or for the worse. There are also different types of puzzles in the game, some of which will have you thinking for a while. It's also a pretty long game. It took me about 10 hours to complete the first time through.
If you played the original Resident Evil back in '96 and are curious about this game, don't hesitate to buy it just because "you've already seen it". The experience is totally different, with plenty of new rooms added, some edited, and a plethora of all-new cutscenes and scenarios.
In conclusion, it is a very good game, including both suspense and nerve-wrecking terror all in one game. If you played the original and want to relive the adventure starring Chris and Jill, or if you simply like horror games, this is the one to buy. Several different unlockable weapons and game modes will keep you playing for a very long time.