If you’re a fan of horror games, there’s no way you’ve never heard of the Resident Evil series. The franchise, also known as Biohazard in Japan, was created by Capcom, a Japanese video game developer and publisher. The Resident Evil games have been successful since the first title was released in 1996 for the original PlayStation console. Now, over 15 years and many installments later, these games still have an enormous number of players. Let’s take a closer look at the Resident Evil games in order (or at least the main ones).
Resident Evil
The first Resident Evil game from 1996 is often called one of the most influential titles in the gaming industry. It was said to define the horror game genre and bring zombies back to pop culture. The game was remade in 2002 and then again in 2015, and now it is available to play on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. The game features some interesting mechanics, clever puzzles, and a gripping storyline about investigating the first T-virus outbreak in Raccoon City. Players were given a choice to play as Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield, which let them play in a different style with each protagonist.
Resident Evil 2
After the great success of the first entry to the franchise, it was just a matter of time until the next title would come to light. The developers wanted to give players the best possible experience, so when they were not fully satisfied with their first project (which was almost done), they just decided to throw it all out and start a completely new one. Resident Evil 2 was released in 1998 with a huge improvement – this time, there were two branching paths in which each of the protagonists had their unique storyline, partners, and obstacles to overcome while trying to escape the infected Raccoon City. The Resident Evil 2 remake was released in 2019 as a solid third-person shooter.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Resident Evil 3 was originally released in 1999, but the game received a remake in 2020. You can now give this title a try and play the Resident Evil 3 remake on the newest consoles: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and also the good old PC. This exciting survival horror video game is even scarier than before, with a new high-quality graphic design, but also a more compelling storyline due to some noticeable changes in dialogues.
Resident Evil 0
With the next installment, the developers decided to let the players go back in time with the prequel to the very first entry and they called it Resident Evil 0. The gameplay is similar to other titles, but it was designed to be more difficult than its predecessors. This time players also had the chance to change between playing both available characters in order to use their unique abilities while solving puzzles. You can choose to play Resident Evil 0 HD remaster to enhance your experience.
Resident Evil 4
Both the fans of the series and the developers agreed, that there’s a need for re-invention of the franchise. Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, was a pleasing surprise to the community notifying the requests for a breath of fresh air. Resident Evil 4 story has gone down a different route. Players joined agent Leon S. Kennedy on his way to rescue the U.S. president’s daughter, kidnapped by a cult. On his journey, he had to face hordes of strange villagers infected by a mind-controlling parasite. As a result of these changes, the game became one of the most acclaimed games in the Resident Evil franchise.
Resident Evil 5
Before the release of the fifth main installment, the franchise was already so successful that the community fell for its storyline. Therefore, the developers decided to bring back the beloved cast. The Resident Evil 5 characters are Chris Redfield, his former partner, Jill Valentine, as well as the old enemy, Albert Wesker. For the first time, the players could also enjoy the two-player co-op mode. The game generally received a positive reception, yet some reviews mention a poor control scheme.
Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil 6 has not kept up with the previous entries, and it’s often considered the weakest game of the series. The new features like the four-player co-op mode did not gain popularity. The reviews were mixed, some fans actually say that the game is fun to play with friends, but the story and graphics are just OK and do not represent the quality of Resident Evil that they’re used to. But still, it would be a pity not to play this game and come up with your own opinion about it.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
The developers knew that the next major game had to be a true gem if they would not want the franchise’s potential to waste. Luckily, Capcom came up with a brilliant script for Resident Evil 7. The game was once again set in a mysterious village, the story was once again deeply frightening, and the protagonist was so relatable. So, what was new about the game? For the first time, a Resident Evil game introduces a first-person perspective, which made the gameplay even scarier, especially in claustrophobic areas. Players almost instantly fell in love with the gripping story of Ethan Winters in Biohazard, which saved the whole series’ heritage.
Resident Evil Village
The latest entry, Resident Evil 8, was an unquestionable jackpot, winning multiple awards, including the Golden Joystick Awards’ Game of the Year. The game offers an incredible atmosphere of hounding but wraps it up in a well-thought-out plot. The idea of introducing new types of enemies and setting the events in a thrilling village covered in snow was an excellent choice. Focusing on exploration and adventure instead of typical horror was a nice twist, that made the game suitable for a wider audience. The game got extremely popular, not to mention the iconic Lady Dimitrescu winning her well-deserved place in pop culture. In case you found Resident Evil 7 too scary, Village may still be worth giving a try.
Capcom had its ups and downs, but today the Resident Evil franchise is probably in its best place in history. With the most critically acclaimed main games, maybe excluding the unfortunate Resident Evil 6, the series has even more potential to show off. It’s safe to say that this franchise was the one that defined the genre of survival horror. If you haven’t put your hands on any Resident Evil game yet, it’s high time! Now you can buy them even cheaper on GAMIVO – you surely don’t want to miss such an opportunity.
