The Resident Evil franchise, a cornerstone of the survival horror genre, boasts a rich history spanning over two decades. With numerous mainline entries, spin-offs, and remakes, navigating the Resident Evil game order can be a daunting task for newcomers and veterans alike. This exploration serves as a comprehensive guide, delving into the chronological timeline of the Resident Evil universe, highlighting key narrative beats, gameplay changes, and the impact of each title.
The Genesis of Terror: The Early Games (1996-2003)
The early Resident Evil games established the core themes and gameplay mechanics that define the franchise.
Resident Evil (1996): The iconic first entry introduces players to Raccoon City, a fictional American city ravaged by a T-Virus outbreak that transforms humans into flesh-eating zombies. Players take control of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, members of S.T.A.R.S., an elite police unit tasked with investigating a mysterious mansion on the outskirts of the city. Limited resources, fixed camera angles, and tank controls create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.
Resident Evil 2 (1998): Picking up shortly after the events of the first game, Resident Evil 2 presents a dual narrative. Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie police officer, and Claire Redfield, Chris's sister, arrive in Raccoon City and become embroiled in the outbreak, facing iconic enemies like Mr. X and the tyrant.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): Jill Valentine becomes the central protagonist as she desperately tries to escape Raccoon City while being relentlessly pursued by the grotesque Nemesis, a bioweapon designed to eliminate S.T.A.R.S. members. This entry introduces new mechanics like the dodge maneuver and branching narrative paths.
Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000): Claire Redfield travels to a remote prison island harboring dark secrets and a connection to the Umbrella Corporation, the sinister organization responsible for the T-Virus. The game features pre-rendered backgrounds and a focus on puzzle-solving.
Resident Evil 0 (2002): A prequel to the first game, Resident Evil 0 follows rookie S.T.A.R.S. members Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen as they investigate a disturbing train accident connected to the outbreak. The game introduces a partner system where players can switch between characters.
Shifting Perspectives and Evolving Gameplay (2005-2012)
The mid-2000s saw Resident Evil embrace a more action-oriented approach while maintaining its core horror elements.
Resident Evil 4 (2005): A significant turning point, Resident Evil 4 introduces a third-person "over-the-shoulder" perspective. Leon S. Kennedy investigates a secluded European village plagued by a parasitic cult and mind-controlling Las Plagas. This entry emphasizes combat with a focus on resource management and weapon upgrades.
Resident Evil 5 (2009): Chris Redfield teams up with Sheva Alomar in Africa to combat the Las Plagas parasite and confront a familiar enemy. The game features a strong emphasis on cooperative gameplay.
Resident Evil: Revelations (2012): A return to a more survival horror focused experience, Revelations follows Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate a haunted cruise ship. The game features episodic storytelling with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.
Resident Evil 6 (2012): The most action-oriented entry in the series so far, Resident Evil 6 features four interwoven narratives following various characters across the globe as they combat a new bioweapon threat. While offering diverse gameplay styles, the focus on action divided some fans.
A Return to Roots and Innovation (2017-Present)
The latter half of the 2010s and early 2020s saw a resurgence of the franchise's horror roots and the introduction of a first-person perspective.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017): A return to survival horror, Biohazard adopts a first-person perspective, placing players in the shoes of Ethan Winters as he investigates a derelict plantation in Louisiana. The game utilizes a claustrophobic atmosphere and grotesque enemies, the Baker family, to create a terrifying experience.
Resident Evil Village (2021): Ethan Winters returns in a sprawling village filled with mutated creatures and a cult led by the towering Lady Dimitrescu. The first-person perspective continues, with a greater emphasis on exploration and combat variety.
Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023): A faithful recreation of the beloved 2005 title, the Resident Evil 4 Remake utilizes modern visuals and gameplay tweaks to enhance the experience without compromising the core narrative and atmosphere.
Beyond the Mainline: Exploring Spin-Offs
The Resident Evil universe extends beyond the mainline entries, offering diverse spin-offs that delve deeper into specific characters or explore new gameplay mechanics.
Outbreak Series (2003-2005): Cooperative multiplayer titles where players control various characters trying to survive the Raccoon City outbreak.
Chronicles Series (2001-2010): Remakes and retellings of past entries with new gameplay mechanics and perspectives.
Gaiden Series (2001-2002): Handheld spin-offs with unique storylines and gameplay styles.
Operation Raccoon City (2011): A third-person shooter set during the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3, offering a different perspective on the outbreak.
Umbrella Corps (2016): A competitive online multiplayer shooter set within the Resident Evil universe.
Navigating the Timeline: A Guide for Newcomers
For those new to the Resident Evil franchise, there are several approaches to experiencing the games:
Chronological Order: This allows for a deeper understanding of the overarching narrative and character development. However, the early entries use fixed camera angles and tank controls, which might feel dated for modern players.
Release Order: Playing the games in the order they were released allows you to experience the evolution of gameplay mechanics and graphics. However, the story might feel disjointed at times.
Themed Playthrough: Focus on specific characters or gameplay styles. Play all games featuring Chris Redfield or prioritize titles with a strong emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving.
The Ever-Expanding Universe: The Future of Resident Evil
With the recent success of Resident Evil Village and the remake of Resident Evil 4, the future of the franchise appears bright. Here are some potential avenues for future development:
Virtual Reality Integration: VR technology holds immense potential for horror experiences. Imagine exploring the Spencer Mansion or a village filled with infected creatures in VR.
Focus on Horror: While action sequences have become a staple, some fans yearn for a return to the pure survival horror roots. Future titles could prioritize resource management, atmosphere, and suspense over fast-paced combat.
Interconnected Stories: The vast lore of Resident Evil offers opportunities for a more interconnected narrative. Future games could explore the consequences of past events and delve deeper into the sprawling mythology of the series.
Read Also: A Menagerie of Mayhem: Exploring the Best Online Monster Games
The Final Verdict: A Legacy of Terror Endures
Resident Evil stands as a testament to the enduring power of survival horror. The franchise has captivated players for over two decades with its chilling atmosphere, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Whether you seek a heart-pounding experience filled with jump scares or a deeper exploration of corporate greed and the horrors of science gone wrong, Resident Evil offers a diverse and terrifying universe to explore. So, turn down the lights, grab your controller, and choose your entry point into the world of Resident Evil. Remember, every creaking floorboard and every bloodcurdling scream could be a harbinger of the terror that awaits you.