Introduction
If you’re a fan of horror and survival games, chances are you’ve heard of Resident Evil. But with so many games in the franchise, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we’ll explore all Resident Evil games from every platform, provide a breakdown of different franchises, review the most popular games, analyze the franchise’s evolution, and even guide newcomers to the series. We’ll also have tantalizing glimpses of upcoming releases and rumors of what to expect from the franchise as a whole.
Comprehensive List of All Resident Evil Games
Resident Evil was first released in 1996, and since then, there have been many entries in the franchise. Here’s a comprehensive list of all Resident Evil games ever released, sorted chronologically:
- Resident Evil (1996) – PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PC
- Resident Evil: Director’s Cut (1997) – PlayStation
- Resident Evil 2 (1998) – PlayStation, Nintendo 64, PC, Dreamcast, GameCube
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) – PlayStation, Dreamcast, PC
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000) – Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, GameCube
- Resident Evil Zero (2002) – GameCube
- Resident Evil (2002) – GameCube
- Resident Evil 4 (2005) – PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, PC, Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Resident Evil 5 (2009) – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
- Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (2009) – Wii
- Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (2011) – Nintendo 3DS
- Resident Evil: Revelations (2012) – Nintendo 3DS, PC, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360
- Resident Evil 6 (2012) – PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015) – PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation VR
- Resident Evil 2 (2019) – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Resident Evil 3 (2020) – PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Resident Evil Village (2021) – PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Breakdown of Different Resident Evil Franchises
The Resident Evil franchise is divided into several sub-franchises, each with its unique focus, style, and gameplay. Below are overviews of the different franchise titles (e.g., mainline games, spin-offs), and a detailed description of each franchise and how they differ from each other:
Mainline Series
The Resident Evil main series follows the exploits of heroes such as Jill, Chris, Claire, and Leon as they battle hordes of zombies and other supernatural creatures. These games are known for their classic survival horror gameplay, puzzles, and tense atmosphere. The mainline games consist of Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, Resident Evil: Code Veronica, Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and Resident Evil Village. These games are a must-play for any fan of the franchise.
Spin-off Series
The spin-off series consists of Resident Evil: Survivor, Resident Evil Gaiden, Resident Evil Outbreak, Resident Evil Outbreak File #2, Resident Evil: Dead Aim, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D, and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City. These games are set in the same universe as the mainline games but take a different approach to the gameplay and storytelling.
Remakes
The remakes series consists of Resident Evil (2002), Resident Evil 2 (2019), and Resident Evil 3 (2020). These games take the original story and update the graphics and gameplay mechanics to modern standards.
Review of Most Popular Resident Evil Games
The Resident Evil franchise has won millions of fans around the world through decades of games. These are some of the most popular games in the franchise and the reasons why they are so beloved.
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 is one of the most highly regarded games in the franchise. It was released in 1998 and follows fan-favorite characters Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they navigate the zombie-filled streets of Raccoon City. The game introduced several game mechanics that would become staples of the franchise, such as the “zapping system” that allowed players to play as both Leon and Claire and unlock different scenarios based on their choices.
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 was a critical and commercial success when it was released in 2005. It introduced a new storyline and gameplay mechanics that moved away from the classic survival horror formula in favor of a more action-focused playstyle. This led to more intense and action-packed gameplay, with the introduction of a more over-the-shoulder camera angle, quick-time events, and a new inventory management system.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is one of the most ambitious games in the franchise. It was released in 2017 and marked a significant change for the series by using a new first-person perspective and giving players more agency in moving through the game world. The game’s plot follows Ethan, who is searching for his wife in a zombie-infested area of Louisiana. The game takes cues from classic horror films and video games, making for a tense, atmospheric experience that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy.
Evolution of the Resident Evil Franchise
The Resident Evil franchise has come a long way since its inception, with many innovations and changes over the years.
Graphics
The original games featured pre-rendered backgrounds and polygonal characters and enemies. As technology progressed, the quality of the graphics improved, with more realistic character models and detailed environments.
Gameplay Mechanics
The classic survival horror mechanics mainly focused on resource management, puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat. Over time, the games introduced new gameplay mechanics, including quick-time events, item crafting, and more fast-paced shooting mechanics.
Storyline
Throughout the games, the storyline of Resident Evil has undergone many twists and turns. In the early games, the story revolved around the experiments of Umbrella Corporation, which created the biochemical virus that led to the zombie outbreak. Later games focused on the aftermath of this outbreak and how it affected different characters in the game world.
Guide for Newcomers to the Franchise
For newcomers to the franchise, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Here are the best games to start with:
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2 Remake is a perfect starting point for newcomers, providing an updated version of one of the most beloved games in the series. It’s an excellent introduction to classic survival horror gameplay, with plenty of puzzles and resource management.
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil 4 is a good starting point for those who prefer more action-packed gameplay mechanics. It’s an excellent introduction to the series’ later gameplay style, which emphasizes over-the-shoulder shooting and quick-time events.
Future of the Resident Evil Franchise
The franchise shows no signs of slowing down, with several games currently in development. The upcoming releases include Resident Evil Re:Verse and Resident Evil 4 Remake. While little is currently known about these games, they are sure to be eagerly awaited by fans.
Conclusion
The Resident Evil franchise has a long and storied history, with many beloved games that have influenced video game horror and survival genres. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to start your Resident Evil journey or a longtime fan looking to relive classic moments, there’s a game in the franchise for everyone. With several upcoming releases, the future of the franchise looks bright and filled with even more exciting gaming experiences.