Is Resident Evil Set in the Future?
The Resident Evil franchise, created by Capcom, is known for its terrifying horror elements and gripping storyline. One question that has sparked debate among fans is whether the series is set in the future or not. To answer this, we need to delve into the world of Resident Evil and explore its complex timeline.
Plot
The first game in the series, released in 1996, is set in July 1998, and revolves around the mansion of the fictional company, Umbrella. The game follows Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, members of the S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) team, as they investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a team sent to the mansion. The game’s success led to the creation of a successful franchise, with subsequent games, movies, and TV shows expanding on the story and introducing new characters.
Timeline
To understand the setting of Resident Evil, we need to explore its complex timeline. The series has two main branches: the "Original Timeline" and the "Alternate Timeline". The "Original Timeline" consists of the first five games (1, 2, 3, Code: Veronica, and 0), which follow the events from 1998 to 2003. The "Alternate Timeline" includes Resident Evil 4, 5, 6, and 7, which take place between 2004 and 2023.
Flash Forwards
A crucial element in understanding the setting of Resident Evil is the use of flash-forward sequences. These scenes, scattered throughout the games, reveal events that will occur in the future. For example, in Resident Evil 4, a cutscene shows a world in chaos, with buildings in ruins and zombies roaming the streets. This scene, set in 2004, foreshadows the destruction caused by the virus that will be released later in the series.
2022 and 2036: The Future of Resident Evil
The recent TV series, which premiered on Netflix, brings the story of Resident Evil into the future. Set in 2022 and 2036, the series follows Albert Wesker and his daughters as they navigate the aftermath of the Umbrella Corporation’s collapse. The TV series marks a new direction in the franchise, exploring themes of nostalgia and the consequences of the past.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Resident Evil series is set in the future. While the first five games are set in the past, the franchise has expanded into the future through the use of flash-forward sequences and alternate timelines. The recent TV series brings the story to 2022 and 2036, cementing the future setting of Resident Evil. With its complex timeline and flash-forward elements, the franchise continues to surprise and captivate fans, leaving the door open for future storylines.
Timeline Comparison
| Game/Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Resident Evil 1-5 | Original Timeline (1998-2003) |
| Resident Evil 0 | Original Timeline (1998) |
| Resident Evil 6 | Alternate Timeline (2013-2018) |
| Resident Evil 7 | Alternate Timeline (2017) |
| Netflix TV Series | Alternate Timeline (2022-2036) |
Key Events in the Resident Evil Timeline
- 1998: The events of Resident Evil 1
- 2000: The events of Resident Evil 2
- 2003: The collapse of the Umbrella Corporation
- 2004: The events of Resident Evil 4
- 2013: The events of Resident Evil 6
- 2017: The events of Resident Evil 7
- 2022: The events of the Netflix TV series (part 1)
- 2036: The events of the Netflix TV series (part 2)
Note: This article aims to provide an overview of the Resident Evil timeline, its flash-forward elements, and its connection to the future. While the franchise’s timeline can be complex, this article provides a concise summary for fans new to the series.