Do all the Resident Evil games connect?
The Resident Evil series, known for its eerie atmosphere, intense action, and complex storylines, has been a beloved franchise for decades. One question that has been on fans’ minds is whether all the games in the series are connected. In this article, we will explore the connections between the Resident Evil games and answer the question once and for all.
A Brief Overview of the Resident Evil Series
The Resident Evil series, created by Capcom, has grown to include over 20 games across various platforms. The series began with the first Resident Evil game in 1996, which introduced the world to survival horror and a new genre of games. Since then, the series has evolved to include action-adventure elements, third-person shooting, and more.
The Prime Universe: The Main Canon
The Prime universe, also known as the "official canon," is the main storyline that connects the majority of the Resident Evil games. This universe is the primary setting for the series and follows the adventures of characters such as Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jill Valentine.
Chronological Order of the Games
To understand the connections between the games, it’s essential to look at the chronological order in which they were released. Here’s a list of the games in the Prime universe in chronological order:
- Resident Evil 0 (2002) – Set in 1998, this game introduces the character of Rebecca Chambers and takes place before the events of the first Resident Evil game.
- Resident Evil (1996) – Set in 1998, this game follows Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they investigate the mysterious Umbrella Corporation.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998) – Set in 1998, this game takes place immediately after the events of the first game and follows Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) – Set in 1998, this game follows Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape from Raccoon City.
- Resident Evil: Code: Veronica (2000) – Set in 1998, this game follows Claire Redfield as she searches for her brother Chris.
Other Games and Spin-Offs
While the Prime universe is the main focus of the series, there are other games and spin-offs that don’t necessarily fit into the main canon. These games include:
- Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2012) – A third-person shooter that takes place during the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3.
- Resident Evil: Revelations (2012) – A survival horror game that takes place between Resident Evil 4 and 5.
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015) – A survival horror game that takes place between Resident Evil 6 and 7.
Connections Between the Games
Now that we’ve established the chronological order of the games, let’s explore the connections between them. Here are some key points to note:
- Leon Kennedy’s Storyline: Leon’s storyline is one of the most connected in the series. He appears in Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, and Resident Evil 6, with his story arcs overlapping between games.
- Chris Redfield’s Storyline: Chris’s storyline is also connected across multiple games. He appears in Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 5, with his story arcs building upon each other.
- Umbrella Corporation: The Umbrella Corporation is a recurring villain in the series, appearing in Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3.
- Raccoon City: Raccoon City is a key location in the series, appearing in Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, while not all the Resident Evil games are directly connected, the Prime universe provides a clear chronological order and storyline that ties many of the games together. The connections between the games are complex and nuanced, with characters and storylines overlapping across multiple titles. Whether you’re a fan of survival horror or action-adventure games, the Resident Evil series has something to offer.