Does RE0 Take Place After RE1? A Thorough Examination
In the Resident Evil series, a common question that often arises is whether Resident Evil 0 (RE0) takes place after Resident Evil 1 (RE1). While the order of the games may not seem crucial, understanding the timeline of the series is essential to appreciating its narrative and character development. In this article, we will delve into the answer to this question, examining the events and storylines of both games to determine the correct sequence.
Initial Release Order
To start, let’s examine the initial release order of the games. RE0 was released in 2002, while RE1 was released in 1996. At first glance, it seems that RE1 precedes RE0, but is this assumption correct?
Storylines and Events
To unravel the mystery, let’s take a closer look at the storylines and events of both games. RE1 takes place in July 1998, where Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine are part of the S.T.A.R.S. team, investigating the Arklay Mountains and the sinister Umbrella Corporation. The game revolves around the duo’s attempt to escape the mansion, fend off monsters, and uncover the dark secrets of the corporation.
RE0, on the other hand, takes place on June 24, 1998, just over a month before the events of RE1. The game follows the story of Rebecca Chambers, a rookie member of the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team, as she accompanies her teammate Billy Coen to an Umbrella facility. Their mission is to transport a prisoner, but they soon find themselves trapped and must fight to survive the monsters and uncover the facility’s secrets.
Timeframe and Chronology
By examining the storylines and events of both games, we can establish the timeframe and chronology. RE0 takes place before RE1**, as it occurs in June 1998, while RE1 takes place in July 1998. This timeline suggests that RE0 serves as a prequel to RE1, as the events of RE0 lead directly into the storyline of RE1.
Umbrella’s Plans
In RE0, it becomes clear that Umbrella is planning a major event, which ultimately leads to the outbreak in RE1. The company’s scientists, including Dr. Marcus and Dr. James, are working on a secret project, experimenting with the t-Virus. These experiments ultimately result in the creation of powerful monsters and the spread of the virus.
Consequences and Implications
The events of RE0 have significant consequences and implications for the story of RE1. The t-Virus spreads rapidly, and the S.T.A.R.S. team is tasked with containing the outbreak. However, by the time Chris and Jill arrive in the Arklay Mountains, the virus has already begun to take hold, and the environment is heavily contaminated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RE0 does indeed take place before RE1. The storylines and events of both games demonstrate a clear chronology, with RE0 occurring in June 1998 and RE1 occurring in July 1998. The Umbrella Corporation’s plans and experiments in RE0 directly lead to the events of RE1, making RE0 a prequel to the game.
Table: RE0 and RE1 Chronology
| Game | Release Date | Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| RE0 | 2002 | June 24, 1998 – The story of Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen as they attempt to escape an Umbrella facility |
| RE1 | 1996 | July 1998 – The story of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they investigate the Arklay Mountains and the sinister Umbrella Corporation |
In this article, we have explored the timeline of Resident Evil 0 and 1, establishing that RE0 takes place before RE1. By understanding the chronology of the games, fans can better appreciate the narrative and character development throughout the series. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the franchise, this information will provide valuable insight into the world of Resident Evil.