In What Order Should I Play Resident Evil?
The Resident Evil series is a beloved and iconic franchise that has been thrilling gamers for decades. With multiple games, spin-offs, and remakes, it can be overwhelming to determine the best order to play the series. In this article, we’ll guide you through the Resident Evil series, highlighting the most important games to play in the correct order.
The Early Years: The First Three Games
The first three games in the series, Resident Evil 0, 1, and 3, set the stage for the franchise. While not essential to play them in order, it’s recommended to start with Resident Evil 0, as it serves as a prequel to the first game. Resident Evil 0 introduces the series’ protagonist, Rebecca Chambers, and sets the stage for the events of the first game.
Here’s a brief summary of the first three games:
- Resident Evil 0 (2002): Set in 1998, this game takes place in a train heading to a mysterious destination, where the passengers are attacked by monsters.
- Resident Evil (1996): The original game introduces Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, two protagonists who find themselves fighting against hordes of zombies and monsters in Raccoon City.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): This game takes place shortly after the events of the first game and follows Jill Valentine as she tries to escape Raccoon City from a relentless pursuer, the Nemesis.
The Golden Age: Resident Evil 2 and 4
The next two games in the series are widely considered some of the best in the franchise. Resident Evil 2 is a remake of the original game, released in 1998, and Resident Evil 4 is a game-changer in the series, introducing new gameplay mechanics and a new protagonist.
Here’s a brief summary of these two games:
- Resident Evil 2 (2019): A remake of the 1998 game, set in 1998, where Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield try to escape Raccoon City from the sinister Umbrella Corporation.
- Resident Evil 4 (2005): Set in 2004, this game follows Leon S. Kennedy as he tries to rescue the President’s daughter from a cult in a rural Spanish town.
The Later Years: Resident Evil 5, 6, and 7
The next three games in the series continue to evolve the franchise, introducing new characters, gameplay mechanics, and storylines. Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 are action-oriented, while Resident Evil 7: Biohazard returns to the series’ horror roots.
Here’s a brief summary of these three games:
- Resident Evil 5 (2009): Set in 2009, this game follows Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as they try to stop a bioterrorism threat in Africa.
- Resident Evil 6 (2012): Set in 2013, this game follows multiple protagonists, including Leon S. Kennedy, as they try to stop a global bioterrorism threat.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017): Set in 2017, this game follows Ethan Winters as he searches for his missing wife in a derelict plantation mansion.
The Reboot: Resident Evil Village and Re9
The latest two games in the series are part of a new direction for the franchise, rebooting the series and introducing new characters. Resident Evil Village is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, while Resident Evil Re9 is a spin-off game that serves as a continuation of the series.
Here’s a brief summary of these two games:
- Resident Evil Village (2021): Set in 2021, this game follows Ethan Winters as he tries to uncover the truth behind his wife’s disappearance and the sinister forces behind it.
- Resident Evil Re9 (2022): Set in an unknown timeline, this game follows Chris Redfield as he tries to stop a bioterrorism threat in Europe.
In Conclusion
The Resident Evil series is a complex and intricate franchise, with multiple games, spin-offs, and remakes. To get the most out of the series, we recommend playing the games in the following order:
- Resident Evil 0
- Resident Evil
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Resident Evil Village
- Resident Evil Re9
By playing the games in this order, you’ll get a better understanding of the series’ storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Additionally, this order will help you appreciate the evolution of the franchise and its ability to reinvent itself over the years.
Final Thoughts
The Resident Evil series is a beloved franchise that has captivated gamers for decades. With its rich history, complex storylines, and iconic characters, it’s no wonder why fans continue to flock to the series. By playing the games in the correct order, you’ll be able to appreciate the franchise’s full potential and experience the thrill and horror that Resident Evil has to offer.