Should You Play Resident Evil in Order?
The Resident Evil series has been a staple of the survival horror genre for decades, with a loyal fan base and a wide range of games to play. With so many titles to choose from, it can be overwhelming for new players to know where to start. In this article, we’ll explore whether playing the Resident Evil games in order is the best way to experience the series.
The History of Resident Evil
The first Resident Evil game was released in 1996 for the PlayStation and was a groundbreaking game that set the stage for the survival horror genre. The series has since grown to include over 25 games, including mainline titles, spin-offs, and remakes. With so many games to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
The Order of the Games
The Resident Evil series is divided into several distinct storylines, each with its own unique characters and plot. Here is the recommended order in which to play the mainline Resident Evil games:
- Resident Evil 0: This game is a prequel to the first Resident Evil and follows the story of Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen as they attempt to escape from a train infested with zombies.
- Resident Evil: This is the original game that started the series and follows the story of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they attempt to escape from a mansion infested with zombies.
- Resident Evil 2: This game is a direct sequel to the first Resident Evil and follows the story of Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they attempt to escape from a police station infested with zombies.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis: This game is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 2 and follows the story of Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape from a city infested with zombies.
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica: This game is a side story that takes place between the events of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3.
- Resident Evil 4: This game is a departure from the traditional survival horror formula and follows the story of Leon S. Kennedy as he attempts to rescue the President’s daughter from a cult.
- Resident Evil 5: This game is a sequel to Resident Evil 4 and follows the story of Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as they attempt to stop a bioterrorism threat.
- Resident Evil 6: This game is a sequel to Resident Evil 5 and follows the story of Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and other characters as they attempt to stop a global bioterrorism threat.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: This game is a reboot of the series and follows the story of Ethan Winters as he attempts to rescue his missing wife from a derelict plantation.
Playing the Games Out of Order
While playing the Resident Evil games in order can provide a cohesive storyline, it’s not necessary to play them in order to enjoy the series. Many fans of the series have started with later games and enjoyed them just as much as those who played them in order.
Key Characters and Plot Points
Here are some key characters and plot points to keep in mind when playing the Resident Evil games:
- Chris Redfield: Chris is a main character in the series and has appeared in numerous games. He is a member of the BSAA and has a complex history with his teammates.
- Jill Valentine: Jill is another main character in the series and has appeared in numerous games. She is a member of the BSAA and has a close relationship with Chris Redfield.
- Leon S. Kennedy: Leon is a main character in the series and has appeared in numerous games. He is a member of the government and has a complex history with his colleagues.
- Ethan Winters: Ethan is the protagonist of Resident Evil 7 and is a civilian who is searching for his missing wife.
Tips for Playing the Games
Here are some tips for playing the Resident Evil games:
- Start with the mainline games: The mainline Resident Evil games provide a cohesive storyline and are the best way to experience the series.
- Pay attention to character development: The Resident Evil series has a complex cast of characters, and paying attention to character development can enhance the storytelling.
- Don’t be afraid to look up spoilers: The Resident Evil series has a lot of plot twists and surprises, and looking up spoilers can help you understand the storyline better.
- Use your inventory wisely: The Resident Evil series is known for its challenging puzzles, and using your inventory wisely can help you solve them.
- Save frequently: The Resident Evil series is known for its difficult boss battles, and saving frequently can help you avoid frustration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, playing the Resident Evil games in order is the best way to experience the series, but it’s not necessary to play them in order to enjoy them. The series has a complex cast of characters and a rich storyline, and paying attention to character development and plot points can enhance the storytelling. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, the Resident Evil series has something to offer everyone.
Table of Contents
- The History of Resident Evil
- The Order of the Games
- Playing the Games Out of Order
- Key Characters and Plot Points
- Tips for Playing the Games
- Conclusion
Bibliography
- Resident Evil (1996) PlayStation
- Resident Evil 2 (1998) PlayStation
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) PlayStation
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000) Dreamcast
- Resident Evil 4 (2005) GameCube
- Resident Evil 5 (2009) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Resident Evil 6 (2012) PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC