Which campaign in Resident Evil 1 is canon?

Which Campaign in Resident Evil 1 is Canon?

The original Resident Evil 1, released in 1996, has spawned numerous spin-offs, remakes, and reboots, leaving gamers wondering which campaign is the original canon. The game’s storyline is particularly complex, with multiple endings, routes, and scenarios. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Resident Evil series, exploring the different endings and campaigns to determine which one is canon.

The Original Game’s Complexity

Resident Evil 1 introduced players to the eerie Spencer Mansion, where they had to rescue the mansion’s owner, Chris Redfield, and his partner, Jill Valentine. The game’s story was novel at the time, with multiple paths and endings depending on the player’s actions. The game’s creator, Shinji Mikami, aimed to create a more immersive experience by incorporating multiple story routes and endings.

The Three-Scenario System

The original Resident Evil 1 features a three-scenario system, where players can choose to play as Chris or Jill, each with their own storyline. The game’s manual explains the premise: "The story revolves around two main characters, Chris and Jill, who are sent to the mansion to uncover the truth behind the mysterious occurrences." While both characters have their own story arcs, the game’s overall narrative remains the same.

The Canon Confusion

The confusion surrounding Resident Evil 1’s canon stems from the game’s multiple endings and scenarios. The game’s director, Shinji Mikami, has stated that the game does not have a single, definitive ending. Instead, the game’s various endings and scenarios are meant to be multiple interpretations of the same story.

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles

In 2007, the game Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles was released, which retold the story of the original Resident Evil 1 using a new gameplay mechanic. The game aimed to provide a more definitive storyline by combining the original game’s multiple endings and scenarios into a single narrative.

The Umbrella Chronicles’ Revelation

The Umbrella Chronicles revealed a crucial detail: the game’s story takes place in a parallel universe, which means that the events of the game do not contradict the original Resident Evil 1’s story. This revelation resolves the canon confusion, as both the original game and The Umbrella Chronicles can be considered part of the Resident Evil 1 canon.

Summary of the Canon

To summarize, the original Resident Evil 1 campaign is canon, with each scenario featuring Chris or Jill as the main character. The game’s complexity and multiple endings have led to debates about which campaign is the correct one. However, the release of The Umbrella Chronicles has clarified that both scenarios are part of the same narrative universe, making the original game’s storyline the foundation of the Resident Evil franchise.

Additional Notes

• The original Resident Evil 1 has multiple endings depending on the player’s actions.
• The game’s story is complex, with multiple paths and scenarios.
• The Umbrella Chronicles retold the original game’s story, combining multiple endings into a single narrative.
• The game’s director, Shinji Mikami, has stated that the game does not have a single, definitive ending.
• The Umbrella Chronicles reveals that the game’s story takes place in a parallel universe, resolving the canon confusion.

By understanding the complexities of the original Resident Evil 1 and its multiple endings and scenarios, we can appreciate the game’s innovative storytelling and the franchise’s rich history. Remember, the original game’s campaign, with both Chris and Jill as playable characters, is the foundation of the Resident Evil franchise, making it the canon campaign in Resident Evil 1.