Which ending is canon in Resident Evil?

Which Ending is Canon in Resident Evil?

The Resident Evil series has been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, with a loyal fan base and a rich history of storytelling. One of the most debated topics among fans is which ending is canon in the series. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Resident Evil and explore the various endings, providing clarity on which one is considered canon.

The Original Game

The first Resident Evil game, released in 1996, had two possible endings: one for Chris Redfield and one for Jill Valentine. The game’s storyline was not as complex as later games, but it set the stage for the series’ future. The original game’s endings were largely separate, with Chris facing off against Wesker and Jill fighting against the zombie outbreak.

Resident Evil 2 and 3

Resident Evil 2 (1998) and 3 (2000) introduced new characters and plotlines, further complicating the series’ canon. Both games had multiple endings, with some characters’ storylines intersecting. Resident Evil 2’s ending showed Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield parting ways, while Resident Evil 3’s ending featured Jill Valentine’s story coming full circle.

Resident Evil 4 and 5

Resident Evil 4 (2005) and 5 (2009) shifted the series’ focus towards action and horror, with new characters and plot twists. Resident Evil 4’s ending saw Leon and Ashley Graham escaping from a mysterious cult, while Resident Evil 5’s ending showed Chris and Sheva Alomar defeating Albert Wesker.

Resident Evil 6

Resident Evil 6 (2012) brought together multiple characters from the series, including Leon, Chris, and Jake Muller. The game’s ending showed the characters dealing with the aftermath of a global pandemic, with Leon and Helena Harper escaping to safety.

Resident Evil 7

Resident Evil 7 (2017) marked a new direction for the series, with a focus on survival horror and a new protagonist, Ethan Winters. The game’s ending showed Ethan and Mia Winters escaping from the Baker estate, with Ethan losing his wife and daughter in the process.

The Canon Ending

So, which ending is canon in Resident Evil? The answer is not straightforward, as the series has multiple storylines and endings. However, according to Capcom, the developers of the series, the canon ending is the one where Jill Valentine survives in the original Resident Evil game.

Jill’s Storyline

Jill’s storyline in the original game is considered canon because it sets the stage for the series’ future. Her character is central to the series, and her actions in the first game have a ripple effect on the subsequent games. Additionally, Jill’s storyline is consistent across the series, with her character development and relationships with other characters playing a significant role in the overall narrative.

Leon’s Storyline

Leon’s storyline, on the other hand, is not considered canon. While Leon is a main character in the series, his storylines are not as cohesive as Jill’s. Leon’s character development is not as prominent, and his relationships with other characters are not as significant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the canon ending in Resident Evil is the one where Jill Valentine survives in the original game. While the series has multiple storylines and endings, Jill’s storyline is central to the series and sets the stage for the future. The other endings, including Leon’s and the subsequent games’ endings, are not considered canon.

Table: Resident Evil Endings

By understanding the canon ending in Resident Evil, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the series’ complex narrative and character development. The original game’s ending, where Jill Valentine survives, sets the stage for the series’ future and is a key part of the Resident Evil canon.