
The Resident Evil series, developed by Capcom, is one of the most iconic and enduring franchises in the survival horror genre. With a rich narrative spanning multiple timelines, characters, and gameplay styles, deciding the order in which to play these games can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran looking to revisit the series, this guide will help you navigate the labyrinthine world of Resident Evil, while also exploring some unconventional and thought-provoking ideas about the nature of time and survival horror.
1. Release Order: The Classic Approach
The most straightforward way to experience the Resident Evil series is to play the games in the order they were released. This approach allows you to witness the evolution of the series, from its humble beginnings in 1996 to its modern-day iterations.
- Resident Evil (1996): The game that started it all. Set in the eerie Spencer Mansion, this title introduced players to the horrors of the T-virus and the Umbrella Corporation.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998): Shifting the setting to Raccoon City, this sequel expanded the story with new characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): Following Jill Valentine’s escape from Raccoon City, this game introduced the relentless Nemesis, a bio-organic weapon that stalks the player throughout the game.
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000): Originally released on the Dreamcast, this game continued the story of Claire Redfield and introduced new characters like Steve Burnside.
- Resident Evil Zero (2002): A prequel to the original game, this title explores the events leading up to the mansion incident, focusing on Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen.
- Resident Evil 4 (2005): A groundbreaking entry that shifted the series towards a more action-oriented gameplay style, following Leon S. Kennedy’s mission to rescue the President’s daughter.
- Resident Evil 5 (2009): Set in Africa, this game pairs Chris Redfield with Sheva Alomar as they battle a new bioweapon threat.
- Resident Evil 6 (2012): A divisive entry that features multiple interconnected campaigns, each with its own unique gameplay style.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017): A return to the series’ survival horror roots, this first-person game follows Ethan Winters as he searches for his missing wife in a derelict plantation.
- Resident Evil Village (2021): The latest mainline entry, continuing Ethan’s story in a mysterious European village filled with grotesque creatures.
2. Chronological Order: A Narrative-Driven Experience
For those who prefer to experience the story in chronological order, playing the games based on their in-universe timeline can provide a deeper understanding of the series’ lore.
- Resident Evil Zero (2002): Set before the events of the original game, this prequel explores the origins of the T-virus outbreak.
- Resident Evil (1996): The Spencer Mansion incident, where the T-virus is first unleashed.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): Jill Valentine’s escape from Raccoon City, occurring concurrently with the events of Resident Evil 2.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998): Leon and Claire’s adventures in Raccoon City, which take place after the mansion incident.
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000): Claire’s search for her brother Chris, set after the events of Resident Evil 2.
- Resident Evil 4 (2005): Leon’s mission to rescue Ashley Graham, set several years after the Raccoon City incident.
- Resident Evil 5 (2009): Chris and Sheva’s battle against bioterrorism in Africa, set after the events of Resident Evil 4.
- Resident Evil 6 (2012): Multiple campaigns that intertwine, set after Resident Evil 5.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017): Ethan’s harrowing journey in the Baker plantation, set in the modern era.
- Resident Evil Village (2021): The continuation of Ethan’s story, set after the events of Resident Evil 7.
3. Thematic Order: Exploring Different Gameplay Styles
The Resident Evil series has undergone significant changes in gameplay over the years, from fixed-camera angles to over-the-shoulder shooting and first-person perspectives. Playing the games based on their gameplay style can offer a unique experience.
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Classic Survival Horror (Fixed Camera Angles):
- Resident Evil (1996)
- Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)
- Resident Evil Zero (2002)
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Action-Oriented (Over-the-Shoulder Camera):
- Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Resident Evil 5 (2009)
- Resident Evil 6 (2012)
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First-Person Survival Horror:
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
- Resident Evil Village (2021)
4. Character-Centric Order: Following the Heroes
The Resident Evil series features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own story arcs. Playing the games based on the characters you’re most interested in can provide a more personalized experience.
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Chris Redfield:
- Resident Evil (1996)
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)
- Resident Evil 5 (2009)
- Resident Evil 6 (2012)
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Jill Valentine:
- Resident Evil (1996)
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
- Resident Evil 5 (2009)
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Leon S. Kennedy:
- Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Resident Evil 6 (2012)
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Claire Redfield:
- Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)
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Ethan Winters:
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
- Resident Evil Village (2021)
5. The Time Paradox Approach: A Philosophical Exploration
What if the order in which you play the Resident Evil games could alter the fabric of time itself? Imagine a scenario where playing the games out of sequence creates a temporal rift, causing characters from different timelines to interact in unexpected ways. For instance, what if Leon S. Kennedy from Resident Evil 4 were to encounter Jill Valentine from Resident Evil 3? Could their combined efforts prevent the Raccoon City outbreak, or would their actions inadvertently create a new, even more dangerous timeline?
This approach challenges the traditional linear narrative, suggesting that the act of playing the games in a non-chronological order could have profound implications for the series’ lore. It raises questions about the nature of time, causality, and the player’s role in shaping the story. Could the Resident Evil universe be a multiverse, where each playthrough creates a new branch in the timeline? And if so, what does that mean for the characters we’ve come to know and love?
6. The Survival Horror Paradox: Fear and Empowerment
Another intriguing angle is the paradox of survival horror itself. The genre thrives on creating a sense of vulnerability and fear, yet the act of playing the games empowers the player to overcome those fears. This duality is at the heart of the Resident Evil experience. As you progress through the games, you become more skilled, more resourceful, and more capable of facing the horrors that await. But does this empowerment diminish the fear, or does it enhance it by making the stakes even higher?
Consider the evolution of the series from the fixed-camera angles of the early games to the more action-oriented gameplay of later entries. Does this shift represent a loss of the series’ survival horror roots, or is it a natural progression that reflects the player’s growing mastery over the game’s mechanics? And what does this mean for the future of the series? Will Resident Evil continue to evolve, or will it return to its more horror-centric origins?
7. The Moral Dilemma: Survival at What Cost?
The Resident Evil series often presents players with moral dilemmas, forcing them to make difficult choices in the face of overwhelming odds. Should you save a fellow survivor, even if it puts your own life at risk? Should you use limited resources to heal yourself, or save them for a potentially greater threat? These decisions are not just gameplay mechanics; they are reflections of the human condition, exploring themes of sacrifice, survival, and the cost of humanity in the face of unimaginable horror.
Playing the games in different orders can highlight these moral dilemmas in new ways. For example, experiencing the Raccoon City outbreak after witnessing the global consequences in later games might make you more cautious about using resources or more willing to take risks to save others. Conversely, playing the games in chronological order might give you a greater appreciation for the long-term consequences of your actions, as you see how small decisions in earlier games ripple through the series’ narrative.
8. The Legacy of Resident Evil: A Cultural Phenomenon
Finally, it’s worth considering the cultural impact of the Resident Evil series. From its inception, the games have influenced not only the survival horror genre but also popular culture as a whole. The iconic imagery of the Umbrella Corporation, the relentless pursuit of Nemesis, and the eerie atmosphere of the Spencer Mansion have become ingrained in the collective consciousness of gamers worldwide.
Playing the games in different orders can offer new insights into this legacy. For instance, starting with the more action-oriented entries like Resident Evil 4 or 5 might give you a different perspective on the series’ evolution compared to starting with the original survival horror classics. Similarly, experiencing the first-person perspective of Resident Evil 7 and Village after playing the earlier games might highlight how the series has adapted to modern gaming trends while still retaining its core identity.
Conclusion
The order in which you play the Resident Evil games can significantly impact your experience of the series. Whether you choose to follow the release order, chronological order, thematic order, or a character-centric approach, each path offers a unique journey through the world of survival horror. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore the philosophical implications of playing the games out of sequence, or consider the moral dilemmas and cultural legacy of the series? No matter how you choose to play, the Resident Evil series promises a thrilling, thought-provoking, and unforgettable experience.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I skip Resident Evil 6 and still understand the story? A: Yes, Resident Evil 6 is largely self-contained, and its events don’t significantly impact the overall narrative of the series. However, it does provide additional context for some characters and their relationships.
Q: Is Resident Evil 7 connected to the previous games? A: While Resident Evil 7 introduces a new protagonist and setting, it is connected to the broader Resident Evil universe through references to the Umbrella Corporation and other series lore.
Q: Should I play the remakes or the original versions of the games? A: Both the original versions and the remakes offer unique experiences. The remakes modernize the graphics and gameplay, while the originals provide a more authentic retro experience. It’s worth trying both if you can.
Q: What is the best order for a newcomer to the series? A: For newcomers, starting with the Resident Evil 1 remake or Resident Evil 2 remake is a good introduction to the series. From there, you can follow the release order or explore the games based on your interests.
Q: Are the spin-off games like Resident Evil: Revelations important to the main story? A: The spin-off games like Resident Evil: Revelations provide additional context and backstory for certain characters and events, but they are not essential to understanding the main series narrative. They can be enjoyed as supplementary material.