After decades of hits and misses, the Resident Evil franchise has a sprawling history that can be daunting for newcomers. While the recent Zach Cregger film offered a fresh take on the universe, it veered away from the established game lore. For those looking to dive into the games themselves, there are numerous entry points across mainline titles and spin-offs. This ranking focuses on the 11 core games, considering their original releases and remakes as a single entry to assess their place within the overall saga.
Resident Evil 5
There are those who defend Resident Evil 5, citing its co-op capabilities and overlooked story nuances. However, revisiting it reveals a clumsy third-person shooter that has not aged well. Its gameplay mechanics are often criticized, making it a challenging experience for many players.
Resident Evil 6
Despite its flaws, Resident Evil 6 captures the B-movie energy of the original games, pushing the series' tone to its most exaggerated. While its gameplay can be rough and some storylines fall flat, Leon S. Kennedy's arc offers a unique brand of Resident Evil absurdity that some find enjoyable.
Resident Evil 0
Resident Evil 0 features a compelling premise, beginning on a train and introducing a unique item management system. However, the game as a whole doesn't quite live up to its initial promise. It primarily serves as a narrative supplement to the GameCube's Resident Evil remake, offering fan service rather than a groundbreaking experience on its own.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Code: Veronica is a game whose reputation may soon be redefined by its upcoming remake. At its original release, it was considered a high point for the series. However, its control scheme can be a hurdle for modern players. Despite this, Claire Redfield's story remains compelling, and a critical reevaluation is likely with its new iteration.
Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village offers a varied experience, with some segments shining brighter than others. The dollhouse section is often lauded as a high point, while other areas may not resonate as strongly. This unevenness, however, contributes to Village's eclectic charm, ensuring that most players will find something to appreciate within its diverse gameplay and narrative segments.
Resident Evil 3
While the 2020 remake of Resident Evil 3 did not achieve the same critical acclaim as its Resident Evil 2 counterpart, the original game remains significant. The introduction of the Nemesis as a persistent threat provided the series with an iconic antagonist. Jill Valentine's role in this installment, both in the original and the remake, is a notable highlight.
Resident Evil Requiem
It is still early to definitively place Resident Evil Requiem within the series' hierarchy, but its current position suggests it is a strong contender. The game features a compelling dual narrative, contrasting Grace Ashcroft's personal struggles with Leon S. Kennedy's broader confrontation with the aftermath of Raccoon City's destruction. Its ability to seamlessly shift between survival horror and action sequences, alongside its narrative focus, marks it as a well-executed conclusion to an arc.
Resident Evil 7
After a couple of less successful entries, Resident Evil 7 revitalized the franchise with a return to its survival horror roots. This installment is arguably the scariest in the series, focusing on Ethan Winters' harrowing experience against the Baker family. While its narrative may not be as intricate as the Raccoon City saga, Resident Evil 7 proved the series' capacity for fresh, terrifying stories.
Resident Evil
Whether experienced through the original PlayStation release or the GameCube remake, the first Resident Evil is a foundational title. It not only established the series' narrative and gameplay conventions but remains its most focused game. The Spencer Mansion serves as a masterfully crafted puzzle box, rich with atmosphere, memorable scares, and a standout cast of characters that set the stage for everything that followed.
Resident Evil 2
Prior to the 2019 remake, the original Resident Evil 2 might have held the top spot. However, Capcom's remarkable remake served as a potent reminder of why Leon and Claire's journey through the Raccoon City Police Department is an all-time great horror narrative. It masterfully expanded the Resident Evil universe while maintaining an intimate and terrifying atmosphere. Leon's introduction as an overwhelmed rookie cop was crucial to the series' eventual success.
