The 1996 release of the first Resident Evil game remains a pivotal moment in survival horror history, influencing subsequent acclaimed titles such as Silent Hill, Parasite Eve, and the ongoing Resident Evil series. While many 90s franchises struggled to adapt, Resident Evil revamped itself in 2005 with Resident Evil 4, inspiring other standout games like Dead Space and Alan Wake and earning recognition as one of the best games ever made.
Despite subsequent releases struggling to match the magic of Resident Evil 4, Capcom altered their gameplay approach with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Throughout these changes, one consistent element ties the franchise together: horror. Though each game varies in its ability to frighten players, they all boast moments that are sure to give most gamers a good scare.
1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Capcom appears to organize their Resident Evil games into sets of three, each with distinct gameplay approaches. The initial trilogy emphasized combat, survival, and puzzles with a fixed perspective. Resident Evil 4 shifted towards action and introduced an over-the-shoulder camera view. Then, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard not only altered the perspective again but also heightened the horror elements, drawing inspiration from games like Outlast and Amnesia.
Ethan Winters embarks on a quest to locate his missing wife, Mia, despite her absence for three years, leading him to an aged farmhouse in Louisiana. His search takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the Baker family, who have taken Mia captive, revealing chilling secrets lurking beneath the swampy surroundings.
2. Resident Evil Village
As news surfaced that Resident Evil Village would adopt similar gameplay elements and themes from its predecessor, anticipation grew for another chilling experience. Players geared up for a new journey alongside the series' latest protagonist, Ethan Winters, as he embarked on a quest to locate his abducted daughter, Rosemary, in an isolated village in Romania.
The game introduces Four Lords, each representing a distinct horror subgenre, offering players a variety of terrifying experiences. Depending on personal fears, players debate which segment is the most frightening, yet there's widespread consensus about a particular notorious section that generated nearly as much discussion as the beloved Lady Dimitrescu: House Beneviento.
3. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Following the tremendous triumph of remaking Resident Evil 2 and 3, it seemed almost certain that the highly praised fourth installment would undergo a similar transformation. However, unlike the RE3 remake's missteps, the developers took their time to ensure the delivery of a genuinely exceptional remake.
Resident Evil 4 remake preserves nearly every horror and action element that established the original as a household classic. The remake strategically updates crucial aspects and mechanics, retaining much of the original essence while presenting noticeable improvements for those familiar with both versions of the story.
4. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
The triumph of the Resident Evil 2 remake logically prompted the quick development of a Resident Evil 3 remake a mere year later. Nevertheless, the game would have fared better with a more extended development phase, facing challenges in replicating the success of its forerunner.
However, the letdown surrounding the remake shouldn't overshadow appreciation for the original game. Dating back to 1999, it remains not only one of the franchise's finest but also retains its position as one of the most frightening entries even after more than 20 years since its initial launch, largely due to the notorious Nemesis.
5. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
The much-awaited remake of Resident Evil 2 hit the shelves in 2019 and, unlike a few titles on this roster, it proved to be anything but a letdown. Surpassing the hopes of many, the game even surpassed expectations by clinching the top honor of Ultimate Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards.
For players who've experienced both the 2019 remake and the original 1998 version, there are likely two standout moments etched in their memory for their sheer terror: the initial faceoff with Mr. X and the unsettling encounter with a Licker.
6. Resident Evil HD Remaster
Resident Evil HD Remaster notably elevates the fear factor among the titles listed. While many games had occasional scary moments, this entry stands out as consistently and genuinely unsettling from start to finish.
The HD remake of the 1996 classic brilliantly revitalized the original's horror, blending it with enhanced visuals to create an uncomfortably immersive experience.
7. Resident Evil 4
As previously stated, Capcom took a daring step in revamping its renowned Resident Evil series with the sixth installment. This gamble undoubtedly proved successful, as Resident Evil 4 injected fresh vitality into the franchise, swiftly earning acclaim as one of the greatest games ever made.
While the game opted for a more action-oriented gameplay, departing somewhat from the series' trademark horror, it retained a handful of chilling moments. Among these are the intense battles against Del Lago, the initial encounter with a Regenerador, and the showdown with Verdugo.
8. Resident Evil: Revelations
The Nintendo 3DS might not have been an obvious choice for an action-horror game, yet Capcom managed to pull it off remarkably well with Resident Evil: Revelations. The game garnered significant praise from critics, evident in its impressive Metascore of 82.
Resident Evil: Revelations delivers a distinctive horror encounter, leveraging the capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS. The utilization of 3D features heightened the tension during the game's most terrifying sequences, intensifying the horror experience and making it feel more immediate than ever before.
9. Resident Evil 0
In 2002, the fifth main installment of the Resident Evil series was unveiled. While the game didn't receive harsh criticism from reviewers, it was perceived as a decline compared to the exceptional series of games Capcom had been producing prior to its launch. Critiques primarily focused on its absence of innovation, notably the outdated feel of its fixed camera perspective at that time.
Resident Evil 0 secures its position on this list due to its atmospheric qualities. Leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the GameCube hardware, Capcom's developers crafted meticulously detailed environments that significantly amplified the game's eerie elements.
10. Resident Evil 5
Capcom faced challenges with Resident Evil 5 as it grappled with soaring anticipations set well before its official announcement. Despite the weight of expectations, Resident Evil 5 showcased its merit with a commendable Metascore of 86 on PC, proving itself as a solid game.
Concerning its fear-inducing elements, Resident Evil 5 doesn't heavily lean into horror, yet it does feature chilling moments, notably in Chapter 3 - 1, where players navigate water infested with menacing crocodiles.
11. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles marked the franchise's release following the iconic Resident Evil 4. This positioned immense pressure on the on-rails shooter, yet unfortunately, it fell short of meeting the high expectations, receiving a modest 75 on Metacritic.
Similar to Resident Evil 5, the excessive hype surrounding Umbrella Chronicles seemed to be more of a burden than a boon. The initial disappointment overshadowed what was actually a commendable on-rails shooter, leveraging the Nintendo Wii's motion controls effectively. It's the on-rails mechanic that secures Umbrella Chronicles a place on this list, compelling players to constantly follow their characters heading straight into perilous situations.
12. Resident Evil - Code: Veronica
Resident Evil: Code Veronica marked the initial main series release following the original trilogy. Notably, the game stood out due to its visuals, representing a considerable leap forward from its predecessors.
At the time of its launch, the visuals in Code Veronica were likened to those seen in movies. This heightened the game's fear factor, as it presented audiences with exceptionally realistic horror visuals that were unprecedented in video games.
13. Resident Evil 3 Remake
Capcom's RE3 remake brings players back to the virus-plagued streets of Raccoon City, where the relentless Nemesis relentlessly pursues Jill Valentine, one of the rare survivors from the Spencer Mansion incident.
Throughout her traversal of the city, Jill encounters numerous terrifying situations, from evading Nemesis to facing mutated dogs and the ominous drain deimos. These insects, infected with fleas, sadly aren't flea-sized but are instead large enough to pose a genuine threat. Their most horrifying aspect is their ability to grapple Jill and transmit parasites, a fatal affliction unless she manages to rid herself of them.
14. Resident Evil: Revelations 2
A spin-off from Capcom's renowned horror series, Revelations 2 reintroduced beloved characters like Claire and Barry while introducing newcomers like Moira and Natalia, playable by a second participant.
Introducing a range of new characters, the game also presents a plethora of fresh adversaries, among them the chilling revenants—horrifying amalgamations of stitched-together body parts infected with the Uroboros virus. While exploring the mansion, a stealthy revenant unexpectedly descends from the ceiling, creating a sudden, inexpensive but impactful jump scare for the player.
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