Should I Play All Resident Evil Games in Order? A Comprehensive Guide
The Resident Evil franchise is a sprawling, monstrous beast of survival horror that spans decades, consoles, and wildly varying gameplay styles. So, should you tackle every single game in chronological order? The short answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for in your Resident Evil experience.
A strict, chronological playthrough isn’t necessary to enjoy the series. The games are intentionally designed to be somewhat accessible to newcomers, and later entries like Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village are largely self-contained stories. However, playing in order can significantly enrich your understanding of the overarching narrative, the evolution of the characters, and the deeper lore.
For those primarily interested in the story and character arcs, playing the main entries in release order offers the most rewarding experience. This allows you to witness the development of characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, understand the rise and fall (and rise again) of Umbrella Corporation, and appreciate the subtle (and not-so-subtle) connections between seemingly disparate events. You’ll get a stronger sense of how the T-Virus, G-Virus, and other bioweapons have shaped the world.
However, if you’re intimidated by the sheer number of games or are primarily interested in specific gameplay styles, you can absolutely jump in with a later entry, like the Resident Evil 2 Remake or Resident Evil 4 Remake. These remakes are excellent entry points due to their modern controls, updated graphics, and compelling storylines. They also provide enough context to understand the basic premise of the Resident Evil universe.
Ultimately, the “best” way to play the Resident Evil games is the way that brings you the most enjoyment. Don’t feel obligated to slog through titles you don’t enjoy just to say you’ve played them all. Instead, focus on the games that pique your interest and then delve deeper into the lore as desired. You may also want to consider consulting educational resources like those offered at Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) to understand the franchise within the broader context of video game studies.
Choosing Your Resident Evil Adventure
Release Order vs. Chronological Order
It’s important to distinguish between playing the games in release order (the order in which they were originally published) and chronological order (the order in which the events of the games occur in the Resident Evil timeline). Release order is generally recommended for a first-time playthrough, as it allows you to experience the evolution of the gameplay and storytelling techniques.
Chronological order can be interesting for subsequent playthroughs, but it can also be jarring, as you’ll be jumping between different gameplay styles and graphical fidelity.
Which Games to Skip (and Which to Prioritize)
While the completionist in you might want to experience every single Resident Evil title, some games are generally considered less essential than others. Many fans recommend skipping Resident Evil 0, as its gameplay mechanics are often frustrating, and its narrative relevance is minimal.
On the other hand, the Resident Evil 1 Remake (Resident Evil HD Remaster) is widely considered essential, as it’s the definitive version of the original game and lays the foundation for the entire series. The Resident Evil 2 Remake and Resident Evil 4 Remake are also highly recommended, as they offer modern takes on classic entries.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into the Resident Evil Universe
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further guide your Resident Evil journey:
1. What is the best Resident Evil game to start with?
The Resident Evil 1 Remake (Resident Evil HD Remaster), Resident Evil 2 Remake, or Resident Evil 4 Remake are all excellent starting points. They offer a good balance of horror, action, and engaging storytelling.
2. Is it okay to play RE4 first?
Yes, absolutely! Resident Evil 4 is relatively self-contained and doesn’t require extensive knowledge of the previous games. It’s a fantastic introduction to the action-oriented side of the franchise.
3. Should I play RE2 or RE2 Remake?
Both are great! The RE2 Remake offers modern graphics and gameplay, while the original RE2 has a classic charm and slightly different scenarios. If you only have time for one, the remake is generally recommended.
4. Are all Resident Evil games connected?
Yes, they are all connected within the same timeline, although some connections are more subtle than others. They are written with new players in mind, but starting from the beginning provides the richest understanding of the lore and characters.
5. Is RE2 and RE7 connected?
Yes, they are connected, though indirectly. The events of Resident Evil 7 take place approximately 19 years after Resident Evil 2, based on in-game details and timelines. Umbrella Corp also plays a critical role in both storylines.
6. Which Resident Evil is the scariest?
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is widely considered the scariest due to its first-person perspective, focus on psychological horror, and terrifying villains.
7. Which Resident Evil is not scary?
Resident Evil 6 is often criticized for its over-the-top action and lack of horror elements.
8. Does it matter if you play Resident Evil in order?
Not necessarily. While playing in order enriches the experience, you can enjoy later entries without having played the earlier ones.
9. Should I play Resident Evil 0 or 1 first?
Definitely Resident Evil 1. Resident Evil 0 makes references to later games and is best enjoyed after experiencing the original trilogy.
10. How old is Leon in RE6?
Leon S. Kennedy is 21 in Resident Evil 2, 27 in Resident Evil 4, and 36 in Resident Evil 6.
11. Is RE4 actually scary?
It’s more action-oriented than some other entries, but Resident Evil 4 still has tense moments and unsettling environments. It’s more “action horror” than “survival horror.”
12. Which Resident Evil is the easiest?
The difficulty varies depending on your skill level, but Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard are generally considered easier than the classic entries.
13. Why is Resident Evil 6 considered bad?
Resident Evil 6 is criticized for its bloated campaign, excessive action, and departure from the series’ survival horror roots.
14. Is RE2 really scary?
Resident Evil 2 can be scary, especially during your first playthrough. It’s a tense and atmospheric game with limited resources and terrifying enemies.
15. What Resident Evil games should I play in 2024 (and beyond)?
The Resident Evil 4 Remake and Resident Evil 2 Remake are essential. Also, consider Resident Evil 1 Remake, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil 3 Remake. These offer diverse gameplay experiences within the Resident Evil universe.
By considering your own gaming preferences and the different aspects of each Resident Evil game, you can create a personalized playthrough that maximizes your enjoyment of this iconic horror franchise. Happy gaming!