Is Raccoon City Canon in the Resident Evil Universe?
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The simple answer is: it depends what you mean by “Raccoon City”. The city itself, as a location and the setting for several key events in the Resident Evil franchise, is absolutely canon. However, specific portrayals and stories revolving around it, particularly in spin-offs and adaptations, are often non-canon. This article will delve into the complexities of Raccoon City’s canonicity, addressing frequently asked questions to clarify its place within the larger Resident Evil narrative.
The Core Canon and Raccoon City
The core canon of the Resident Evil universe primarily resides in the mainline video games. Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, which largely take place in Raccoon City, are central to the overall plot. The tragic events that transpired there, including the t-Virus outbreak and the city’s eventual destruction, are foundational elements of the Resident Evil narrative.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998): This game, specifically the Claire A / Leon B scenario, is considered the canonical route. This means that the primary events that occur within this specific play order are considered the “official” happenings within the series’ timeline.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): Also set in Raccoon City, this game runs parallel to RE2, showing events from Jill Valentine’s perspective as the outbreak unfolds and the city falls further into chaos.
These two core games are where the most essential canonicity regarding Raccoon City is established. Subsequent games, like Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, often reference and build upon the events that took place in these two games.
Non-Canon Depictions of Raccoon City
While the core city and its major events are canon, many spin-offs and adaptations present stories that are not considered canon within the main timeline:
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City
This title provides a different perspective on the Raccoon City incident, focusing on the actions of Umbrella Security Service (USS) operatives. Operation Raccoon City is explicitly non-canon. This is largely due to the fact that the characters introduced in the game are not recognized in the main timeline, and the events they experience directly contradict what was canonically established in the main games. Encounters with main characters, such as Leon and Claire, in locations and circumstances inconsistent with their canonical stories further reinforce this.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
The 2021 live-action film, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, serves as a reboot of the film series, adapting the storylines of the first two games. While it attempts to incorporate elements from the games, it’s still considered a separate, non-canon adaptation. The movie was created by a different team and is intentionally disconnected from the video game timeline and the previous film series. Its focus is on presenting a re-imagining of the Raccoon City events, rather than a continuation or direct tie-in with the mainline games.
Netflix’s Resident Evil Show
The Netflix Resident Evil show, set primarily in 2022 and 2036, exists within a completely separate continuity from the games and the Raccoon City timeline. It explores a post-apocalyptic setting and different characters, further distancing itself from the canonical Raccoon City events of the late 1990s.
Why Are Some Depictions Non-Canon?
The main reason for the distinction between canon and non-canon portrayals boils down to creative and logistical reasons:
- Artistic License: Adaptations like movies and TV shows often take creative liberties, changing characters, plot points, and events to better suit their medium or target audience.
- Timeline Issues: Non-canon materials might introduce events or characters that contradict established lore within the main game series.
- Creative Team Separation: Different teams working on different projects (like the games, movies, and TV shows) often operate with a different perspective and focus, leading to divergent storylines and interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD) canon?
Yes, the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD) is a significant canon location. It plays a central role in both Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, as well as being referenced in subsequent games.
2. Is the Spencer Mansion near Raccoon City canon?
Yes, the Spencer Mansion, the primary setting of the original Resident Evil (1996), is located outside of Raccoon City and its events are definitely canon. This event precedes the Raccoon City outbreak but is directly linked to the creation and development of the viruses responsible.
3. Are the animated Resident Evil movies canon?
Yes, unlike the live-action movies, the animated Resident Evil films (like Degeneration, Damnation, and Vendetta) are considered canon and frequently star Leon Kennedy.
4. Is Resident Evil 4 set in Raccoon City?
No, Resident Evil 4 is not set in Raccoon City. Its story takes place in a rural, mountainous region of Spain, several years after the Raccoon City incident.
5. Is Resident Evil 7 canon?
Yes, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is firmly within the canon storyline of the franchise. While its ties are subtle, it connects to the overall narrative through references to Umbrella and other elements of the established lore.
6. Is the relationship between Leon and Ada canon?
While the romantic nature of their relationship is a source of fan discussion, the main storyline shows that Ada cares for Leon, but does not reciprocate the same level of romantic interest, and her motives remain ambiguous. Their interactions, and her involvement in the narrative are all considered canon.
7. Which Resident Evil game should I play first?
The chronological order for the main games is Resident Evil 0, 1, 2, and 3. Many recommend starting with Resident Evil 2 due to its self-contained story and refined mechanics.
8. Is Resident Evil Village canon?
Yes, Resident Evil Village is a canon entry in the series. It directly follows the events of Resident Evil 7 and continues that game’s narrative.
9. Does the Resident Evil 3 remake change the canon events in any way?
The Resident Evil 3 remake largely maintains the canonical timeline, with only minor changes. It presents a more modern interpretation of the original, but the fundamental events and characters remain consistent.
10. Is Jill Valentine’s story in Raccoon City canon?
Yes, Jill Valentine’s experience in Raccoon City during the events of Resident Evil 3 is absolutely canon. Her survival and actions directly impact the storyline.
11. Is Chris Redfield’s involvement in Raccoon City canon?
Yes, Chris Redfield’s role, while less prominent in the main Raccoon City incident, is canon. His involvement with S.T.A.R.S. and his investigation into Umbrella is what takes place before the events of RE2 and RE3.
12. Why is the “Claire A / Leon B” scenario in Resident Evil 2 considered canon?
This scenario is canon as it was confirmed in later games and expanded on in the Darkside Chronicles. It dictates that certain events, like Sherry being infected by the G-Virus, happen only when playing Claire first.
13. What is the connection between Raccoon City and the rest of the Resident Evil universe?
Raccoon City is the epicenter of the t-Virus outbreak, and its events were a catalyst for the events in the later Resident Evil games. The city’s destruction became a pivotal moment in the series’ history, with the virus and its effects spreading throughout the world, impacting almost every installment.
14. Does Resident Evil have alternate universes?
While some non-canon adaptations present different scenarios, the core series operates on a single, consistent timeline. There isn’t an established multi-verse like in other franchises.
15. Are the Milla Jovovich Resident Evil movies canon?
No, the Milla Jovovich Resident Evil movie series is non-canon and serves as a separate, loose adaptation of the source material. These films have no connection to the timeline of the games, other than being based on characters and monsters from the games.
Conclusion
While Raccoon City itself is a critical, canon location within the Resident Evil universe, the specific stories told within it often vary in their level of canonicity. The main games, specifically Resident Evil 2 and 3, are the primary source of canon, with spin-offs, adaptations, and other media often presenting non-canon interpretations. Understanding this distinction helps fans properly contextualize the sprawling and interconnected narratives of the Resident Evil franchise.