Should I Play as Jill or Chris in Resident Evil 1? A Veteran’s Perspective
The Spencer Mansion. A terrifying locale, a twisting labyrinth of secrets, and the origin point for one of gaming’s most enduring franchises: Resident Evil. Before grappling with the remakes or diving into later entries, many newcomers (and returning veterans!) face a crucial choice: Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield? The answer, as any seasoned S.T.A.R.S. operative will tell you, depends entirely on your playstyle and experience with survival horror. For first-timers, Jill is unequivocally the better choice. Her easier playthrough offers a smoother introduction to the game’s mechanics and overall horror experience. However, experienced players wanting a bigger challenge or faster completion time may want to play as Chris.
Jill’s strengths lie in her increased inventory space (two extra slots are a massive deal), the ability to use a lockpick to bypass certain locked doors, and a narrative that streamlines some of the more tedious aspects of the game. This makes her journey more forgiving, allowing players to explore more freely and conserve resources.
Chris, on the other hand, presents a steeper learning curve. He has less inventory space, forcing more trips back to item boxes. He requires finding Old Keys to unlock doors Jill can simply pick, adding another layer of challenge and backtracking. However, he can tank more damage and often scores faster completion times with a well-executed playthrough.
Ultimately, neither character is “better,” just different. Your choice reflects your tolerance for challenge, resource management skills, and preferred pacing. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of each character and address some common questions to help you make the right call.
Jill vs. Chris: A Detailed Comparison
Jill Valentine: The Accessible Nightmare
- Easier for Beginners: Jill’s lockpick trivializes certain puzzles and bypasses key hunts, allowing you to focus on combat and exploration.
- More Inventory Space: Those two extra slots are a game-changer, reducing the need for constant backtracking to the item box.
- Barry Burton Assistance: Jill receives more frequent assistance from Barry, providing ammunition and opening up new areas.
- Grenade Launcher Access: She gains access to the grenade launcher earlier and more naturally, offering a powerful weapon for crowd control.
- Can Skip Plant 42 Fight: By using V-Jolt, Jill can bypass Plant 42, saving time and resources.
Chris Redfield: The Hardcore Horror
- Increased Health: He can withstand more damage than Jill, providing a slight buffer against enemy attacks.
- Faster Movement: Chris is noticeably faster than Jill, allowing for more nimble maneuvering through tight spaces.
- Wesker’s Focus: His story arc emphasizes Wesker’s role, offering more insight into the antagonist’s motivations.
- Rebecca Chambers’ Involvement: Features Rebecca as a key ally.
- More Challenging Puzzles: Relies on Small Keys, which forces more exploration.
Game Difficulty and the Canon Debate
The difficulty of Resident Evil 1 is inherently subjective, but Chris is generally considered harder, particularly for first-time players. His limitations demand meticulous planning and resource allocation. However, the game’s enduring appeal lies in its replayability, and conquering Chris’s campaign is a rewarding experience for those seeking a true survival horror challenge.
So, which playthrough is “canon”? According to the text, no ending in this game is the canon ending. According to RE2; Chris, Jill, Barry, and Rebecca all survive. Also, Chris and Jill are meant to explore the mansion separately, instead of the unplayed one being locked up all game. Wesker doesn’t die in every ending, but it is canon for him to die.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further clarify the Jill vs. Chris debate in Resident Evil 1.
1. Is Resident Evil 1 harder with Chris?
Yes, Chris’s playthrough is generally harder due to his limited inventory, the need to find Old Keys, and the absence of a grenade launcher. While his higher health provides some buffer, managing resources and navigating the mansion is more challenging.
2. Why is Jill easier than Chris?
Jill is easier because of her increased inventory space, access to the lockpick, and the presence of Barry Burton. These advantages streamline the experience and reduce the need for tedious backtracking and resource management.
3. Which character should I choose in Resident Evil 1 for my first playthrough?
Jill is the recommended choice for a first playthrough. Her more forgiving gameplay allows newcomers to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics, puzzles, and atmosphere without being overwhelmed by resource scarcity.
4. How do I get the best ending in Resident Evil 1 as Chris?
The best ending for Chris involves defeating the Tyrant, rescuing Jill Valentine, and ensuring Rebecca Chambers survives. Achieving this requires careful planning and resource management throughout the game.
5. How do I save Jill as Chris in Resident Evil 1?
Search the mysterious traitor’s body for a Master Key (you’ll definitely need this). Then back out of the room and up the elevator. If you’ve used all three MO Disks, head to the hallway with the locked door and the three levers and head down the stairs to rescue Jill.
6. Does it matter who you play as in Resident Evil 1?
Yes, the choice of character significantly impacts the gameplay experience. Jill’s playthrough is generally easier and more forgiving, while Chris’s is more challenging and requires greater resource management skills.
7. Is Jill or Chris canon in Resident Evil?
Neither character’s playthrough is considered definitively canon. Elements from both storylines are incorporated into the overall Resident Evil lore. RE2 establishes that Chris, Jill, Barry, and Rebecca all survive the mansion incident.
8. What is the best ending for Chris in Resident Evil 1?
The “best” ending is subjective, but generally, the one where Chris defeats the Tyrant, rescues Jill, and ensures Rebecca’s survival is considered the most desirable outcome.
9. Who is stronger, Leon or Chris, in Resident Evil?
Based on feats, Chris is generally considered physically stronger, while Leon may possess superior fighting skills and marksmanship. Both are highly capable protagonists in their own right.
10. Does Chris have feelings for Jill?
While their relationship is close, Chris and Jill are depicted as close friends and colleagues rather than romantic partners. The remake even hints at Chris’s romantic interests outside of their professional relationship.
11. Why is Chris depressed in RE6?
Chris’s depression in Resident Evil 6 stems from the loss of his team on a mission and the immense trauma he has experienced fighting bioterrorism. This leads to a period of self-destructive behavior and withdrawal.
12. Should I play RE1 before RE2?
While not strictly necessary, playing RE1 before RE2 provides valuable context and enriches the overall experience. Understanding the origins of the T-Virus and the events at the Spencer Mansion enhances the narrative of subsequent games.
13. Can you play as Wesker in RE1?
Wesker is a non-playable character in the original Resident Evil. He serves as the commanding officer of S.T.A.R.S. and a key antagonist throughout the story.
14. Does RE3 take place after RE1?
No, Resident Evil 3 takes place concurrently with Resident Evil 2. The story begins 24 hours before the events of RE1 and then overlaps with the timeline of RE2. All take place in 1998.
15. What happens if you don’t give Barry his gun back?
If you choose not to return Barry’s gun, he will die. However, the player then receives a powerful Magnum for their playthrough.
Beyond the Mansion: The Enduring Legacy of Resident Evil
Resident Evil 1, regardless of whether you choose Jill or Chris, is a cornerstone of the survival horror genre. Its atmospheric setting, challenging gameplay, and intriguing narrative continue to captivate players decades after its release. The choice between Jill and Chris isn’t just about difficulty; it’s about tailoring the experience to your own preferences and playstyle. Whether you prefer a smoother, more accessible journey or a more demanding, hardcore challenge, Resident Evil 1 offers something for every horror fan.
And for those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the work of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, who explore the intersection of games and learning. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org today!
So, load your weapon, conserve your ammo, and prepare to face the horrors of the Spencer Mansion. The choice is yours: Jill or Chris? Your survival depends on it.