Should You Play Resident Evil in Order? A Deep Dive into the Survival Horror Saga
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Absolutely! While you can jump into the Resident Evil franchise at almost any point, playing the games in (roughly) chronological order enriches the experience tenfold. You’ll gain a far deeper understanding of the overarching narrative, recurring characters, and evolving lore that makes the Resident Evil universe so compelling. Think of it like watching a serialized TV show – each episode can stand alone, but the season-long arc is best appreciated from the beginning. So, while not strictly necessary, tackling Resident Evil in order unlocks layers of enjoyment that newcomers might otherwise miss.
The Allure of Chronological Playthroughs
The Resident Evil series has evolved dramatically since its humble beginnings in 1996. From the fixed camera angles and tank controls of the early titles to the over-the-shoulder perspective of Resident Evil 4 and beyond, each game offers a distinct gameplay experience. However, beneath these surface-level changes lies a complex tapestry of interconnected stories.
Playing in order allows you to witness the origins of iconic characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, and Claire Redfield. You’ll see them evolve from rookie officers to hardened survivors, carrying the scars (both physical and emotional) of past encounters. You’ll understand the significance of Umbrella Corporation’s rise and fall, and the lasting impact their bioweapons have on the world.
Furthermore, experiencing the games chronologically helps you appreciate the subtle nods and references to previous entries. A seemingly minor detail in Resident Evil 7 might carry significant weight if you know the history behind it. These connections deepen the sense of immersion and make you feel like a true insider within the Resident Evil universe. You will know when to expect the unexpected.
Story Beats and Chronological Order
Here is a recommended play order that balances story and game quality:
- Resident Evil 0 (Prequel, but best experienced after playing Resident Evil 1)
- Resident Evil (Remake is highly recommended)
- Resident Evil 2 (Remake is highly recommended)
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Remake or Original, depending on preference)
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica
- Resident Evil 4 (Original or Remake)
- Resident Evil: Revelations
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Resident Evil Village
This list sticks to the main numbered games and Revelations, but you can explore other spinoffs and light-gun games at your leisure. However, knowing the core story beats will help you enjoy them even more.
Essential Resident Evil Story Elements
Several key elements run throughout the Resident Evil saga:
- The T-Virus: The progenitor virus that caused the outbreak in Raccoon City and spawned countless monstrous creatures. Understanding its origins and mutations is crucial to grasping the overall plot.
- The Umbrella Corporation: The nefarious pharmaceutical company responsible for creating the T-Virus and unleashing bio-organic weapons (BOWs) upon the world. Their clandestine experiments and ruthless pursuit of profit are central to the narrative.
- S.T.A.R.S.: The Special Tactics and Rescue Service, a special forces unit of the Raccoon Police Department. Several key characters from the series are members of S.T.A.R.S. and play a critical role in uncovering Umbrella’s secrets.
- The BSAA: The Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance, an international organization dedicated to combating bioterrorism. Formed after the collapse of Umbrella, the BSAA features many familiar faces from the Resident Evil universe.
By experiencing the games in order, you’ll witness the evolution of these elements and their impact on the characters and world. This makes for a much more satisfying and engaging playthrough. The Games Learning Society provides resources that can help you understand the wider implications of gaming narratives.
Resident Evil: Is Order Really That Important?
While playing Resident Evil games in chronological order provides a richer and more complete experience, it’s not a strict requirement for enjoying the series. Each game is designed to be accessible to newcomers, with self-contained stories and characters that can be appreciated even without prior knowledge. However, playing in order does offer several advantages that enhance the overall experience.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to play Resident Evil games in order is a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the series’ lore and characters, then playing chronologically is definitely recommended. However, if you’re simply looking for a fun and thrilling survival horror experience, then you can jump in at any point and still enjoy the games.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Playing Resident Evil in Order
Q1: Do I have to play all the Resident Evil games to understand the story?
No, you don’t have to. Each Resident Evil game is designed with accessibility in mind, meaning you can usually pick up a title without needing extensive knowledge of previous entries. However, playing in order enhances your understanding and appreciation of the overall narrative.
Q2: Is Resident Evil 0 essential to the storyline?
While Resident Evil 0 provides context to the original Resident Evil, it’s often recommended to play it after the first game (or the remake). This is because Resident Evil 0 contains references and reveals that are more impactful if you’re already familiar with the events of Resident Evil.
Q3: Should I play the original games or the remakes?
The remakes (especially Resident Evil Remake, Resident Evil 2 Remake, and Resident Evil 4 Remake) are generally considered superior due to their updated graphics, refined gameplay, and expanded storylines. However, the original games offer a unique charm and historical perspective.
Q4: What about the spin-off titles like Resident Evil: Revelations and Resident Evil: Code Veronica?
These spin-off titles often feature important plot points and character development. Resident Evil: Code Veronica, in particular, is a significant entry in the main storyline. The Revelations games fill in gaps between the main numbered titles.
Q5: Are all the Resident Evil games connected?
Yes, all the Resident Evil games are connected within a single timeline. While each game may have its own self-contained story, they all contribute to the overall lore and feature recurring characters and organizations.
Q6: Which Resident Evil game should I start with?
For newcomers, Resident Evil Remake is an excellent starting point. It offers a modernized take on the original game with improved graphics, controls, and expanded content. Resident Evil 2 Remake and Resident Evil 4 Remake are also great entry points due to their accessibility and high quality.
Q7: Can I skip any Resident Evil games?
While you can skip certain games, it’s generally recommended to play the main numbered entries in order to get the most complete understanding of the story. Some spin-off titles, like Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, are considered less essential and can be skipped without missing major plot points.
Q8: Is Resident Evil 7: Biohazard a good starting point?
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a soft reboot of the series, featuring a new protagonist and a more grounded, horror-focused approach. It’s a great entry point for new players, but be aware that it has fewer connections to the earlier games than some other entries.
Q9: Does playing the games in order make them easier or harder?
Playing in order doesn’t necessarily make the games easier or harder, but it does provide a greater understanding of the mechanics, enemy types, and lore, which can give you an advantage.
Q10: Where can I learn more about the Resident Evil lore?
There are numerous online resources, including wikis, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to Resident Evil lore. However, the best way to learn about the story is to play the games themselves.
Q11: Are the Resident Evil movies canon?
No, the Resident Evil movies are not considered canon to the game series. They offer a separate interpretation of the Resident Evil universe with different storylines and character portrayals.
Q12: What order should I play the remakes?
The best order for the remakes is: Resident Evil Remake, Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, and Resident Evil 4 Remake. This order follows the chronological events of the story.
Q13: Is Resident Evil: Code Veronica important?
Yes, Resident Evil: Code Veronica is very important to the overall Resident Evil storyline. It continues the story of Claire Redfield after the events of Resident Evil 2 and introduces key characters and plot elements that reappear in later games.
Q14: Do I need to play the light-gun games like Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles?
These light-gun games offer retellings of events from previous games, often adding new details and perspectives. They’re not essential, but they can enhance your understanding of the story and provide a fun, arcade-style experience.
Q15: Will playing the games in order spoil any surprises?
While playing in order may reveal certain plot points or character fates earlier than you might otherwise discover them, it also allows you to appreciate the evolution of the story and the characters in a more meaningful way. The trade-off is generally worth it for the enhanced immersion and understanding you’ll gain.
The Resident Evil franchise continues to evolve, and new entries are always on the horizon. Whether you choose to play in order or jump in wherever you like, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this iconic survival horror series. Understanding the deeper themes and lore of the Resident Evil series connects to broader understanding of storytelling and narrative structures, resources on these connections can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org. Dive in, face your fears, and prepare to experience the terrifying world of Resident Evil!