🧪Resident Evil

The Resident Evil franchise, known as Biohazard in Japan, boasts a sprawling narrative across various media, primarily rooted in its video games. The in-universe chronology begins with events preceding the infamous Raccoon City outbreak. *Resident Evil Zero*, released in 2002, serves as a direct prequel to the original game, depicting S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team's investigation on July 23, 1998, leading Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen to uncover the origins of the T-Virus at an Umbrella training facility. This directly leads into the events of *Resident Evil* (1996), where the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team, including Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, investigates the Spencer Mansion on July 24, 1998, after Bravo Team goes missing.

The Raccoon City incident unfolds across *Resident Evil 3: Nemesis* (1999) and *Resident Evil 2* (1998), with Jill Valentine's escape attempt spanning September 28 to October 1, 1998, largely overlapping with Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield's arrival in the city on September 29, 1998. Following this, Claire's search for Chris leads her to *Resident Evil: Code – Veronica* (2000) in late 1998. The narrative then jumps to 2004 with *Resident Evil 4* (2005), featuring Leon S. Kennedy's mission to rescue the President's daughter in Spain, introducing the Las Plagas parasite.

Spin-off games like *Resident Evil: Revelations* (2012) and *Resident Evil: Revelations 2* (2015) bridge the gaps between main entries, set in 2005 and 2011 respectively. The action-heavy *Resident Evil 5* (2009) takes place in 2009, with Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar combating bioterrorism in Africa. *Resident Evil 6* (2012) presents a global outbreak in 2013 with multiple interwoven campaigns.

The series shifted perspective with *Resident Evil 7: Biohazard* (2017), set in 2017, introducing Ethan Winters in a first-person horror experience. His story continues in *Resident Evil Village* (2021) in 2021, and its DLC *Shadows of Rose* in 2022. The most recent mainline installment, *Resident Evil Requiem*, released on February 27, 2026, featuring FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and returning protagonist Leon S. Kennedy investigating mysterious deaths linked to Raccoon City survivors in the American Midwest.

Beyond games, the franchise has a varied filmography. The animated films, which are considered canon to the games, include *Resident Evil: Degeneration* (2008), *Resident Evil: Damnation* (2012), *Resident Evil: Vendetta* (2017), *Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness* (2021 series), and *Resident Evil: Death Island* (2023), generally following the game timeline. The live-action film series, starting with *Resident Evil* (2002) and starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, spans six films, concluding with *Resident Evil: The Final Chapter* (2016). A live-action film reboot, *Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City*, was released in 2021, offering a different take on the early games. The Netflix live-action series *Resident Evil* (2022) featured two timelines, 2022 and 2036, but was canceled after one season.

Resident Evil's significance extends far beyond its impressive sales figures, which make it Capcom's best-selling franchise with over 170 million copies sold worldwide as of March 2025. Its initial release in 1996 is widely credited with defining the survival horror genre, establishing conventions that would influence countless games for decades. The deliberate scarcity of resources, the intricate puzzle design, the fixed camera angles creating an oppressive sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability, and the emphasis on exploration over combat all contributed to a unique and terrifying experience. It reintroduced zombies to popular culture in a significant way, shaping the modern perception of the undead in interactive entertainment.

The franchise has also demonstrated a remarkable capacity for evolution. While the original games cemented the classic survival horror formula, *Resident Evil 4* (2005) revolutionized third-person action-adventure games by popularizing the now-ubiquitous 'over-the-shoulder' camera perspective. This shift, while initially divisive among some purists, broadened the series' appeal and influenced a generation of action games. More recently, *Resident Evil 7: Biohazard* (2017) and *Resident Evil Village* (2021) successfully revitalized the survival horror elements by adopting a first-person perspective, offering a more immersive and visceral fright. This willingness to reinvent its core gameplay loop while retaining its thematic essence is a testament to its enduring creative strength. The series consistently explores themes of corporate greed, biological warfare, and the fragility of humanity, grounding its fantastical monsters in a chillingly plausible scientific context. Its iconic characters, from the stoic Chris Redfield to the resourceful Jill Valentine and the perpetually unlucky Leon S. Kennedy, have become household names in gaming, fostering a deep connection with its audience over nearly three decades. This blend of innovation, consistent quality, and thematic depth ensures Resident Evil remains a cornerstone of horror entertainment.

The genesis of Resident Evil, or Biohazard as it's known in Japan, lies with Capcom and a visionary team led by Shinji Mikami. The concept originated in 1993 when producer Tokuro Fujiwara, inspired by his 1989 Famicom horror game *Sweet Home*, tasked Mikami with creating a similar horror experience for the PlayStation. Mikami, initially hesitant due to his aversion to being scared, embraced the project, understanding the nuances of fear. The development of the first game, released in 1996, was a collaborative effort involving a team that would later form Capcom Production Studio 4. Key figures like Hideki Kamiya, who directed *Resident Evil 2*, were part of this early planning team.

Mikami's meticulous approach was instrumental in shaping the foundational elements of the series: fixed camera angles to build tension, limited resources to enforce tactical decision-making, and environmental storytelling through files and notes to deepen the lore. He directed the original *Resident Evil* (1996), its critically acclaimed 2002 remake, and the genre-shifting *Resident Evil 4* (2005). While Mikami later departed Capcom, his influence on the franchise's core identity is undeniable. Capcom has remained the sole owner and primary developer of the video game series, overseeing its expansion across numerous main installments, remakes, and spin-offs.

The Resident Evil ecosystem has grown to encompass a diverse range of media. Beyond the core games, animated films like *Degeneration* and *Death Island* are considered part of the game's continuity, featuring beloved characters in new stories. Live-action adaptations, while often taking creative liberties, have also played a significant role in the franchise's global recognition. The initial film series, produced by Constantin Film and starring Milla Jovovich, grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing video game film series. The Netflix live-action series, though short-lived, and the recent film reboots, demonstrate the continuous effort to translate the Resident Evil universe to different audiences. This expansive ecosystem, managed by Capcom, ensures the franchise's enduring presence in popular culture, constantly attracting new fans while catering to its dedicated base.

The Resident Evil franchise, despite its consistent thematic core of bio-organic horror, showcases significant internal diversity in its gameplay and narrative approaches. The early entries, including the original *Resident Evil* (1996) and its masterful 2002 remake, along with *Resident Evil 0* and *Code Veronica*, epitomize classic survival horror. These games emphasize exploration, intricate puzzle-solving, and resource management, often featuring fixed camera angles and tank controls that contribute to a sense of vulnerability and deliberate pacing. The remakes of *Resident Evil* and *Resident Evil 2* (2019) successfully modernize this classic formula, retaining the tension while improving controls and visuals, making them excellent entry points for new players seeking the original experience with contemporary polish.

*Resident Evil 4* (2005) stands as a pivotal moment, shifting the series towards a more action-oriented third-person shooter perspective with its iconic over-the-shoulder camera. This entry, and its 2023 remake, redefined action-adventure games and influenced subsequent titles like *Resident Evil 5* and *Resident Evil 6*. While these games offer thrilling combat and cooperative multiplayer in later iterations, they sometimes sacrifice the pure horror elements for spectacle. *Resident Evil 6*, in particular, is known for its expansive, albeit sometimes convoluted, multi-character campaigns and high-octane action, which can be overwhelming for some players.

The series then pivoted back to its horror roots with *Resident Evil 7: Biohazard* (2017), adopting a first-person perspective that delivered a visceral, immersive horror experience. This direction continued with *Resident Evil Village* (2021), blending first-person horror with more action elements reminiscent of *Resident Evil 4*. The recently released *Resident Evil Requiem* (2026) aims to balance both survival horror and action, featuring two distinct playable characters – Grace Ashcroft focusing on stealth and puzzles, and Leon S. Kennedy providing the expected action.

Regarding spin-offs, the *Revelations* titles offer a compelling blend of classic survival horror and modern action, making them worthwhile for fans. Other spin-offs like *Operation Raccoon City* or *Umbrella Corps* are generally considered less essential to the core experience and can be skipped without missing critical narrative beats. The animated films are canon and offer supplementary stories for game characters, while the live-action films exist in separate continuities, offering different interpretations of the Resident Evil universe. The value of these adaptations varies widely, with the animated films generally being more faithful to the source material than the live-action series.

For newcomers venturing into the world of Resident Evil, the sheer volume of games, remakes, and adaptations can be daunting. The optimal starting point largely depends on your preference for gameplay style and your tolerance for older mechanics. If you prioritize modern graphics and refined gameplay, the recent remakes are the ideal gateway. *Resident Evil 2 Remake* (2019) is often hailed as a masterpiece, perfectly balancing classic survival horror tension with contemporary controls and visuals. It offers a compelling narrative featuring fan-favorite characters Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, set during the iconic Raccoon City outbreak.

Following *Resident Evil 2 Remake*, *Resident Evil 4 Remake* (2023) is another excellent choice, showcasing the series' shift towards action while maintaining a strong horror atmosphere. This game is a landmark title that influenced countless action games and provides a thrilling, largely self-contained story. If you prefer a more immersive, first-person horror experience, then *Resident Evil 7: Biohazard* (2017) is your starting line. It marks the beginning of the Ethan Winters storyline, offering a fresh perspective and a return to the series' terrifying roots. Its direct sequel, *Resident Evil Village* (2021), naturally follows.

For those interested in the foundational experience and don't mind older game design, the 2002 *Resident Evil Remake* for the GameCube (available in HD remasters) is the definitive way to play the original Spencer Mansion story, improving on its 1996 predecessor in every way. Playing *Resident Evil 0* (2002) beforehand would provide chronological context, as it's a direct prequel.

If you're eager to catch up on the latest, *Resident Evil Requiem* (2026) is the newest mainline entry, but it builds on a three-decade legacy. While it introduces new characters, prior knowledge of the series, especially Leon S. Kennedy's history, will enhance the experience. For the animated films, watching them in release order is generally recommended, as they offer side stories within the game's continuity. The live-action films, being separate continuities, can be watched independently, though the original Paul W.S. Anderson series should be viewed in release order.

As of early 2026, the Resident Evil franchise continues its prolific output, with significant developments across its gaming and film divisions. The most prominent recent event is the release of *Resident Evil Requiem* on February 27, 2026. This ninth main installment, developed and published by Capcom, launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, and Nintendo Switch 2, receiving acclaim for its dark tone, story, atmosphere, and a balanced mix of survival horror and action. *Requiem* introduces a new playable character, FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, alongside the returning Leon S. Kennedy, investigating mysterious deaths linked to Raccoon City survivors. Capcom has already confirmed downloadable content (DLC) for *Resident Evil Requiem*, including a new mini-game set to arrive in May 2026, and a major narrative expansion later in the year. This expansion could potentially explore Leon's activities between *Resident Evil 6* and *Requiem*.

Beyond *Requiem*, Capcom's future plans for the gaming series appear robust, with several projects reportedly in various stages of development. Rumors suggest a *Resident Evil – Code: Veronica Remake* is the next major project, potentially releasing in early 2027, led by the teams behind the *Resident Evil 2* and *Resident Evil 4* remakes. This would be followed by a *Resident Evil Zero Remake* in 2028, aiming to address original frustrations and modernize mechanics. Looking further ahead, *Resident Evil 10* is reportedly planned for 2029, potentially as a large-scale crossover event akin to *Resident Evil 6*, initiating a new story arc. A *Resident Evil 5 Remake* is also considered a possibility for 2030, with Capcom reportedly taking extra care to refine its tone. Intriguingly, a re-remake of the original *Resident Evil* is rumored for 2031, aligning with the series' 35th anniversary.

On the film front, a new live-action *Resident Evil* film reboot is scheduled for release on September 18, 2026. Directed by Zach Cregger and co-written with Shay Hatten, this film will tell an original story unrelated to previous adaptations, featuring new characters and drawing inspiration from the early video games. It stars Austin Abrams as Bryan, a medical courier caught in a viral outbreak. This project, co-produced by Constantin Film and PlayStation Productions, signifies a fresh cinematic direction for the franchise. Capcom is reportedly taking a data-driven approach, analyzing the reception of *Resident Evil 4 Remake*, *Requiem*, and the upcoming *Code: Veronica Remake* to determine the franchise's long-term trajectory.

DEAD CULTURE has followed the Resident Evil franchise since its inception, witnessing its evolution from a groundbreaking horror title to a multimedia juggernaut. Our verdict is clear: Resident Evil stands as a monumental achievement in gaming history, a series that not only defined a genre but consistently pushed its boundaries. The original *Resident Evil* games, with their claustrophobic environments and resource scarcity, delivered a brand of terror that few titles have matched. The 2002 remake remains a masterclass in atmosphere and design, a testament to the enduring power of its initial vision.

The franchise's willingness to reinvent itself, notably with *Resident Evil 4*'s revolutionary over-the-shoulder perspective and the first-person immersion of *Resident Evil 7*, demonstrates a creative courage that many long-running series lack. While not every experiment has landed perfectly – some earlier action-heavy entries leaned too far from their horror roots for our taste – the overall trajectory reflects a commitment to innovation. The recent string of remakes, including *Resident Evil 2 Remake* and *Resident Evil 4 Remake*, successfully reintroduce these classics to a new generation while satisfying long-time fans with their fidelity and modern polish. These remakes are not just graphical updates; they are thoughtful reinterpretations that enhance the original experiences.

The narrative, though complex and occasionally convoluted across its many installments, weaves a compelling saga of corporate conspiracy, biological horror, and the resilience of iconic characters. Leon, Chris, Jill, and Claire have become synonymous with survival horror, their struggles against Umbrella and its legacy forming the backbone of a rich universe. *Resident Evil Requiem*, the latest mainline entry, appears to be a promising synthesis of the series' diverse strengths, balancing classic horror with engaging action, and further solidifying its place as a contemporary horror leader. The future, with rumored remakes and new mainline entries, suggests Capcom is keenly aware of the franchise's legacy and its potential. Resident Evil is not merely a collection of games; it's a cultural phenomenon, a benchmark for horror in interactive entertainment, and a franchise that continues to captivate and terrify.