The “Resident Evil” series has many enthusiastic fans both domestically and internationally. It is characterized by a wide range of works, from those that allow you to experience unique horror to those that allow you to enjoy exhilarating action.
So this time, we will introduce the recommended ranking of Resident Evil. We have picked up works for beginners as well as advanced users, so please check them out.
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table of contents
- What is the Resident Evil series?
- How to choose a Resident Evil series
- Recommended game software ranking for Resident Evil series
What is the Resident Evil series?
By: nintendo.com
The Resident Evil series is a game title that has been made into a series since its release in 1996, and has many passionate fans not only in Japan but also overseas. In 2020, we achieved a record of shipping 100 million copies of 135 titles worldwide.
The basic story of the Resident Evil series is to fight off the approaching zombies with weapons and items and aim to return alive. However, as the series continues to evolve, it has evolved in many ways and continues to fascinate many players.
How to choose a Resident Evil series
If you like horror, we recommend the older works and “7''
By: amazon.co.jp
Works from Resident Evil 1 to 3, 0, and CV use a fixed camera system in which the player cannot switch viewpoints. The perspective doesn't change until the character progresses to a certain extent, so you can feel the fear of not knowing what lies ahead.
“7'' is recommended for those who want to experience the fear of entering the world of a horror movie. 7 uses a first-person perspective for the first time in the series. Dust floating in the air is also reproduced in detail, and the image quality is similar to that of a live-action movie. When you wear a dedicated VR headset, the game screen will be uninterrupted no matter where you turn 360 degrees, allowing you to experience an unprecedented sense of immersion.
If you like TPS, we recommend “4” or later.
By: amazon.co.jp
TPS is an abbreviation for “Third Person Shooter” and is a game that is played from behind or directly above the character being controlled. The wide field of view makes it easy to see your surroundings and prevents you from getting 3D motion sickness.
In the Resident Evil series, TPS is used in the titles “4” to “6”, “RE:2” and “RE:3”. Compared to the fixed camera system of the old game, it has a more realistic feel, and you can now enjoy the characters' expressions and movements even more. If you like TPS games, we recommend choosing from “4” to “6”, “RE:2” and “RE:3”.
Check compatible hardware
By: amazon.co.jp
Past popular works in the Resident Evil series have been rereleased as HD remastered or remake versions. With the exception of some derivative titles, most titles can be played if you have a PS4.
If you don't have a PS4, check in advance whether the title you want is compatible with your hardware. The ranking also lists the compatible hardware for each work, so please refer to it.
If you like multiplayer, check if it is available online.
By: amazon.co.jp
Early Resident Evil games were only for one player, but from “5'' onwards, titles that can be played by multiple people have also appeared. In case of “5'', up to 2 people can play offline, and up to 4 people can play online.
6 allows up to 6 people to play. In addition to enjoying the exhilarating feeling of defeating enemies with a large group of friends, you can also play mini-games that you wouldn't be able to do alone. If you like multiplayer, we recommend choosing one of these games that supports online play.
Select in chronological order
In addition to the main story, many spin-off works have been released in the Resident Evil series, and the time period may differ depending on the title. If you are going to play from now on, we recommend playing in chronological order. The general flow is as follows.
July 1998 “Resident Evil 0”
July 1998 “Resident Evil”
September 1998 “Resident Evil 3 Last Escape”
September 1998 “Resident Evil 2”
December 1998 “Resident Evil Code: Veronica”
Fall 2004 “Resident Evil 4”
March 2009 “Resident Evil 5”
December 2012 “Resident Evil 6”
July 2017 “Resident Evil 7 Resident Evil”
“Resident Evil Village” a few years after 2017
Including spin-offs would make things even more complicated, so I've rearranged only the main stories in chronological order. “0'' is a prequel to “Resident Evil,'' and “3'' and “2'' take place around the same time. You can enjoy the game even if you skip the order, but you can enjoy the bio world even more if you keep the chronology simple.
Recommended game software ranking for Resident Evil series
1st place Resident Evil 4[GC, PS2, PS3, PS4, Wii, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Switch, PC]
This game was released in 2005 as a GameCube exclusive software. For the first time, we introduced a “behind view” perspective from behind the character, instead of the traditional fixed camera perspective. As a new style of action and shooting games, it had a great influence not only on the series but also on other works.
The circumstances behind the occurrence of the unprecedented biological disaster “Raccoon Incident” are revealed, and the culprit, the Umbrella Corporation, collapses. Leon survived the incident and was working as an agent under the direct control of the president. One day, Leon receives an order to rescue the president's daughter who has been kidnapped. Will Leon be able to safely fulfill his orders when he heads to a cold village in Europe?
In the PS4 version, the graphics are clearer due to the higher resolution and higher frame rate. The audio output also supports 5.1ch surround, allowing you to enjoy powerful audio. New scenarios and costumes have also been added, so it is also recommended for those who have cleared the original version.
・Resident Evil 4 (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil 4 (Nintendo Switch download version)
2nd place Resident Evil 6[PS3,PS4,Xbox 360,Xbox One,Switch,PC]
This is an action shooting game released in October 2012. Cumulative worldwide sales have reached over 7.6 million units as of 2020. Not only armed soldiers but also refugees appear, and the world-wide bioterrorism scene is depicted with a sense of realism.
The story takes place ten years after the Raccoon Incident. The game consists of four independent stories, and features the ability to play as multiple protagonists. The stories gradually intersect, and their positions and destinies become intertwined. The appearance of main characters representing the series such as Leon and Chris also became a hot topic.
In addition to higher resolution, the HD version also includes new stages and Japanese voices. In the Switch version, you can intuitively perform attacks such as “knife attacks'', “reloading bullets'', and “shaking enemies loose'' using the Joy-Con functions. Up to 6 people can play online, so it's also recommended for those who like multiplayer.
・Resident Evil 6 (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil 6 (Nintendo Switch download version)
3rd place Resident Evil 7 Resident Evil[PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC]
The second installment of the series' 20th anniversary commemorative work, released in January 2017. TPS, which was used in “4'' to “6'', has been changed to “Isolated View'', a subjective viewpoint. Since you can play from the same perspective as the character, it is recommended for those who want to experience the immersive feeling of entering the game world.
The main character of this work is Ethan Winters, the first ordinary person in the numbered series. When he sneaks into a dilapidated mansion to search for his missing wife, Mia, he is attacked by someone and loses consciousness. Waiting for Ethan when he wakes up is the crazy Baker family.
The PS4 version is fully compatible with PS VR, and by wearing a special headset you can enter the world of 7 in 360 degrees. In addition, you can choose from two versions of this work: a version for ages 17 and over, and a grotesque version for ages 18 and over. If you like extreme expressions or like horror, please choose the grotesque version.
・Resident Evil 7 Resident Evil Normal Version (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil 7 Resident Evil (Nintendo Switch Cloud version)
4th place Resident Evil Village[PS5, PS4, Xbox SX, Xbox One, PC]
“Resident Evil Village” was released in 2021. This work is not numbered, but if you look at the title logo, the “VIII” part of VILLAGE is emphasized, making it an official sequel to “Resident Evil 7 Resident Evil”.
The main character is an ordinary man, Ethan Winters, just like in the previous work. Years after the tragedy at Baker House. While spending peaceful days, they are suddenly attacked by BSAA captain Chris Redfield. The story is about Ethan heading to the land of death once again to retrieve his beloved daughter who was stolen from him.
The action and horror elements are even more powerful than the previous work. The film's dramatic story about family ties is also highly praised. You can understand the story by playing this game first, but since it's a direct sequel, you'll want to play it together with “7''.
・Resident Evil Village (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil Village (PS5 version)
5th place Resident Evil 5[PS3,PS4,Xbox 360,Xbox One,Switch,PC]
“Resident Evil 5” was released in March 2009. It is the first HD title in the series and features new systems such as online cooperative play. Unlike the previous work, which mainly acted alone, it is also characterized by the fact that “Chris” and “Sheva” always act together.
Approximately 10 years have passed since the biological disaster “Raccoon Incident” caused by Umbrella Corporation. Chris, a survivor of the incident, was active as a member of the anti-bioterrorism squad. One day, Chris takes part in an operation to capture a biological weapons trafficker in a certain African country. You will learn about a huge conspiracy going on in this land and the existence of your nemesis Wesker behind it.
The ported version also includes two scenarios focusing on the popular character Jill, as well as separately sold DLC such as costumes. It also includes an extra game where up to 4 people can enjoy online battles. Recommended for those who want to enjoy various scenarios and those who like multiplayer.
・Resident Evil 5 (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil 5 (Nintendo Switch download version)
6th place Resident Evil HD Remaster[PS3,PS4,Xbox 360,Xbox One,Switch,PC]
The first game “Resident Evil'' was released in March 1996. In March 2002, Capcom's remake of the game, which was remade from scratch, became a hot topic, with people saying, “You can experience the best fear in the history of the series.'' This title was released in 2014 as an HD remastered version of the remake version of Resident Evil.
The setting of this work is Raccoon City in the Midwest of the United States in 1998. The special force “STARS Bravo Team'', which was investigating a number of bizarre murders in the suburbs, suddenly disappeared. The “STARS Alpha Team'', including the main character Chris, set out to search for the unit. However, while investigating, Chris and his friends are attacked by strange dogs and become trapped in a Western-style mansion.
The latest high-resolution technology improves the precision of not only characters but also the background. The audio has also been remastered, allowing you to enjoy a realistic play experience. All scenes have been carefully reconstructed so as not to spoil the atmosphere of the original, and even long-time fans will be satisfied with this work.
・Resident Evil Origins Collection (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil Origins Collection (Nintendo Switch version)
7th place Resident Evil Revelations Unveiled Edition[PS3,PS4,Xbox 360,Xbox one,WiiU,Switch,PC]
This title is an HD remaster of “Resident Evil: Revelations,'' which was released for 3DS in January 2012. Not only has the resolution been increased and the frame rate has been increased, but all downloadable content is also included.
The year is 2015, two years after the collapse of the global company Umbrella. In order to search for Chris, who has disappeared, his former partner Jill boards a mysterious luxury cruise ship. The ship is overflowing with traps and creatures. Jill moves forward as she is guided, but this is only the beginning of a huge conspiracy.
The HD remastered version adds a new difficulty level. In addition to the increased abilities of the enemies, the number of enemy placements has increased and the difficulty level has been set to be extremely challenging. New creatures and characters have also been added, so it is also recommended for those who have already cleared the original version.
・Resident Evil Revelations Unveiled Edition (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil Revelations Collection (Nintendo Switch version)
8th place Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster[PS3,PS4,Xbox 360,Xbox One,Switch,PC]
This is an HD remastered version of “0” released in November 2002. This work is equipped with a “partner zapping” system that switches between the main characters Rebecca and Billy in real time. Since the two characters have different physiques and abilities, you will aim to survive by switching the characters you play depending on the situation.
The story is set in the suburbs of Raccoon City in 1998. A special force called “STARS Bravo Team'' has been dispatched to investigate a series of bizarre murders. However, on the way to the location by helicopter, engine trouble caused the helicopter to make an emergency landing and was severely damaged. Rebecca, a new member of the team, begins searching the area, discovers a stopped train, and steps into it.
After clearing the main story, “Wesker Mode'' is added, where you mow down enemies one after another with overwhelming power. While the main story has elements of mystery solving, you can enjoy an exhilarating play experience. The difficulty level is high throughout, so it is recommended for those who want to play a challenging game.
・Resident Evil Origins Collection (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster (Nintendo Switch download version)
9th place Resident Evil RE:2[PS4, Xbox One, PC]
A remake of the original version of “Resident Evil 2” released in 1998. While “1'' was set in a closed Western-style mansion, this work is set in the vast Raccoon City and depicts the horror of the pandemic. The original version was a huge hit with cumulative sales of 4.96 million copies, making the series' popularity unwavering.
In September 1998, a large-scale pandemic occurs in the downtown area of Raccoon City, and the city is overflowing with the living dead. Leon, unaware of the tragedy, heads to the Raccoon City Police Station where he is assigned, while Claire visits the city to check on her brother's safety. Will the two be able to safely escape from Raccoon City, which has turned into a hell?
Thanks to the remake, the grotesque scenes are more vividly expressed. This game software is recommended for those who like realistic productions and those who want to experience the world of survival horror.
・Resident Evil RE:2 Z Version[CERO Z](PS4 version)
10th place Resident Evil RE:3[PS4, Xbox One, PC]
This is a full remake version of “Resident Evil 3: Last Escape” released in September 1999. In addition to being reborn with realistic graphics using the in-house developed engine “RE ENGINE,” it is also characterized by boldly arranging the story and setting.
The setting is Raccoon City, the same as the previous work “Resident Evil 2”. This is a work that depicts the prequel and conclusion of the biohazard incident that plunged the city into hell, with Jill Valentine as the main character. Compared to the original version, the action is stronger, making the game a combination of thrill and exhilaration.
Another point is that this software includes the asymmetrical survival horror game “Resident Evil Resistance.'' The team is divided into “survivors” who aim to escape from the facility and “masterminds” who try to stop them, and the team that achieves their goal first wins. This is a recommended game software that can be enjoyed both solo and multiplayer.
・Resident Evil RE:3 (PS4 version)
・Resident Evil RE:3 Z Version[CERO Z](PS4 version)
A message from a writer
Since its release in 1996, the Resident Evil series has released various titles. In addition to those who want to play pure horror games, we also sell game software for those who want to enjoy action. The level of difficulty and operation feel differs depending on the work, so please research the characteristics of each work before purchasing.