Resident Evil is the most popular third-person shooter game which is available for Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox systems. The latest Resident Evil games can also be played in advanced VR headsets like Meta Quest 2. But, when was the first resident game released?
The first franchise of Resident Evil was released 27 years ago. It was only limited to PlayStations. However, you can now access and play all the Resident Evil games on your mobile devices. Playing this survival-horror game can be challenging for new players.
Knowing the in-game tactics is essential to winning the weekly challenges on Resident Evil. Players can collect exclusive rewards like bonus weapons by playing the game in Mercenaries mode. Not all Resident Evil game series offer the same rewards.
Hence, you must explore all the Resident Evil games to find out which existing gifts are waiting for you. Winning competitive matches will be tough without knowing this video game’s storyline. So, start with the first Resident Evil series to figure out what the game is all about.
Here we have mentioned all the Resident Evil game series including the first one:
1. Resident Evil (1996)
It is one of the classic video games in the horror genre. When was the first resident evil game released? It was released on March 22, 1996, for gaming consoles. Capcom, a renowned electronic game machine manufacturer and distributor published this first Resident Evil version.
The in-game story of this first Resident Evil franchise is simple. When you open the game, it shows a series of bizarre murders occurring in Raccoon City’s Midwestern town. Raccoon City’s police department will investigate and solve the murder mystery.
Players must unleash the secrets and solve the puzzles hiding in this game. So, download and install the first Resident Evil game and get ready for some bone-chilling experience.
2. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Developers released the second Resident Evil on January 21, 1998, after the immense success of the first one. You will get a similar level of experience to Resident Evil 1 when playing Resident Evil 2. It has intense gameplay which players have mostly liked about.
Besides, players can unlock new in-game characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Ada Wong in this game. Resident Evil 2 introduced “Mr.X” who is an imposing enemy. This character tracks players based on their sound and defeating him can be difficult.
Mr. X chases your teammates until he takes down everyone. However, you can still survive Mr. X by hearing his distinct footsteps. He grows louder as he gets closer to you or your team members. Moving between rooms is the best way to save yourself from this character.
3. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
This third Resident Evil game series shares similar gameplay tactics to its processors. Players will also find the same fear factors as Resident Evil and Resident 2 in this video game. The introduction of the character “Nemesis” makes this game more interesting.
What else is similar in Resident Evil 3? The game developer has kept the same camera angles in this shooter game. Moreover, Resident Evil 3 has received massive appreciation from many players. It is currently available in the latest Windows 10/11 devices, PS4, and Xbox consoles.
When was Resident Evil 3: Nemesis released? It was released on September 22, 1999, just a year after the second entry’s launch. Developers introduced characters like Jill, Tyrell, Carlos, and Marvin in this top-rated video game.
4. Resident Evil Survivor (2000)
This is the fourth Resident Evil video game entry which Capcom released on January 27, 2000. It is a first-person light gun shooter game that has a mysterious storyline. Raccoon City witnessed an uncontrolled T-virus outbreak.
Players must shut down the Umbrella Corporation to stop the virus from further spreading. Along with Nemesis, you will find other in-game characters like Lily and Ark Thompson in the Resident Evil Survivor game. Unfortunately, this FPS game is not available for Xbox players.
You can only install and play this existing horror video game on PlayStation consoles and Windows devices. However, Capcom didn’t release this exciting video game in North America. Many claimed that the light gun control feature in Resident Evil Survivor might harm the gameplay.
5. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica (2000)
Capcom released the fifth Resident Evil game entry on February 3, 2000. It is the first game that the developers launched for Dreamcast console players. You can also play Resident Evil – Code: Veronica on consoles like PS3, Xbox 360, and GameCube.
The graphics quality and cinematic cutscenes have made this series popular among the gaming community. The story involves two characters – Claire and Chris Redfield. Players must survive the T-virus outbreak to win this Resident Evil game. It supports 7 languages and offers a 3D and real-time gaming experience.
6. Resident Evil Gaiden (2001)
The sixth series is named “Resident Evil Gaiden” which developers released on December 14, 2001. This entry is different from other Resident Evil games in many ways. It features a unique combat mode which is missing from the previous entries.
Besides, a timing-based mini-game screen appears when an enemy spots you. It will help determine your enemy’s shot accuracy. Despite all these new additions, Resident Evil Gaiden received massive criticism from players. It contains unimaginative puzzles which professional gamers might find hard to solve.
7. Resident Evil Remake (2002)
Capcom released the Resident Evil Remake game for GameCube players on March 22, 2002. They launched the revised version of this video game on the Nintendo Wii in 2008. Players can also access it from Xbox One, PS4, and Windows devices.
Resident Evil Remake is also available on Xbox 360, PS3, and Nintendo Switch. Developers added new features to this RE game for better gameplay. For instance, once you kill the zombies they will respawn after a certain period. The zombies in this modified Resident Evil version are faster and stronger than the previous ones.
8. Resident Evil Zero (2002)
Capcom released this Resident Evil game on November 12, 2002. You can play this horror video game on Windows, Xbox One, GameCube, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS3. Players will get new in-game characters like Billy Coen and Rebecca Chambers in Resident Evil Zero.
However, the story in these RE games involves the events before the T-Virus outbreak. The gameplay remains the same on Resident Evil Zero like its predecessors. Moreover, developers didn’t make any significant upgrades or tweaks to the game’s graphics. The camera angle and creative challenges also remain unchanged.
9. Resident Evil Dead Aim (2003) & Resident Evil Outbreak (2003)
By now, you might have found the answer to when was the first resident evil game released. However, you might not know that when the 9th RE game series was released. Capcom introduced this light gun shooter game on February 13, 2003.
The company released this game also in North America. Many North American players find this RE game more impressive than Resident Evil Survivor. A major downside of this video game is it can only be accessed from PS2.
Next comes the Resident Evil Outbreak game. It was released after 10 months of Evil Dead Aim release. The 10th RE series game features a cooperative and multiplayer game mode. So, you can enjoy this horror game with your friends on your PlayStation 2 console.
10. Resident Evil Outbreak File 2 (2005) & Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Many players encountered several glitches and bugs when playing Resident Evil Outbreak. Thus, Capcom introduced a new bug-free Evil Outbreak version for them. The Evil Outbreak File 2 also features a co-op mode like its predecessor.
Additionally, the Nightmare Mode has made this game more exciting. Resident Evil Outbreak File 2 also offers the ability to move the in-game characters without changing the attacking position. So, you can change the directions, aim and shoot your enemies simultaneously.
On the other hand, Resident Evil 4 is envisioned to be the best action game of 2005. Capcom made significant changes to the game after receiving criticisms from online players. It features a great shooting mechanism and 2 slots for D-Pad direction.
11. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007)
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a FPS game. This light-gun combat game lets you select from multiple weapons. Certain weapons like “Handguns” can be used to destroy objects, insects, and bats.
However, you can’t change your movement like in Evil Outbreak File 2. The game features a new character “Sergei Vladimir”. Other playable characters in The Umbrella Chronicles include HUNK, Rebecca Chambers, and Billy Coen.
Other Resident Evil Game Series that Are Worth Playing in 2023
Capcom released Resident Evil 5 on March 5, 2009, which is an anticipated shooter game. You can play this game on your Xbox One console at 1080P HD. Developers also released RE: The Darkside Chronicles this year. It shares the same gaming experience as Umbrella Chronicles. New features include online leaderboard addition in co-op mode.
RE Mercenaries 3D & RE: Revelations (2012)
You will get access to Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D once you complete all the RE 4 levels. Besides, Resident Evil: Revelations is another game that is worth playing in 2023. It was released on January 26, 2012, for Nintendo 3DS players.
RE Operation Raccoon City (2012)
Capcom released another Resident Evil series “Operation Raccoon City” in 2012 with 4-player co-pop mode. Developers launched RE 6 on October 2 with a new gameplay mechanic. Players can move slowly while shooting the enemies in this game.
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)
The next sequel to Resident Evil Revelations became available on Windows devices, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2015. It contains similar features to Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6. Clare Redfield plays the role of the main protagonist in this video game.
Umbrella Corps (2016)
The only video game in the franchise that doesn’t have “Resident Evil” in the title. It features a competitive multiplayer mode. Additionally, you can use weapons like semi-automatic rifles, grenades, and pistols in this game.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) & Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard offers immersive gameplay for PS4, Windows, and Xbox One users. Capcom added new commands in this game to help Ethan to block attacks, reducing health damage. The best part is that you can play this game using PlayStation VR headsets.
Developers upgraded the visuals and technical features of RE 2 Remake. They revamped the combat system to provide the ultimate gaming experience. However, the over-the-shoulder perceptive was criticized by many players.
Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020) & Resident Evil: Resistance (2020)
Capcom released the Resident Evil 3 remake after the Resident Evil 2 remake’s immense success. However, it didn’t receive the same appreciation or acclaim from the players as the previous entries.
On the other hand, many praised Resident Evil: Resistance’s gameplay players. It features an online multiplayer mode where 4 players can compete against each other. This Resident Evil game is worth playing with your friends.
Resident Evil Village (2021) & Resident Evil Re: Verse (2022)
Resident Evil Village is one of the best single-player FPS games out there. Developers added two new features in this game – photo mode and a cutscene skipping option. On the other hand, RE Re: Verse has new playable characters like Lobo and Umber Eyes. It also has a new battle stage “Village” for online players.
Did Capcom Release Any Resident Evil Games in 2023?
Capcom released the Resident Evil 4 remake on March 24, 2023. The company increased the hype among players by adding new mini-quests in this game. It removed outdated mechanics like tank control systems.
You can move while aiming in the Resident Evil 4 remake. Online players can also block enemies easily in this upgraded RE version. So, download and install this horror game on your gaming consoles and start playing!