Child-Friendly Games With Resident Evil-Like Gameplay

Child-Friendly Games With Resident Evil-Like Gameplay

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that these games are a delightful blend of horror and puzzle-solving that has kept me hooked for hours on end. Growing up, I can’t help but draw parallels between the classic Resident Evil series and these titles, each offering a unique twist on the formula that has made Capcom’s franchise an icon in the gaming world.


The Resident Evil series has consistently been a staple in the video game industry, providing both thrills and humor. Over time, it has undergone various transformations, introducing new players to its universe of zombies, nefarious corporations, and iconic boulder-rolling scenes.

However, it isn’t necessarily something that parents would want to share with their kids. The franchise has its share of gore and creepy imagery, which may give young ones nightmares. However, a few options exist that can introduce children to some elements of the franchise in a more approachable package. Several are based on beloved franchises and can appeal to multiple generations of gamers at various levels.

6 Scooby Doo! Classic Creep Capers

Resident Evil Light

Child-Friendly Games With Resident Evil-Like Gameplay

  • Released: November 29, 2000
  • Developer: Terraglyph Interactive Studios, Digital Eclipse Software
  • Platforms: Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color

Initially aired in 1969, the popular TV series Scooby Doo: Where Are You has remained a significant part of animation history, featuring four teenagers and their dog Scooby as they solve mysteries in a fun and groovy setting. The video game Scooby Doo: Classic Creep Capers reimagines the original cartoon within a playful “survival horror” genre.

The story reimagines the famous teenage detectives within an early Resident Evil-like video game setting, featuring stationary camera perspectives, mystery item gathering, and simple problem-solving elements. Unlike other characters, Shaggy experiences fear when confronted by monsters or trapped, but remains unharmed.

5 Metroid Fusion

Sci-Fi Scares Minus Red Gore

Child-Friendly Games With Resident Evil-Like Gameplay

The initial Metroid game on the Game Boy Advance was titled “Metroid Fusion“. In this installment, our brave bounty hunter, Samus Aran, finds herself exploring a space station that’s been infected with the lethal X parasite.

Metroid Fusion retains the traditional elements of upgrades and exploration from the series, while also sharing similarities with a 2D sci-fi version of Resident Evil. In essence, it’s like investigating a spaceship where every crew member is deceased, much like exploring the haunting Spencer Mansion in Resident Evil. The menacing figure known as SA-X, Samus’ double, can be just as unsettling as one of the unstoppable antagonists from Resident Evil. Unfortunately for Samus, she has no means to combat it, forcing her to resort to running and hiding. It is important to note that Samus is indeed a female character.

4 Ghostbusters: The Video Game (Wii)

Nostalgic Cartoon Visuals Make Busting Feel Good

Child-Friendly Games With Resident Evil-Like Gameplay
  • Released: June 16, 2009
  • Developer: Terminal Reality, Red Fly Studio, War Drum Studios
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PSP, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, Wii

Back in July of 2009, the game titled “Ghostbusters: The Video Game” hit the market. In this game, you play as an unnamed weapons tester who’s just joined the legendary Ghostbusters crew led by Peter, Egon, Ray, and Winston (all voiced by their original actors). Essentially, it served as a prequel to “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which came out later.

While Terminal Reality created the main version of the game for PS3, Xbox360, and PC, Red Fly Studio developed the version for the Wii and PlayStation 2. It is played in an over-the-shoulder perspective akin to Resident Evil 4. The cartoonish art style will not only appeal to young ones but also adults who watched the cartoon The Real Ghostbusters in the 80s. A number of unique locations are available to explore, either alone or in co-op, and the game has some interesting ghost variety, including collectible database entries.

3 Hello Neighbor

An Opponent As Terrifying As A Tyrant

Child-Friendly Games With Resident Evil-Like Gameplay

In the game called “Hello Neighbor,” you play as a curious young individual trying to sneak into and spy on your mysterious neighbor’s house. This neighbor has an advanced AI system that learns from your actions, making it more challenging to outsmart him. The ultimate goal is to uncover whatever secrets he has stashed away in his basement.

Title Character’s House Is a Labyrinth Filled with Intricate Riddles, Similar to the Spencer Mansion in the Original ‘Resident Evil.’ The Neighbor exhibits an unyielding nature, much like Mr. X from ‘Resident Evil 2’ and Nemesis from ‘Resident Evil 3.’ Although he doesn’t intend to harm the main character, encountering him is still petrifying due to his menacing gaze. While parents might find relief in the lack of graphic violence, ‘Hello Neighbor’ can be equally ominous as the most adult-rated games.

2 My Friendly Neighborhood

RE-Styled Puppet Horror With A Message

Child-Friendly Games With Resident Evil-Like Gameplay
  • Released: July 18, 2023
  • Developer: John Szymanski, Evan Szymanski
  • Platforms: PC

A more contemporary addition to the list is “My Friendly Neighborhood,” where our protagonist, ex-military handyman Gordon, finds himself in an old, deserted children’s TV studio. His mission: to deactivate the broadcast antenna. This leads him deep into a labyrinth of television sets and persistently animate felt puppets that seem to have a life of their own.

1. The gameplay echoes that of “Resident Evil,” featuring inventory management, puzzles, and scant save points. This wild ode to vintage public access TV will captivate both the young and the young-at-heart. Hidden beneath the quirky interactions lies a heartfelt message about embracing others and understanding what it takes to be a good neighbor.

1 Luigi’s Mansion

If Nintendo Made Resident Evil

Child-Friendly Games With Resident Evil-Like Gameplay

“Luigi’s Mansion” was one of the first games released for the Nintendo GameCube. Unlike his brother who is famous for platforming adventures, Luigi explores a spooky mansion to rescue Mario who has been kidnapped. He uses a device called Poltergust 3000 to vacuum up ghosts along the way.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in both Nintendo and Resident Evil games throughout my gaming career, I can confidently say that this game is a unique amalgamation of the two. The eerie atmosphere reminiscent of the Spencer Mansion in Resident Evil transports you to a chilling mansion, but with a delightful twist – it’s all wrapped up in a cheerful, cartoony exterior. With its numerous rooms to explore and keys to find scattered throughout, the game offers an engaging experience for players seeking adventure. The playfully haunting musical track adds an extra layer of suspense and excitement, making this game a must-play for fans of both franchises.

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2024-08-10 11:34