The Resident Evil Games With the Most Mind-Blowing Character Development

Summary

Some Resident Evil games prioritize gameplay over character development, leading to varying levels of growth.
Games like “Darkness Chronicles” and “Resident Evil 5” significantly develop characters like Leon and Chris.
“Resident Evil 6” may lack horror, but offers diverse character arcs that deepen protagonists like Chris, Jake, and Sherry.

Throughout the Resident Evil series, several prominent characters have undergone significant growth and evolution. However, it’s worth noting that the extent of this character development varies between games. Essentially, Capcom doesn’t consistently delve deeply into character development for every installment in the Resident Evil franchise. Instead, many titles prioritize offering a distinctive gaming experience over developing characters further.

Although not every game featuring Leon, Chris, Claire, and others may be top-tier, there are indeed several that delve into the characters’ personal development through their stories and events. This list, however, will zero in on those specific titles that emphasize character progression within their individual journeys.

7. Resident Evil: The Darkness Chronicles

Darkness Chronicles Contains Operation Javier; A Very Important Mission For Both Leon And Krauser

In “The Darkside Chronicles,” an offshoot on-rails shooter game, there are four campaigns in all, yet the one that significantly impacts character development is Operation Javier. This mission follows Leon and his fresh partner Krauser as they delve into the dense South American jungles to hunt down a treacherous drug lord. As it happens, this is Leon’s initial assignment as a special agent, making it a pivotal milestone for our beloved protagonist. For fans, this mission offers insight into Leon before his rescue mission in “Resident Evil 4.

Instead, let’s rephrase that in a more conversational and accessible manner: Operation Javier took a toll on Krauser’s psyche. The injury to his arm during the mission left him heavily dependent on Leon, and this dependence sparked an obsession with gaining power. He believed he could achieve this by pursuing Wesker and distancing himself from the US government. This sets up their confrontation in the fourth game, making “Darkside Chronicles” a vital installment for understanding how they reached this point.

6. Resident Evil 4 (2023)

Leon Pushes Himself To Make Up For The People He Failed To Protect In Raccoon City

Without mincing words, Leon doesn’t seem to evolve significantly as a character throughout the original Resident Evil 4. However, that observation no longer holds true for the remake. From the outset of the game, it’s evident that Leon is still haunted by the traumas of Raccoon City and burdened by his inability to save more people. This new mission becomes a chance for him to atone, and as he strives to save Ashley, he repeatedly tests his own limits, demonstrating to both players and himself just how determined he is to safeguard others.

Towards the culmination of the remake, Leon finds solace in the fact that events unfolded differently this time around. It’s commendable that Capcom chose to delve deeper into Leon’s psychological state and past traumas for this update, as it was somewhat unexpected given his carefree demeanor in the original, considering all he had experienced.

5. Resident Evil 5

Chris Learns To Prioritize The Mission Over His Personal Feelings

In the opening scene of Resident Evil 5, it’s evident that Chris’ primary objective – tracking down a black market dealer – isn’t his sole concern; he’s also preoccupied with Jill. When their main mission fails, Chris’ fixation on finding Jill intensifies to such an extent that he nearly allows Wesker to escape during her rescue. However, it’s Jill herself who manages to pull him out of his narrow focus and refocus him on the larger issue at hand – preventing the world from being destroyed.

In this game, Chris’ rivalry with Wesker, a long-standing one, concluded. Beating Wesker for good in this game made Chris understand that he needs to put his best effort every time, especially if it means safeguarding the planet. This realization comes across during the climax of the story, where Chris openly acknowledges it.

4. Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Claire And Barry, Two Iconic Members Of The Resident Evil Cast, Go Through Unique Arcs In Revelations 2

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Revelations 2 expands the series cast, but it’s Claire and Barry who truly shine with their profound character development. For Claire, her unwavering trust in TerraSave is challenged when we discover that Neil, an anti-terror operative, had been a mole all along, willingly betraying his comrades to Alex Wesker.

In the latest installment of the series, it’s Barry who’s back after an extended absence from the games, this time on a quest to save his daughter Moira. However, their relationship has been far from smooth sailing, making a significant portion of the narrative centered around Barry reconnecting with his estranged family, who were captured by Wesker in the initial game.

3. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

The Raccoon City Outbreak Turned Leon And Claire Into Very Different People

Initially, Leon and Claire embark on Resident Evil 2 as an average pair – one is a novice police officer, while the other is a college student seeking her missing brother. Yet, their circumstances drastically alter when they find themselves in zombie-infested Raccoon City. As they struggle to stay alive, Leon evolves into a determined figure intent on apprehending the culprits behind the infection, and Claire prioritizes safeguarding a young girl named Sherry.

In the aftermath of Raccoon City’s traumatic ordeal, both main characters bear an indelible mark. Leon is compelled to become a government agent within the U.S., while Claire embarks on a mission to infiltrate an Umbrella Corporation headquarters with the aim of rescuing Chris. This harrowing experience dramatically alters their personalities, making them more self-assured and alert to the global threat of bioterrorism. Consequently, both characters undergo substantial growth throughout this harrowing odyssey.

2. Resident Evil

The S.T.A.R.S Team Turns From Naive Soldiers To Grizzled Veterans Throughout The First Game

As Bravo Team, consisting of Jill, Chris, and others, enter Spencer Mansion, they appear green behind the ears, quickly startling at even a solitary zombie. Given they hadn’t encountered a real-life zombie or Bio-Organic Weapon (B.O.W.) before, this reaction is reasonable. However, their transformation throughout the game, as they face numerous monsters, turns each of them into completely different individuals by the end.

In the game, Jill, Chris, Rebecca, and Barry transform into seasoned veterans and set out on individual adventures post-game to halt the global spread of Bio-Organic Weapons (B.O.Ws) and zombies. Simultaneously, Wesker mutates following his ‘death’ at the hands of the Tyrant, leading him on a personal quest. The inaugural game in the series lays the foundation for all subsequent events, introducing characters that would become fan favorites for years to come.

1. Resident Evil 6

Divisive Gameplay, Bizarre Stories, But So Much Character Development

It’s common knowledge that Resident Evil 6 isn’t universally loved within this series, mainly due to its emphasis on action at the expense of survival horror elements. Yet, with four distinct campaigns, each main character receives ample opportunity to explore their individual character journeys, which evolve significantly throughout the game.

As a fervent admirer, let me share my perspective: I was once a battle-weary soldier like Chris, emotionally drained from countless conflicts, barely resembling the vibrant individual I used to be. However, with a touch of persuasion from Piers, I found my way back to myself. This journey led me to understand the devastation my thirst for vengeance could inflict, not only on myself but also on those around me. Characters like Jake and Sherry undergo similarly gripping transformations, starting as bickering comrades and eventually suggesting a romantic connection by the story’s end. This game, often criticized, is filled with such rich character development that it makes every step worthwhile, making it a compelling reason to play, despite its controversial reputation.

2025-02-01 18:35