Top 10 Resident Evil Games Focused on Combat

Summary

Resident Evil games sometimes evolve from horror to action.
Spin-off titles such as Resident Evil Gaiden bring new gameplay mechanics to the series.
Games like Resident Evil 5 & 6 prioritize combat over horror, featuring familiar characters in new scenarios.

Initially, the Resident Evil series debuted as a survival horror video game, inviting gamers to explore the Spencer Mansion, meet characters such as Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, and delve into a universe where corrupt scientists developed terrifying beings called Bio-Organic Weapons (BOWs). In this scenario, fear was the dominant theme, enveloping players in a realm overflowing with creatures that were safer to steer clear of than confront.

However, it’s important to note that what started as a chilling horror experience has evolved significantly over time in the world of Resident Evil games. Each installment introduces fresh narratives featuring familiar or brand-new characters, along with new perils to confront. Some of these games shifted their emphasis from horror towards more dynamic gameplay, leaning heavily on action. If you’re eager to jump into the fray, here are the top Resident Evil games that emphasize combat.

8. Resident Evil Gaiden

Enemy Encounters Force the Player into First-Person

Among Capcom’s lesser-known titles, Resident Evil Gaiden is an offshoot game that takes place on a passenger vessel overrun by a viral zombie epidemic. The main characters in this story are Leon Kennedy and Barry Burton, along with a new character named Lucia, who join forces at times to increase their chances of survival and escaping the ship safely.

Generally speaking, players traverse their environment from above, but when they meet an adversary, the viewpoint shifts to first person. This allows them to precisely aim attacks at the enemy’s body, a shift in approach that marked a significant departure for the series. Consequently, combat takes center stage during these gameplay sections, though not everyone appreciated it, it still felt novel and exciting.

7. Resident Evil 6

Many Fan Favorite Characters Returned

While Resident Evil 6 might not rank as the finest game in the series, it certainly has its merits. It’s appealing because it reintroduces beloved characters from previous games, such as Leon, Chris, Sherry, and Ada. Each of these characters gets their own storyline, which was a treat for fans who were eager to see them again in action. These characters indeed deserved another moment in the spotlight, and getting to play some of them once more added to the overall enjoyment.

In the game Resident Evil 6, we find ourselves back in the realm of horror, as demonstrated by Leon’s storyline where not even the President is immune. However, it doesn’t fully immerse itself into terror; instead, it primarily focuses on combat within a horror setting. The co-operative play mode, which was featured in its previous version, makes a comeback and is integral to the game’s design. The AI is sufficient that players could opt for a solo experience if they preferred, but flaws are more likely to be overlooked with an ally joining in on the zombie-slaying adventure.

6. Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles

A Fun Light-Shooter Game in the Resident Evil Universe

The Resident Evil series is primarily recognized for its survival or action horror gameplay, where players assume the role of the main character they control throughout the game. However, it isn’t exclusive to this genre and has produced spin-off games, such as light-gun titles like “The Darkside Chronicles.

A fresh take on both Resident Evil 2 and Code: Veronica awaits, offering familiar characters and plot points in a whole new gaming format. Unlike the original versions, this game is designed as an on-rails shooter, meaning there’s no room for exploration. Instead, the action revolves around blasting through hordes of zombies and formidable boss creatures in each stage. It’s more about delivering thrilling combat rather than a deep horror gaming experience for those seeking some enjoyable action.

5. Resident Evil 5

Fun When Played with a Friend

In contrast to Resident Evil 4, which began to emphasize combat more, Resident Evil 5 pushed this trend even further by making combat its primary focus. The brighter setting and the consistent presence of Sheva significantly reduced tension, transforming combat and action into the game’s key components. This was particularly true when a player chose to play with a friend.

While searching for an underground vendor of BOWs (Bio-Organic Weapons), Chris and Sheva unwittingly stumble upon a plot that sees the return of the notorious antagonist, Albert Wesker, in top form. His actions are excessively dramatic, more fitting for a humorous action game than a serious horror title. However, he is one of the key strengths of this controversial game. Additionally, the ability to play cooperatively with another player is also a positive aspect, as it appears the game was intended to be played in tandem.

4. Resident Evil 3 (2020)

The Resident Evil 3 Remake Was More Like an Action Movie than a Horror Experience

Instead of Resident Evil 3 following the same tense, horror-focused format as the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2, it surprised fans by taking a different approach, focusing more on combat and resembling an action film. The Nemesis character was scripted too heavily to function effectively as a stalker, leading to Jill being pushed into physical conflicts more frequently than anticipated.

While it wasn’t perfect, it certainly had its merits. The game was shorter than anticipated, and while some favorite sections were trimmed, it delivered a more focused experience that didn’t overstay its welcome, maintaining excitement till the end. Nearly every battle with Nemesis was pulse-pounding, making up most of the boss fights, right up to the final confrontation against the mutated creature.

3. Resident Evil Village

Chris’s Segment Contains Even More Combat

In the game “Resident Evil Village,” Ethan’s narrative reached its peak as he embarked on a quest to locate another family member who had been taken from him, specifically his daughter Rosemary with Mia. The cult leader Mother Miranda aimed to employ Rosemary in a ritual to resurrect her own deceased daughter Eveline, but it was clear that Ethan would not stand idly by and allow this to happen.

The village, in essence, balances terror and battle, since the adversaries are truly terrifying, yet the gameplay promotes fighting due to its seamless mechanics and unyielding opponents. However, upon reaching the gameplay segment where Chris Redfield takes control, the game decisively veers towards combat. For numerous fans, controlling a character with such a rich legacy was an exhilarating prospect, and it demonstrated that Chris still possessed considerable fighting abilities.

2. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Players Leap from Action Scene to Action Scene

In “Resident Evil 3: Nemesis,” you’ll get the ultimate immersion into Jill’s solitary adventure, where she desperately tries to escape the perils of Raccoon City and the unyielding titular antagonist that constantly stalks her during gameplay. This relentless foe has a knack for appearing precisely when players think they’ve found some respite from his persistent chase, often causing genuine surprise as he makes his ominous reappearance.

Without a doubt, there’s no room for error; the authentic RE3 remains a thrilling horror game all the way. Jill navigates one action sequence after another with barely a moment to catch her breath, as she battles against time before the city is reduced to rubble by the U.S. government, with the zombie outbreak spiraling out of control. If you’re a fan seeking an adrenaline-pumping Resident Evil experience, this installment should definitely be on your playlist.

1. Resident Evil 4 (2005)

Paved the Way for the Action-Packed Sequels

Following a series of chilling horror installments, we arrive at Resident Evil 4, where the cop character from the second game reappears, having risen through the ranks to become an agent now directly reporting to the president. His current assignment involves journeying to a secluded Spanish village, as it’s believed Ashley Graham, the President’s daughter, may be there. As he begins to inquire about her whereabouts, events take a darker turn for the worst.

In the village, everyone is afflicted by a parasite known as Las Plagas, leaving Leon to battle his way through adversaries in order to rescue Ashley securely. The game’s gunplay is integral to its identity, with the Wii version employing motion controls to heighten combat realism. Additionally, scenes like the knife fight against Krauser and the laser room sequence contribute to an exhilarating action-packed adventure.

2025-04-20 09:08