Top 7 Resident Evil Games That Redefine Gameplay Excellence!

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Summary

  • Tank controls were a hurdle in older Resident Evil games, but modern entries ditch them for more accessible gameplay.
  • Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles and Resident Evil Gaiden offer unique gameplay mechanics for fans seeking variety.
  • Resident Evil 4 set a high benchmark for the series with improved controls, new enemies, outdoor settings, and engaging gameplay loops.

Resident Evil stood out as a game that inspired many when it debuted on the PlayStation 1 in 1996. It significantly advanced the survival horror genre, yet there was one significant issue back then that still resonates today, making revisiting older versions challenging: the tank controls. In an era before analog sticks and fully immersive 3D environments, tank controls appeared to be the most effective control method available.

It’s great that Capcom ultimately switched from tank controls to a more contemporary system, reminding us of how enjoyable Resident Evil can be. The ranking of these games will consider both the mechanics and the overall gameplay experience they offer.

7. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

First-Person Flashbacks

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles” was the initial Wii game that rehashed past events from the series, offering them through an on-rails perspective. Released in 2007, it received a high-definition upgrade in 2012, and it covered “Resident Evil Zero,” “Resident Evil,” and “Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.” On its own or with a partner in co-op play, it was a solid game. However, the sequel, “Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles,” offered a more engaging experience.

2009 saw the launch of this game on the Nintendo Wii, later receiving an HD enhancement in 2012. It predominantly delved into the happenings of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil – Code: Veronica, yet it also offered a prequel narrative for Resident Evil 4, featuring Leon, which is what makes it more intriguing among the pair. On-rail shooters generally don’t demand complex control mechanisms, but both games were entertaining back then and remain simple to jump into even now, offering enjoyable side diversions.

6. Resident Evil Gaiden

Getting Close To An RPG

In contrast to Resident Evil’s roots in the turn-based RPG Sweet Home for the NES, no strict role-playing game has been developed within the series up until now. However, Resident Evil Gaiden comes close, featuring characters Barry and Leon navigating a zombie and monster-infested ship from an overhead viewpoint. The game allows players to move around and solve simple puzzles while exploring.

If players encounter a monster, the game perspective changes to first-person view. To defeat these monsters, players must coordinate using specific items alongside a progressing meter. At first, this might seem challenging and complex, but with practice, it transforms into an engaging spin-off featuring innovative gameplay concepts. Remarkably, it made its debut in PAL regions for the Game Boy Color as early as 2001, later becoming available in other regions a year later in 2002.

5. Resident Evil (2015)

Tanks For The Memories

As a gamer, I’d say that tank controls might not suit everyone’s gaming style, but when it comes to retro-style games, the first one is an absolute must-play. Originally released for the PS1 back in 1996, it was remade for the GameCube in 2002. The remake was later enhanced with HD graphics in Japan in 2014, and made its way to North America a year after that.

In addition to enhanced graphics, the high-definition version offered players the option to abandon tank controls, making the game more approachable for those not familiar with the original control setup. This version is an excellent starting point for newcomers to the series due to the dual campaigns of Chris and Jill, which provide brief, grim, and twisted adventures.

4. Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Do It For The Raid

Revelations” marked Jill’s comeback in an exclusive 3DS game that later lost its exclusivity when it received an HD version a year afterward. This game paved the way for “Resident Evil: Revelations 2”, which featured two separate campaigns being played either solo or cooperatively. The players could assume control of Claire and Moira, Barry’s daughter in one campaign, while he and a mysterious girl named Natalia were part of the other campaign.

In addition to its cooperative play style and episodic releases in 2015, this game played similarly to other titles in the series from that period. However, what truly sets it apart is the Raid Mode, an action-packed RPG side story featuring unique unlocks and leveling mechanics not available in other games within the series.

3. Resident Evil 3 (2020)

A Short, Action-Packed Entry

In 1999, the action-packed game Resident Evil 3 (originally known as Resident Evil 3: Nemesis) was unveiled to PlayStation enthusiasts. This version was more action-oriented than its later Dreamcast counterpart, Resident Evil – Code: Veronica, which was yet to be released. In 2020, a remake of the game was launched, simply titled Resident Evil 3 without the Nemesis subtitle.

In simpler terms, this updated version of the game portrays Jill’s re-entry into Raccoon City post the Umbrella virus outbreak. It also amplifies Nemesis as a formidable adversary, relentlessly pursuing players, which could potentially escalate player anxiety to peak levels. Despite its challenging nature, it offers a smooth gameplay experience with fewer puzzles, and an engaging storyline that’s enjoyable to revisit multiple times.

2. Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Meets Castlevania

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in the chilling world of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – the first mainline installment that offered a fully first-person experience, which felt odd at first but soon grew on me. The controls, initially awkward, were refined and streamlined in the sequel, becoming second nature as I embarked on my harrowing journey as Ethan. This ordinary man was coerced into venturing to a mysterious European village, where he sought to rescue his missing daughter. Along the way, I encountered terrifying creatures like werewolves, adding an extra layer of tension as I pursued her.

Moving and attacking became smoother, and the addition of an upgrade system offered by a local vendor added enjoyment to enhancing Ethan’s bases. Furthermore, with fresh discoveries, players found themselves delving deeper into this eerie 3D world, reminiscent of a spookier Metroidvania-style adventure.

1. Resident Evil 4

No One Can Challenge The Champ

Back in 2005 when it was launched on the GameCube, Resident Evil 4 set a high standard for the series. Although the controls were somewhat rigid, they moved away from the traditional tank setup. Instead of zombies, the game introduced more parasitic creatures as enemies, and the protagonist, Leon, was introduced to a new locale populated by Spanish-speaking villagers.

Rather than being confined within indoor settings, several parts of the game were also staged outdoors. What truly enhanced the gameplay, however, was the enigmatic merchant offering merchandise and weaponry for purchase. It offered a more comprehensive gaming experience that was further refined in 2023 during its remake. This version set another standard for the series to exceed, thanks to its intuitive controls, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals. To top it off, the game’s replay system became addictive as players found themselves drawn to reliving the experience multiple times.

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2025-03-20 09:06