For almost 25 years, the best Resident Evil games have terrified successive generations of gamers. The series has seen radical change and steady improvement during that time. It’s a franchise that has inspired at least 25 different films, including originals, reboots, and odd offshoots. Of course, not every entry in the series can be regarded as a top-tier horror game. To save you the trouble of finding your old PlayStation (PS 1, 2, 3, and 4) and Dreamcast, we’ve highlighted the best Resident Evil games from across the years that you should play now. In this article, we will discuss the best Resident Evil games, Switch, characters, and Resident Evil 9.
What is Resident Evil? (Introduction)
Resident Evil is a horror-themed action-adventure video game franchise created by the Japanese firm Capcom. The Resident Evil series is widely considered to be among the best in the history of video games. Since its 1996 release for the PlayStation video game platform by Sony Corporation, every iteration of Resident Evil has sold over a million copies. There are video games, toys, movies, books, and comics in the Resident Evil series.
In addition, many Resident Evil games have a wide variety of stories, plots, and villains. Despite these differences, the core elements of these games remain consistent: third-person perspective action with hordes of mutant zombies and intense environments. Raccoon City was the first and is still the most frequented location in the show. Background biotech and pharmaceutical business Umbrella Corporation is often the root of the zombie problem in Resident Evil stories. Umbrella’s T-Virus is a highly contagious chemical that transforms its victims into homicidal mutants.
Resident Evil 2 (1998), Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999), Resident Evil Code: Veronica X (2001), and Resident Evil 4 (2004) are all significant entries in the series. Resident Evil 5 (2009) marked a break from the series’ previous entries by placing more emphasis on action and heavy firepower than on stealth and scares. The game’s inclusion of a robust cooperative mode made it a favorite among internet players.
The first of several Resident Evil movies came out in 2002. The original film, starring Milla Jovovich and directed by Paul Anderson, was met with mixed reviews but was successful enough to spawn three more installments: Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), and Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010). All of them modified the zombie movie genre with elements from the future.
Best Resident Evil Characters
As a series that has been bringing survival horror content to gaming consoles for over twenty years, Resident Evil has had plenty of time to build a diverse and compelling cast of characters. There’s a little bit of everything in Resident Evil, from overpowered villains to regular guys just trying to survive to hammy-action characters who can’t help but drop stupid one-liners.
It’s difficult to pick a favorite among Resident Evil’s diverse ensemble because they’ve all had their moments to shine, whether through terrifying or humorous antics. Even so, a couple of recurring faces emerge as some of the most beloved in the entire series. Here are the best resident evil characters.
#1. Billy Coen
Billy Coen is a pivotal figure in Resident Evil 0 and a major protagonist in the game. An inmate who escaped from his cell and joined forces with nurse Rebecca Chambers is the protagonist of the game. Despite appearances, he has a very fragile history that makes him susceptible to injury, despite his military training and experience.
Billy has exceptional combat abilities. His training has made him an outstanding fighter, but there are other characters in the franchise who are even better. Even so, his survival skills are top-notch, and without them, Rebecca may not have survived the onslaught of James Marcus’ monstrosities.
#2. Sherry Birkin
One of the best games in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 2, is where we were first introduced to Sherry Birkin. In Resident Evil 6, however, she was the main attraction, since she was sent in quest of Jake Meller so that the government could develop a vaccine.
Sherry’s story is what makes her such a memorable protagonist. She was a shy orphan girl in Resident Evil 2 who contracted the G-Virus but was cured. However, she is portrayed to be a determined agent in Resident Evil 6 who will stop at nothing to complete her job. Sherry’s transformation is unlike anything seen in the series before.
#3. Jake Muller
Jake Muller is the hero of Resident Evil, despite being the son of the evil Albert Wesker. In order to provide for his mother, he became a mercenary, where he honed his already formidable fighting and survival abilities.
Jake’s greatness lies in his excellent characterization. He was not only adept at fighting off the ghastly creatures that populate the Resident Evil universe but also possessed a charming and humorous demeanor. His character development in the game is notable as well, as he goes from being a purely transactional person to one who genuinely wants to see the world better.
#4. Piers Nivans
Despite Resident Evil 6’s reputation for being one of the series’ simplest entries, the game features unique gameplay that lets players choose from six different characters, including BSAA soldier Piers Nivans. Players have nightmares over what happened to them in the game.
In Resident Evil 6, Piers has several conversations with Chris Redfield, another playable protagonist, throughout the game’s cooperative mode. Some viewers believe that Piers’s forced role as Chris’s sidekick on the battlefield stunted his personal growth. However, his redemption and status as one of the best resident evil characters in the franchise come from the fact that his story involves him giving himself to save Chris.
#5. Barry Burton
Though he only appears in the original Resident Evil and the offshoot Revelations 2, Barry is such a kind person that you can’t help but like him. In the first game, he seems to appear at the precise moment of necessity, saving Jill from becoming a “Jill sandwich,” or providing her with ammunition and weapons that are especially effective against living enemies.
He also deserves a spot on this list because he provided the voice for several of the game’s iconic lines in the first Resident Evil. What would discussions among RE fans be like if they didn’t constantly quote the numerous memorable things that decent guy Barry Burton said?
#6. Rebecca Chambers
Rebecca is a novice doctor attached to the S.T.A.R.S. team dispatched to investigate the mansion event who would rather practice medicine and conduct research than fight nightmare monsters. She made her first appearance in Resident Evil as a supporting character before becoming the game’s protagonist in Resident Evil 0.
Being one of the few semi-pacifists in the franchise, she tends to play supporting roles due to her more laid-back demeanor. Because of this, she has amassed a sizable fanbase; after all, who wouldn’t want a loyal healer at their side when zombies are trying to gnaw on their neck?
#7. Ethan Winters
The introduction of Ethan Winters as a generic protagonist in Resident Evil VII was an attempt to return the series to its horror roots; after all, the core characters had already saved the world eight times, so it was hard to believe that they would be afraid by anything new. Ethan, like the protagonists of the original Resident Evil games, is just an ordinary guy who finds himself in a terrifying setting and must find a way out.
Only now Ethan has been through two truly unthinkable terror events, both of which left him with incredibly ridiculous injuries. He’s shot down alien creatures, lost a few limbs, and survived an attack by his chainsaw-wielding wife, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to live his life to the fullest.
#8. Claire Redfield
Claire Redfield is the younger sister of series protagonist Chris Redfield, and she has spent much of her time in the franchise trying to find her notoriously evasive sibling. If Chris had simply emailed Claire, the events of Resident Evil 2 and Code Veronica might have been avoided.
Despite Claire’s inexperience with the never-ending nightmare viral outbreaks that afflict the RE universe, she has carved out a unique role for herself in the franchise by adapting to these crises in her own unique way.
#9. Ada Wong
Ada Wong, the series’ femme fatale, is a secret agent whose motivations are never fully explained. Throughout the series, she and Leon Kennedy, a recurring character who sometimes works for Umbrella and sometimes pursues her own aims, have developed a sweet rapport.
Consider the first iteration of Resident Evil 2. Leon’s lovable naivety is on display when contrasted with Ada’s collected and distant exterior, which stems from his ongoing confusion about her goals and techniques and his naive wish to keep her safe. Ada’s incessant coolness and classic attire while whizzing around on a grappling hook undoubtedly help matters.
#10. Jack Baker
While Jack may not be as well-known as some of the franchise’s other antagonists, he is undeniably one of the most memorable characters and a major factor in the success of Resident Evil 7. In terms of gameplay, he’s comparable to other stalker-type adversaries like Nemesis or Mr. X, but he stands out from the crowd because of his participation in absurd boss fights and his persistent taunting of the player.
The campiness that makes RE7 fit in with the rest of the series may be largely attributed to Jack, who is full of corny one-liners and references while still being horrifying to run into, encapsulating the spirit of Resident Evil perfectly.
Overview of the Best Resident Evil Games
The Resident Evil franchise is notoriously difficult to rank. The series is so prolific that there are both genre-defining classics and forgettable misfires bearing the RE brand, and they can all be equally scary, infuriating, and saturated in camp. The series is so important to the history of video games and to the gaming community as a whole that even minor issues that certain fans may find endearing or nostalgic can be excruciating for the rest of the fanbase. The beauty of mass production, though, is that there is a Resident Evil game for everyone. In conclusion, we have compiled a list of the top best 9 Resident Evil games for your perusal.
#1. Resident Evil Remake
There has been no diminishment in the game’s impact since Resident Evil Remake’s GameCube release in 2002. It’s a reimagining of the 1996 original, a remake if you will, that adds additional scariness in the form of the Crimson Head zombies, better fighting systems, and more nuanced resource management to make the familiar feel brand new. The new graphic design of Resident Evil: Remake is so remarkable that it still manages to startle players even now, many years after the game’s first release.
To ensure that one of the seminal experiences in survival horror will be as enjoyable to play now as it was when it was first released, Resident Evil Remake encased the original game in amber to prevent it from deteriorating anymore.
#2. Resident Evil 4
There have been several shifts in tone and style throughout the Resident Evil series, but none as radical as that of Resident Evil 4. It was pure genius to transform the Resident Evil series from a first-person survival horror game with tank controls to a third-person survival horror action game. Also, there has never been a better video game than Resident Evil 4, and it remains one of the best to this day. The narrative is enormous, bursting with colossal bosses, epic setpieces, and locales, and was equivalent only to the pinpoint-accurate gameplay that provides the player with a plethora of weapons and actions to employ against hordes of awful opponents.
In addition, there had never been a game like it before, and it not only altered the survival horror genre but also paved the way for third-person action games, which in turn influenced Resident Evil Village. Newcomers today may be put off by the lack of run-and-gun gameplay, but those who can get used to the game’s stop-and-shoot (and kick grenade, knife, and suplex) style of action will be compensated with one of the best single-player campaigns in gaming history.
#3. Resident Evil 2
The first Resident Evil game is still considered a classic. The significance of Resident Evil 2 cannot be overstated. Many of the conventions of a typical Resident Evil game can be traced back to the original Resident Evil 2, which set the bar quite high. One way to do this is to play the main campaign using a wide variety of resident evil characters, each of whom has a unique backstory that sets them apart from one another (and adds to the game’s replay value).
The remake of Resident Evil 2 is just as amazing, and it’s certainly the more approachable way to relive Leon and Claire’s horrible night in Raccoon City, but the original game still has a lot of unique character and chills that you should feel at least once in your life.
#4. Resident Evil Village
Ethan Winters returns in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard’s 2021 sequel, community, as players guide him through a mutant-infested community in pursuit of his missing daughter.
Similar to Resident Evil 7, Village features survival horror aspects while also including action-oriented gameplay. The game also features the introduction of Lady Dimitrescu, who, despite being one of the game’s primary antagonists, has become a fan favorite.
The village received high marks for its intriguing, frightening, and intense gameplay, which was attributed to the game’s wide range of horror ideas.
It was also appreciated that the gameplay varied from section to section since this helped avoid boredom and staleness.
The Mercenaries is an additional arcade mode accessible to players once they have completed the main game, and it features timed stages.
Resident Evil Re: Verse comes in all editions of the game and is one of the best online games to play with friends if you’re looking for a challenge. It features a six-player online survival combat to the death.
#5. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
The 2017 release of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was the first time the series employs a first-person perspective.
This game departs from the proactive precedents and reverts to the survival horror foundations of the franchise. Biohazard puts players in control of Ethan Winters as they explore a decaying mansion inhabited by the ill stragglers of a once-proud family. Storylines in this game, like those in others in the series, branch depending on the decisions players make.
Fans and critics alike have lauded the game’s effective use of suspense and fear to keep them on the edge of their seats throughout.
Biohazard’s compatibility with the PlayStation VR headset brings the terrifying experience to the player in a whole new and terrifying way.
#6. Resident Evil
It’s indisputable that the original Resident Evil was pivotal not just to the Resident Evil franchise but to the survival horror genre as a whole, despite the fact that it wasn’t the prettiest, most intuitive, or best version of Resident Evil. The original Resident Evil is still one of those must-play titles despite the numerous remakes, remasters, and sequels that have been released since. This is due in large part to the game’s unintentionally campy language, so-bad-it’s-good voice acting, and odd yet famous tune.
Its brief campaign can be a bit of a pain in the neck, and the visuals may be difficult to look at in comparison to the GameCube remake. Playing this is not only an itchy and savory experience but also a remarkable excursion into the foundations of one of the most famous survival horror franchises because of its general appeal and incredibly campy presentation.
#7. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Still today, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis stands out as one of the series’ most original entries. It featured a significant expansion in gameplay features that would continue to shape the franchise. Ammo crafting made its debut in Resident Evil 3, and it has since been built upon in subsequent games. It also experimented with quick-time events that led players down divergent pathways, creating a sense of novelty in each playthrough.
The introduction of Nemesis, arguably the most feared antagonist in the series, was, however, the book’s crowning triumph. The stalker antagonist has taken many shapes over the years, but RE3’s Nemesis is still a fan favorite thanks to his superb design and relentless perseverance.
#8. Resident Evil 5
Here, series protagonist Chris Redfield reaches the height of human evolution, becoming so powerful that he can stand inside a volcano and pound a boulder with his bare fists, like some sort of mystical hero from a Jimi Hendrix song.
As Capcom’s initial attempt to move the series toward multiplayer, the level of horror was bound to be diminished. It’s a lot less terrifying with a friend, and it’s plain infuriating when you don’t have a human partner and have to deal with the mediocre AI of forced cooperative play. The game’s presentation hasn’t held up very well over time, from the troubling portrayals of Africa’s zombies to the incoherent language.
#9. Resident Evil: Code Veronica
As the series moved to the Sega Dreamcast, it took a rather surreal turn. In reality, “Code Veronica” is the third installment in the series, although it was given a different moniker due to scheduling conflicts. It was a clumsy transition from the pre-rendered landscapes and gargoyles of the older games to a fully realized 3D setting.
Here’s where the Resident Evil mythos goes completely off the rails. The Ashford twins, who were inspired by Hitchcock, are among the most memorable series villains, therefore the show’s eclectic mix of elements works. The terrible voice acting, schlock horror kitsch, weird level design, endless backtracking, and clunky combat are all hallmarks of the franchise, and they were all on full display in this game. It was the series’ first major flop, but its operatic European settings make it stand out.
Best Resident Evil Games Switch
Resident Evil’s success is unique among horror franchises. Capcom’s survival horror IP has been influential ever since the first game came out in 1996. However, you may wonder, which Resident Evil games switch is the finest. Well, here at Pocket Tactics, we’re horror fans through and through, and we adore this zombie-filled series, so we thought we’d answer that question for you. Please keep in mind that this list is limited to Switch games only; I won’t hear any complaints that I forgot to include Village or the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes.
If scary games aren’t your thing, then maybe our list of the best Mario games will brighten your day. Alternatives to the Italian plumber include The Witcher 3, Dark Souls, Diablo, and Skyrim.
Here are the best Resident Evil games switch.
#1. Resident Evil Revelations 2
Woah, what a matchup. Considering how excellent the first Resident Evil Revelations is, Claire Redfield’s appearance in the spinoff series is all the more impressive for the challenge it presented. We’d even go so far as to claim it’s an improvement over the previous version in almost every respect. Playing as Barry is the gory icing on an already delicious cake of an intriguing plot. Like the original, this game is broken up into episodes in which you’ll either control Claire or Barry. Since solving some of the puzzles may require teamwork, they pair up to aid one another.
Resident Evil Revelations 2 is one of the few Switch games worth playing if you’re a fan of horror, genuine scares, and atmospheric gameplay.
#2. Resident Evil 5
You really should give us a chance to explain this to you. Yes, it’s more of a parasitic outbreak in Africa than zombies, but maybe it was the best option at this moment in order to keep things interesting. However, the fact that you are not acting alone in this is what bothers most people. You’re not alone; a companion is by your side. That’s not to say it’s a negative thing, though. Even though artificial intelligence is horrible, the game is much more fun when played with a friend.
Many of the challenges are more fun to tackle with a friend because they involve more than one brain. Chris Redfield throwing a huge boulder into a volcano’s lava lake is worth watching until the end. Just like in Resident Evil.
#3. Resident Evil
In all honesty, we believe that playing the first Resident Evil should be mandatory. There can be no justifications. It’s available on a sufficient number of services now. This classic of terror should be seen by everyone. Nothing compares to the experience of exploring the Spencer home. You can’t help but return to this abyss of misery no matter how many times you’ve been through it. The original game has zombies, puzzles, and cute dogs who could need all the affection you can give them, just like the rest of the games in the series.
Why Resident Evil 4 Is a Masterpiece?
The gameplay, though, is the highlight of Resident Evil 4. Here is where it really comes into its own.
To begin, it’s a huge change from the previous films in the series. The tank controls and static camera angles have been scrapped in favor of the more standard third-person, over-the-shoulder perspective. The effects on aim are likewise altered by this. Laser sights provide for more accurate shooting. If you shoot an opponent in the foot, they won’t be able to move as quickly, and if you hit them in the arm, they’ll drop whatever weapon they were using. You can use that to deflect projectiles, including axes, that are thrown at you.
The controls are updated with context-sensitive options. Take advantage of this by using environment objects as shields, dodging strikes, and finishing off defenseless foes. Quick-Time Events (QTEs) also have a place in the game, and they are especially important during boss battles.
Best Resident Evil Games PS4
The camera perspective is arguably the most noticeable change across Resident Evil games from different eras. Before the third-person perspective became standard on the PlayStation 2, most games relied on fixed camera angles. While previous installments used a third-person perspective, the newest games for PS4 and PS5 have a first-person view. Since it’s highly doubtful that Capcom will ever bring back the PS1 generation’s static camera angles (outside of special modes or unlocks), this strategy will help you swiftly master the series’ most recent entries.
We highly recommend the following Best Resident Evil games for your PS4 in order:
- Resident Evil 2 (PS4)
- Resident Evil Village ( PS4)
- Resident Evil 4 (PS4)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (PS4)
With this handpicked collection, you can sample out first- and third-person Resident Evil games without committing. All three titles are PS5 and PS4 compatible, so you won’t need a new system to start. Some of these games, like Resident Evil Village, may even allow you to switch between the first- and third-person perspectives.
Also, the PS4 version of Resident Evil 2 is a major overhaul of the 1998 PlayStation version of the game. It retains the old gameplay and story but adds new components, making it a great introduction to Resident Evil today. We suggest you continue on to Leon S. Kennedy’s ultimate adventure if you enjoyed your time with him and Claire Redfield as a police rookie. There is no better Resident Evil game than Resident Evil 4; it is the series’ pinnacle installment. You have no choice but to engage in this activity, as there is no way to avoid it.
Resident Evil 9
The populace is ecstatic! Fans of the Resident Evil franchise have never been able to get enough of the series’ terrifying action. That’s why the release of Resident Evil 9 has been eagerly awaited for so long. Fans want more Resident Evil even if Capcom has already released Resident Evil Village (2021) and Resident Evil Remake (2023). However, if the game comes out on the expected date, there may be an intriguing bit of lore surrounding it.
What’s the deal with Resident Evil 9?
The creation of the RE9 game began in 2018. A number of rumors have surfaced suggesting that 2024 is the year that Capcom will finally reveal the long-awaited title. The game might be out as soon as 2025 now that it has been announced. If that’s the case, Resident Evil 9 will have the longest development time of any of the RE games.
Releasing a new version of the classic Resident Evil 4 game was a relief to fans. The first-person action horror adventure that is Resident Evil Village has likewise been met with widespread acclaim from gamers. However, neither game satisfied the hunger of Resident Evil 9. Fans won’t mind waiting a little longer if the game is as good as the previous Resident Evil games.
In terms of gameplay, Resident Evil 9 is predicted to combine elements from Resident Evil Village and the Resident Evil 4 Remake. Chris Redfield, a hero from previous RE games, would be the protagonist in Resident Evil. Claire Redfield may also appear in this game. Furthermore, characters of the original Resident Evil games may make a return in RE9.
Even if Ethan Winters’ heroics ended with Village, Resident Evil 9 may feature a castle-like RE4 and Village. Capcom has big plans for this famous horror game series that goes beyond Resident Evil 9, at least through 2029.
Why Does Resident Evil 6 Get So Much Hate?
The Escapist’s Fascinating Flaws in Resident Evil 6. In every article that attempts to rank the Resident Evil games, RE6 is always around the bottom. There are still those who love it, but in the grand scheme of things, Resident Evil 6 is like the Temple of Doom: you might like it, but you can skip it without missing anything.
Bottom Line
In any case, there it is! In order of gameplay, quality, and significance to the franchise, these are the best Resident Evil games.
We tried to be objective, but we know that some people could disagree with where things landed on our list.
But there’s no disputing that each Resident Evil game has left an indelible mark on the history of video games, and the franchise as a whole has been around for nearly three decades.
Frequently Asked Question
Which Resident Evil Game Has the Best Graphics?
Upon its release, Resident Evil 6 received high marks for its graphics, AI, and four distinct campaign systems.
What Was the Most Successful Resident Evil Game?
The Resident Evil 2 remake was the most successful RE game. According to the Capcom Corporate Relations website, the Resident Evil 2 remake is the best-selling title in the franchise, having sold over 12.6 million sales across PC and console platforms.
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