Chances are, if you’ve been to the movie theater in the last week, you've seen Resident Evil. The newest zombie film, which has broken video game adaptation records, is a certified hit. And the movie just so happens to star a familiar face from The Walking Dead, star Austin Abrams.
Even if you enjoyed the movie, you may want to dive deeper into the world of Resident Evil because you enjoyed the film so much, and every other adaptation has been mid or downright terrible. That’s where the games come in, and while there have been many games in the franchise, we’re going to tell you the best four to play that don’t really require you to play the others. Let’s get into it.
- Resident Evil (Remastered)
- Resident Evil 2 (Remake)
- Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil (Remastered)
The first Resident Evil game was released in 1996, but as graphics and systems changed, it was remade in 2002 and then remastered in 2015, which is the version I recommend playing.
Resident Evil was the game that really started it all and was a major hit. It’s the first time players meet Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, two playable characters known as S.T.A.R.S. officers. They are sent to Raccoon City to investigate a series of murders linked to strange events in the city.
While the Resident Evil film focuses more on the ongoing outbreak of everyone turning, the first Resident Evil game shows the slow trickle of infection and the other things that plagued the city, making it a great way to start your time in the franchise.
Resident Evil 2 (Remake)
I feel like everyone and their mother loves Resident Evil 2 because it really gets into the terrifying nature of these beasts and introduces everyone’s favorite character, Leon Kennedy. So, of course, I have to put the Resident Evil 2 remake here.
The main premise is that Claire Redfield (Chris's sister from the previous installment) and Leon Kennedy are in Raccoon City when the outbreak begins. Claire is a college student, and Leon (at this moment) is a rookie cop. When everyone begins turning into monsters because of a biological weapon, they somehow end up together and must escape the city to survive.
Many people consider Resident Evil 2 one of the best games in the franchise, which is why it was remade. It takes place about two months after the first game. It's the game Zach Cregger based his original story on, where Bryan’s story runs simultaneously with events from this game, all the way until the end.
Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
Personally, I think the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 is a fantastic remake to check out. The game follows Leon Kennedy, who is on a mission to rescue the daughter of the United States president, who a cult across the world has abducted.
Resident Evil 4 shifts the gameplay, as the previous games focused more on slower-paced storylines. This version is much more action-focused, but it still has a tight story that fans love and is a lot of fun. It was the fastest-selling remake in the franchise for a time before the most recent, Resident Evil Requiem, came out, which is also quite good.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
I must admit that Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was my first game in the series. I mainly played it because I didn’t want to play the whole original storyline. I only played the others later, but this one is the game that got me hooked.
This game follows a new protagonist, Ethan Winters, as he searches for his missing wife in Louisiana, leading him to a family of infected humans. Unlike many other Resident Evil games, it uses a first-person point of view, but it blends horror and level puzzles well. I think what also makes it great is the location, since it takes place in only one area, giving you time to really explore it.
Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village is the sequel to Biohazard, and I must admit, I enjoyed it a lot before I played the other remakes. It continues Ethan’s story as he searches for his kidnapped daughter in a strange village filled with mutant creatures and secrets about the Umbrella Corporation.
Has this game become a meme thanks to a certain Lady Dimitrescu, and how often do people tend to, ah, think certain things about her? Yes. But at the same time, it’s still a well-formed horror game with a story that genuinely shows a father’s love for his family and how far he is willing to go.
I don't think the puzzles are as complex here, but they’re still fun enough to keep you entertained for hours. And if you end up loving these games, there’s even more reason to check out Resident Evil Requiem, as it continues both this game and the main story.
All of these Resident Evil games are available to buy right now. Resident Evil is currently in theaters.
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