Are you a loyal fan of the Resident Evil series? It’s been decades since the release of the first Resident Evil game, yet it still holds an unforgettable place in players’ hearts. After playing so many Resident Evil games, you might be curious to know which one is the best Resident Evil game. The post is for you.
However, the rankings in this article are for reference only, as everyone has their own opinions.
Best Resident Evil Games Ever: Ranked
Here are 10 picked Resident Evil games for you. They are ranked from low to high. However, it doesn’t mean that the first one is the worst. Each version has its highlights. This ranking caters to the preferences of most players today. Game reviews are inherently subjective, so there’s no need to take the rankings too seriously.
Resident Evil Zero
Release date: 2002
Resident Evil Zero is a prequel to the Resident Evil series storyline, set in July 1998. However, this game was released after Resident Evil 1 to 4, filling in the gaps in the overall story. Therefore, if you’ve played the earlier Resident Evil games, you’ll notice some familiar elements in Resident Evil 0, such as fixed camera angles and pre-rendered backgrounds.
In the game, you must strategically switch between and utilize two characters’ abilities for combat. You can engage in melee attacks or use ranged weapons. There are 16 types of monsters, such as Hunters, giant spiders, and Leech Zombies. Anyway, if you are new to the Resident Evil series, this is the best Resident Evil game to start with.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Release date: 1999
The game is set in September 1998 when the virus plagues Raccoon City. Its biggest feature is the tracker Nemesis, a bioweapon with high intelligence and deadly destruction power. It randomly appears in the game and will keep chasing gamers, creating a stressful and terrific vibe.
Compared to Resident Evil 1 and 2, this version adds more combat skills such as dodging action and weapons. This version gives gamers greater freedom than versions 1 and 2 whose plots are more linear. However, the storylines are somewhat short and compact for gamers, making them feel the gaming process is a bit fast.
Resident Evil 6
Release date: 2012
The game continues with the two-player online co-op mode from Resident Evil 5, allowing players to enjoy exploring four intertwined storylines together. However, some players found the multiple intersecting storylines to be confusing.
New actions such as sliding, rolling, and dodging were introduced, making combat smoother and more dynamic. However, many players felt that the game strayed from the survival horror style of the early series, leaning more toward an action-oriented approach.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Release date: 2017
In the game, players face four main types of monsters: regular zombies, the infected Baker family, Eveline, and mutated giant spiders. This brings both fear and challenge to many players.
These monster types, compared to previous installments, are relatively few, which may make the game feel a bit boring for some players. Additionally, the puzzles may be difficult for some players to solve.
Resident Evil 5
Release date: 2009
One of the biggest highlights of Resident Evil 5 is the introduction of cooperative mode, supporting both local and online play. Compared to previous installments where the player controls a single character, this added more strategic depth and fun. The game also saw significant improvements in graphics, with more detailed environments and impactful scene designs.
However, there are times when AI-controlled teammates react slowly or unreasonably, making the game more challenging. Despite this flaw, you’ll find that the combat system in Resident Evil 5 is smoother and more refined, with an upgraded weapon system compared to previous titles.
Resident Evil 8: Village
Release date: 2021
Resident Evil Village continues the first-person perspective from Resident Evil 7, blending survival horror and action elements. Players explore the village, solve puzzles, and encounter memorable characters like Lady Dimitrescu. The game features detailed graphics, a tense atmosphere, and unique character designs.
Some players feel that the pacing of certain parts of the story is slow, affecting the overall gaming experience. Additionally, the enemy AI is considered to be not very intelligent, often behaving like basic NPCs.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Release date: 2000
Despite being released in 2000, Resident Evil Code: Veronica remains an excellent game even today. Its story is deep, the atmosphere is intense and thrilling, and it features Claire and Chris Redfield, two fan-favorite characters. The game’s graphical optimization reached an impressively high standard for its platform at the time, Dreamcast.
Although it may seem basic compared to modern titles, it is considered one of the most classic survival horror games of its era.
Resident Evil Remake
Original version release date: 1996
Remake version release date: 2002
The Resident Evil 1 Remake is a prime example of a classic game remake, featuring advanced graphics like pre-rendered backgrounds and 3D character models. It also improved sound design, atmosphere, and gameplay, creating a more immersive experience.
The remake preserved the original’s classic elements while offering enhanced visuals and a deeper story, solidifying its place in gaming history.
Resident Evil 4 Remake
Original version release date: 2005
Remake version release date: 2023
Building on the classic foundation of the original Resident Evil 4, the remake uses a modern graphics engine, greatly improving image quality with more refined details. At the same time, the combat system and gameplay experience have been enhanced, with smoother aiming and design, and more varied dodge actions.
The game’s interface design is more streamlined and intuitive, with smoother functionality. Additionally, new side quests and areas have been added, further enhancing the game’s replayability. Overall, this game is not far from being the best Resident Evil game.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Original version release date: 1998
Remake version release date: 2019
Resident Evil 2 Remake is the best-selling Resident Evil game. It uses the RE Engine to offer stunning graphics, detailed character models, and immersive environments. It replaces the original fixed camera with a third-person over-the-shoulder view, improving control and combat.
The game also introduces a dual-character system, letting players experience the story from Leon’s and Claire’s perspectives. It successfully modernizes the classic game while preserving its essence, making it the best Resident Evil game.
It’s also one of the best games on Game Pass.
The Chronicle Rank of the Resident Evil Series
We highly recommend that you learn the storyline of the Resident Evil games before playing them, as it will help you play the game from the right perspective. Here’s a rank according to the storyline of the Resident Evil game series.
- Resident Evil 0 (July 1998)
- Resident Evil (Remake) (July 1998)
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (September 1998)
- Resident Evil 2 (September 1998)
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica (1998)
- Resident Evil 4 (2004)
- Resident Evil 5 (2009)
- Resident Evil 6 (2012)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
- Resident Evil Village (2021)
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Resident Evil Game
Q: What Resident Evil game is considered the best?
Resident Evil 2 Remake is considered the best among the game series. Since its release, its sales growth has surpassed all Resident Evil games, making it the best-selling title to date.
Q: Which Resident Evil was the most successful?
As of now, Resident Evil 2 is the most successful in Capcom’s Resident Evil series. It has excellent graphics and a combat system.
Q: Which Resident Evil series is good?
Most gamers regard Resident Evil 2 as the best pick in the series. The game excels in every aspect.
Q: Is Resident Evil 4 the best?
This installment is on par with Resident Evil 2 and is considered by some players to be the best version. Its remake, with improvements in graphics, combat system, and character interaction details, has been widely loved by both new and long-time players.