Welcome back to my blog, horror enthusiasts and gamers alike! Today, we're venturing into the terrifying and thrilling world of "Resident Evil", a franchise that has redefined the survival horror genre. With its blend of horror, action, and puzzle-solving, "Resident Evil" has remained a fan favorite for decades. Let's take a close look at each game in the series, exploring their stories, release details, and my personal reflections.

Resident Evil (1996): The Beginning of Terror

Release Date: 1996
Platforms: PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PC
Plot: Set in the fictional Raccoon City, players control members of an elite task force who uncover a series of gruesome murders and a conspiracy involving a deadly virus.
Opinion: The original "Resident Evil" set the stage for survival horror games. Its atmospheric tension, chilling gameplay, and "B-movie" style narrative were revolutionary. The game was both terrifying and exhilarating, introducing players to a world where survival was anything but guaranteed.

Resident Evil 2 (1998): A New Nightmare

Release Date: 1998
Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo 64, PC, Dreamcast, GameCube
Plot: The sequel expands the horror to the whole of Raccoon City, now overrun with zombies. Players control Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they navigate the chaos.
Opinion: "Resident Evil 2" built upon its predecessor with improved graphics, more intricate level design, and a deeper story. The dual character gameplay added a novel twist, making it not just a sequel, but an evolution of the series.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): A Relentless Pursuit

Release Date: 1999
Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Dreamcast, GameCube
Plot: Following Jill Valentine’s escape from Raccoon City while being hunted by the relentless Nemesis.
Opinion: This game was notable for its heightened action and the introduction of the Nemesis, a terrifying antagonist that added a constant sense of threat. The game's "choose your own adventure" style decisions added a new layer to the gameplay, making each playthrough unique.

Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000): A New Chapter

Release Date: 2000
Platforms: Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Plot: The game follows Claire and Chris Redfield as they try to stop a bioterrorist attack. It was the first in the series to use fully 3D backgrounds.
Opinion: "Code: Veronica" was a technical leap forward for the series. The story was more elaborate, and the move to 3D environments enhanced the immersion. It remains a fan favorite for its narrative depth and gameplay innovations.

Resident Evil Zero (2002): Uncovering the Origins

Release Date: 2002
Platforms: GameCube, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Plot: A prequel to the original, detailing the events leading up to the infamous mansion incident.
Opinion: "Resident Evil Zero" introduced a unique character-switching mechanic, allowing players to control two characters simultaneously. This added a fresh strategic element to the gameplay, though some fans found it less scary compared to previous titles.

Resident Evil 4 (2005): A New Direction

Release Date: 2005
Platforms: GameCube, PlayStation 2, Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and more
Plot: Moving away from traditional zombies, Leon S. Kennedy faces a new threat in a rural Spanish village.
Opinion: "Resident Evil 4" was a game-changer with its over-the-shoulder camera and focus on action. It was critically acclaimed for its innovative gameplay and is often credited with revitalizing the series. Some purists missed the old survival horror elements, but it brought the series to a broader audience.

Resident Evil 5 (2009): Co-op Horror

Release Date: 2009
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: Set in Africa, Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar investigate a bioterrorist threat involving a new virus.
Opinion: "Resident Evil 5" expanded on the action-oriented gameplay of its predecessor and introduced cooperative play, a first for the series. While it received praise for its gameplay and graphics, some criticized it for straying further from the series' horror roots.

Resident Evil 6 (2012): An Ambitious Mix

Release Date: 2012
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Plot: Featuring multiple interwoven storylines with several main characters from the series, it explores various bioterrorism threats worldwide.
Opinion: "Resident Evil 6" was one of the most ambitious entries in the series, with multiple campaigns and gameplay styles. It was an attempt to cater to a wide range of fans but ended up being divisive due to its heavy focus on action and less on horror.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017): A Terrifying Return to Form

Release Date: 2017
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation VR
Plot: A first-person perspective game that returns to the series' horror roots, following Ethan Winters in a derelict plantation inhabited by the Baker family.
Opinion: "Resident Evil 7" was a return to the series' survival horror roots, with an emphasis on exploration and tension. The first-person perspective and VR compatibility made it one of the most immersive and frightening entries in the series. It was a refreshing and much-welcomed return to form.

Resident Evil Village (2021): Blending Old and New

Release Date: 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Plot: Continuing the story of Ethan Winters, this installment takes players to a mysterious village filled with new horrors and a deeper dive into the series' lore.
Opinion: "Resident Evil Village" built upon the success of RE7 with a mix of horror and action. Its gothic, European village setting and diverse range of enemies added a new flavor to the series. It successfully blended elements from the series' past and present, offering a fresh yet familiar experience.

And that's a wrap on our journey through the "Resident Evil" series! From the eerie corridors of the Spencer Mansion to the haunting streets of Raccoon City, and the chilling locales beyond, "Resident Evil" has provided us with some of the most unforgettable moments in gaming. Each game in the series has contributed to this legacy in its own unique way, evolving and adapting to the changing landscape of the gaming world.