Resident Evil, a survival horror video game franchise created by Shinji Mikami and owned by Capcom, is considered a pioneer of the genre. The franchise has had a major impact on the gaming industry and is the fourth best-selling video game franchise of all time with over 100 million copies sold. The success of Resident Evil has influenced other games in the survival horror genre and introduced gameplay mechanics and design elements that have become standard in modern games. The franchise has also had cultural, social, and psychological impacts on its audience, and is a must-play game that will thrill players with its story, horror, and gameplay.

Resident Evil: The Horror Game that Defined a Genre

Introduction

Resident Evil is a survival horror video game franchise created by Shinji Mikami and owned by Capcom. The first game in the series was released in 1996 and has since spawned numerous sequels, remakes, films, books, and merchandise. The franchise is known for its horror themes, puzzles, intense gameplay, and cinematic storytelling. This article will explore the history, legacy, and impact of Resident Evil in the gaming industry.

History

Resident Evil was originally titled Biohazard in Japan and was developed by Capcom in response to the popularity of horror games such as Alone in the Dark. Shinji Mikami, who had previously worked on the game Aladdin, was the lead designer of Resident Evil. The game was released in 1996 for the PlayStation console and was later ported to other platforms such as the Sega Saturn, PC, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo GameCube.

The story of Resident Evil follows a group of special forces agents who investigate a series of bizarre murders in a mansion in Raccoon City. The mansion is infested with zombies and other mutated creatures created by a virus known as the T-Virus. The player takes on the role of either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, two of the agents sent to investigate the mansion. The game features puzzle-solving, exploration, combat, and multiple endings based on the player’s choices.

Legacy

Resident Evil has had a major impact on the gaming industry and is considered a pioneer of the survival horror genre. The game’s success spawned a multitude of sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations in various media formats. Resident Evil is the fourth best-selling video game franchise of all time with over 100 million copies sold. The franchise has also been recognized as an influential game series by various publications such as IGN, Game Informer, and Time.

The success of Resident Evil has also influenced other games in the survival horror genre such as Silent Hill, Dead Space, and The Last of Us. Resident Evil has also inspired numerous mods, fan games, and homages in the gaming community. The franchise has also expanded into other media such as films, comics, novels, and merchandise. However, the quality of the franchise’s entries has been inconsistent over the years, with some titles being criticized for deviating too far from the original formula or being too gimmicky.

Impact

Resident Evil’s impact on the gaming industry extends beyond the survival horror genre. The game’s success helped to popularize the PlayStation console and establish Capcom as a major player in the gaming industry. Resident Evil also introduced many gameplay mechanics and design elements that have become standard in modern games such as third-person shooting, quick-time events, and inventory management. The game’s cinematic presentation, puzzles, and story also influenced the development of narrative-driven games such as Metal Gear Solid and The Walking Dead.

Resident Evil has also had cultural, social, and psychological impacts on its audience. The game’s themes of survival, horror, and morality have resonated with players, leading to fan communities, fan fiction, and cosplay. The franchise has also been criticized for its portrayal of women, minorities, and other marginalized groups. However, the franchise has also been praised for its diversity, representation, and positive messages such as anti-terrorism, environmentalism, and human rights.

Conclusion

Resident Evil is a landmark horror game that defined a genre and influenced the gaming industry in numerous ways. The franchise has had a lasting legacy, impact, and relevance in the gaming community and beyond. The franchise’s success is a testament to the talent, creativity, and passion of its creators and fans. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, Resident Evil is a must-play game that will haunt you with its horror, challenge you with its gameplay, and thrill you with its story.