Ranking All Main Resident Evil Games From Best to Worst

The Resident Evil franchise, a cornerstone of survival horror, has captivated gamers for decades. From the Spencer Mansion’s chilling corridors to the sprawling landscapes of later installments, the series has consistently delivered adrenaline-pumping action and terrifying encounters. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking of all the main Resident Evil games, judging them based on their innovation, atmosphere, gameplay mechanics, and overall impact on the horror genre. Prepare to delve into the world of zombies, bioweapons, and corporate conspiracies as we explore the highs and lows of this iconic series.

Understanding the Criteria

Before diving into the ranking, it’s important to establish the criteria used to evaluate each game; Several factors were considered, including:

• Innovation: Did the game introduce new mechanics or concepts to the series?
• Atmosphere: How effectively did the game create a sense of dread, suspense, and vulnerability?
• Gameplay: How polished and engaging were the controls, combat, and puzzle-solving elements?
• Story: How compelling and well-written was the narrative?
• Character Development: How memorable and relatable were the characters?
• Replayability: How much incentive did the game offer to be played multiple times?
• Overall Impact: How significant was the game’s contribution to the survival horror genre?

The Ranking: From Best to Worst

1. Resident Evil 4 (2005)

Resident Evil 4 is widely considered the pinnacle of the series and a landmark achievement in gaming. Its revolutionary over-the-shoulder perspective, combined with intense action and strategic resource management, redefined the survival horror genre. The game’s tight level design, memorable characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Ada Wong, and a gripping storyline make it an unforgettable experience. The Ganados, infected villagers controlled by Las Plagas, provide a relentless and terrifying threat, forcing players to constantly adapt their strategies. The pacing is near perfect, alternating between tense exploration and adrenaline-pumping combat encounters. From the village square to the castle and the island, each location is meticulously crafted and filled with secrets;

2. Resident Evil 2 (Remake, 2019)

A masterful reimagining of the 1998 classic, the Resident Evil 2 remake flawlessly blends nostalgia with modern game design. The enhanced visuals, improved controls, and expanded storyline breathe new life into the familiar Raccoon City Police Department and its terrifying inhabitants. Playing as either Leon or Claire offers unique perspectives and challenges, with separate campaigns that intertwine in compelling ways. The Tyrant (Mr. X), a relentless and unstoppable stalker, adds a constant layer of dread and tension. The game’s commitment to atmosphere, combined with its challenging gameplay, makes it a worthy successor to the original.

3. Resident Evil (Remake, 2002)

This GameCube remake of the original Resident Evil is a testament to how to properly modernize a classic. The enhanced graphics, redesigned environments, and expanded story elements elevate the original’s formula to new heights. The introduction of Crimson Heads, zombies that become even more dangerous after being killed, adds a new layer of strategic depth to combat. Playing as either Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield offers different challenges and perspectives on the unfolding events within the Spencer Mansion. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the sound design is impeccable, creating a truly immersive and terrifying experience.

4. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marked a bold departure for the series, shifting to a first-person perspective and focusing on a more intimate and psychological horror experience. Set in a dilapidated Louisiana plantation, the game follows Ethan Winters as he searches for his missing wife. The Baker family, a group of deranged and unsettling antagonists, provides a constant sense of unease and dread. The game’s emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management harkens back to the series’ roots while offering a fresh and terrifying experience. The shift to first-person creates a sense of vulnerability that enhances the horror elements.

5. Resident Evil Village (2021)

A direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil Village expands upon the first-person perspective and introduces a variety of new environments and enemies. Ethan Winters returns as the protagonist, this time facing off against a mysterious village and its monstrous inhabitants. Lady Dimitrescu, a towering vampire-like figure, quickly became a fan favorite. The game blends elements of survival horror with action-oriented gameplay, offering a diverse and engaging experience. While some criticized its shift towards action, Village remains a compelling and visually stunning addition to the series.

6. Resident Evil 2 (1998)

The original Resident Evil 2 is a classic of the survival horror genre. Its compelling storyline, memorable characters, and terrifying atmosphere captivated players upon its release. Playing as either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield offers unique perspectives on the Raccoon City outbreak. The game’s challenging puzzles, limited resources, and relentless enemies create a constant sense of tension and dread. While it may show its age compared to modern titles, Resident Evil 2 remains a highly influential and enjoyable experience.

7. Resident Evil (1996)

The game that started it all, the original Resident Evil established the core tenets of the survival horror genre. Set in the mysterious Spencer Mansion, the game follows Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate a series of bizarre murders. The fixed camera angles, limited inventory, and challenging puzzles create a sense of vulnerability and tension. While it may feel clunky by modern standards, the original Resident Evil remains a historically significant and influential title.

8. Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)

Resident Evil Code: Veronica marked a significant leap forward for the series, featuring fully 3D environments and a more complex storyline. Claire Redfield returns as the protagonist, this time searching for her brother Chris. The game introduces new enemies and locations, expanding upon the lore of the Resident Evil universe. While it suffers from some pacing issues and a convoluted plot, Code: Veronica remains a worthwhile entry in the series for its ambition and scope.

9. Resident Evil 3 (Remake, 2020)

While the Resident Evil 3 remake offers stunning visuals and improved controls, it falls short of its predecessor, the Resident Evil 2 remake. The game feels shorter and more linear, lacking the exploration and puzzle-solving elements that made the original so memorable. Nemesis, the relentless stalker, is less threatening and predictable than Mr. X in the Resident Evil 2 remake. While it’s still a solid action game, the Resident Evil 3 remake fails to capture the same magic as its source material.

10. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)

The original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis introduced the iconic Nemesis, a relentless and terrifying stalker that constantly pursues Jill Valentine throughout Raccoon City. The game’s action-oriented gameplay and emphasis on evasion set it apart from its predecessors. However, it suffers from some inconsistent level design and a less compelling storyline compared to Resident Evil 2. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis remains a memorable and enjoyable entry in the series.

11. Resident Evil 0 (2002)

Resident Evil 0 is a prequel to the original Resident Evil, exploring the origins of the T-Virus outbreak. The game introduces a unique partner zapping system, allowing players to switch between Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen. However, the game’s convoluted storyline, frustrating inventory management, and repetitive environments make it a less enjoyable experience than other entries in the series. The backtracking and item management can feel tedious at times.

12. Resident Evil 5 (2009)

Resident Evil 5 marked a significant shift towards action-oriented gameplay, focusing on cooperative play and large-scale combat encounters. While it offers some enjoyable moments, the game loses much of the atmosphere and tension that defined the earlier entries in the series. The AI partner can be unreliable, and the storyline is less compelling than previous installments. The reliance on cooperative play also detracts from the sense of isolation and vulnerability that is crucial to the survival horror experience.

13. Resident Evil 6 (2012)

Resident Evil 6 is widely considered the weakest entry in the main series. The game’s convoluted storyline, excessive action, and lack of focus make it a far cry from the survival horror roots of the franchise. It features multiple campaigns, each with its own characters and storylines, but none of them are particularly compelling. The game’s over-the-top action sequences and QTE events detract from the overall experience. The game tries to do too much and ends up doing nothing particularly well.

14. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2012)

While technically a spin-off, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is often included in discussions about the series due to its setting and characters. This team-based shooter deviates significantly from the traditional survival horror gameplay, focusing on action and multiplayer combat. The game’s poor AI, repetitive gameplay, and lack of atmosphere make it a forgettable entry in the Resident Evil universe. Its attempts to rewrite the events of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 were poorly received.

Honorable Mentions & Spin-Offs

• Resident Evil: Revelations: A solid handheld title that blends action and exploration.
• Resident Evil: Revelations 2: An episodic adventure with a compelling storyline and engaging gameplay.
• Resident Evil Outbreak: An ambitious but flawed attempt at online cooperative survival horror.

The Resident Evil series has had a long and storied history, filled with highs and lows. From its humble beginnings as a groundbreaking survival horror game to its evolution into a more action-oriented franchise, the series has constantly reinvented itself. While some entries have been more successful than others, the Resident Evil franchise remains a significant force in the gaming industry. It is a testament to the power of compelling characters, terrifying monsters, and engaging gameplay. Despite some missteps, the series continues to evolve and captivate players around the world, promising more scares and thrills in the years to come.