Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Resident Evil game franchise from Capcom has delivered a variety of thrilling and unforgettable experiences for decades.
From classic horror to intense action, each title offers its own unique appeal.
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Choosing the best of the many Resident Evil games can be a challenge for players.
However, based on critical reviews and public reception, several games stand out and are considered the pinnacle of the series' achievements.
These comprehensive reviews will discuss why each game deserves the title of best, highlighting their innovations, storylines, and impact on the gaming industry.
Resident Evil 4 (Remake)
Resident Evil 4 Remake, released in March 2023, is a modern reinterpretation of the highly regarded 2005 classic.
The game brings back Leon S. Kennedy on a mission to rescue Ashley Graham from a mysterious cult in rural Spain.
The plot is updated, the visuals are stunning, and the gameplay is modernized using Capcom's RE Engine.
The rural Spanish setting feels much more eerie, the game's pacing is tightened, and the controls are modernized to emphasize its signature dynamic shooting mechanics.
Resident Evil 4 Remake set a record as the fastest-selling Resident Evil game, selling over 10 million copies by April 2025.
Resident Evil (Remake)
Resident Evil Remake, often abbreviated as REmake, is a remastered version of the first Resident Evil game released in 2002 for the GameCube.
Shinji Mikami, the series' creator, decided to remake the game from scratch, rather than simply porting it, because he felt the original wasn't good enough.
The remake delivers a vastly improved survival horror experience with stunning graphics, atmospheric lighting, and realistic sound design that significantly heightens the tension.
The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, revised puzzles, additional explorable areas, and new story details, including a subplot cut from the original game.
Resident Evil 4 (Original)
The original Resident Evil 4, released in 2005 for the GameCube, is a survival horror game that revolutionized the genre.
Players control special agent Leon S. Kennedy on a mission to rescue the daughter of the President of the United States, Ashley Graham, who has been kidnapped by a religious cult in rural Spain.
This game marked a significant milestone in gaming history, introduced a dynamic "over-the-shoulder" camera system and more action-oriented gameplay.
This innovation influenced many subsequent third-person shooters, such as Gears of War, Dead Space, and The Last of Us.
The game received praise for its story, gameplay, graphics, voice acting, and characters, winning several Game of the Year awards.
Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Resident Evil Code: Veronica, originally released in February 2000 for the Sega Dreamcast, is often considered the true "Resident Evil 3" by many fans.
The game continues Claire Redfield's story after the events of Raccoon City, taking her to an Umbrella facility in Paris and then to Rockfort Island, bridging the original trilogy with the later games.
The game received widespread critical acclaim upon release, with many critics considering it the best Resident Evil game at the time and a "must-have" for the Dreamcast.
Code: Veronica retained classic survival horror elements with tank controls and fixed camera angles, but also introduced full 3D environments, a significant technological leap.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, released in 1999, is the final entry in the original Resident Evil trilogy on the PlayStation, developed concurrently with Code: Veronica.
The game features Jill Valentine attempting to escape the devastated Raccoon City, while being constantly hunted by Nemesis, the intelligent and persistent Tyrant.
The game was designed to have more action-oriented gameplay than its predecessors, with a larger number of enemies for players to defeat.
Nemesis was a highly praised feature, heightening the tension because players never knew when he would appear, inspired by the T-1000 from Terminator 2.
Resident Evil 3 received critical acclaim for its setting, detailed graphics, and Nemesis' intimidating villain.