A Comprehensive Retrospective of Resident Evil
Resident Evil is a game series that has been instrumental in shaping the survival-horror genre of gaming. In this retrospective, we will delve into the evolution of Resident Evil, starting with the first game in the series.
The Origins of Resident Evil
The 90s were a time of experimentation in the gaming industry. While 2D games were still popular, 3D games were becoming more accessible. Capcom, looking to bring their Japan-only horror game Sweet Home to the new 3D landscape, enlisted the help of Shinji Mikami. The project grew too big for its britches and was renamed Biohazard, which was unfortunately already taken. The game was then released under the name Resident Evil, and thus began the evolution of the survival-horror genre.
The Storyline of Resident Evil
Resident Evil begins with a rescue mission in Raccoon City. There have been brutal murders and assaults, and the Special Tactics and Rescue Team (S.T.A.R.S.) sends in their Alpha team to find the missing Bravo Squad and investigate these strange events. The Alpha team's helicopter is destroyed, and they are attacked by a pack of decayed canines. With no means of escape, the team retreats to a nearby mansion, where they hope to find safety.
The game is played from the perspective of either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, members of the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team. The team must navigate the mansion to find a way out and an explanation for the strange events. While some criticize the game's storyline as being too campy and cheesy, there is something captivating about the combination of the dialogue, atmosphere, and tone that keeps players hooked.
Gameplay in Resident Evil
Resident Evil is an adventure game that takes cues from Alone in the Dark and Sweet Home. The game has limited inventory and requires players to explore a huge area that slowly opens up as keys are found, and puzzles are solved. While the gameplay style may result in a lot of backtracking through familiar areas, the level design ensures that players are never too far from their stored items.
One key aspect of the gameplay is the game-saving typewriters, which add another layer of tactics to the game. These typewriters can only be used by giving up an ink ribbon, which can be found in a very limited supply.
Conclusion
Resident Evil has come a long way since its inception in the 90s. While the first game may have been criticized for its campy storyline and gameplay style, it has stood the test of time and continues to captivate players. The game's combination of atmosphere, tone, and limited inventory makes it a classic example of the survival-horror genre.
