The best Resident Evil game to play first is Resident Evil 2 (remake) due to its modern gameplay and classic story.
So, you’re ready to dive into the terrifying world of Resident Evil but are asking yourself, what resident evil game should i play first? It’s a valid question, as the series has a lot of great entries. Choosing the right starting point can really impact your experience.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! We will explore why the Resident Evil 2 remake is an ideal choice for newcomers. It provides a great balance of scares and action. You should be battling zombies in no time.
What Resident Evil Game Should I Play First?
So, you’re ready to dive into the spooky world of Resident Evil! That’s awesome! But with so many games in the series, it can feel a little overwhelming to know where to begin. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you choose the perfect first game. We’ll break down the different options, what makes each one special, and which one might be the best fit for you. Let’s explore the world of biohazards and zombies!
Understanding the Resident Evil Universe
Before we jump into specific games, let’s understand a bit about the Resident Evil world. It’s a universe filled with terrifying creatures, sinister corporations, and brave heroes trying to survive. Most of the trouble comes from the Umbrella Corporation, a company that was secretly doing bad experiments with viruses. These experiments often turn people and animals into monsters, leading to all the crazy situations you’ll see in the games. The games typically involve exploring creepy places, solving puzzles, and, most importantly, fighting off the monsters. The main focus of the games often revolve around different virus outbreaks, and the impact these outbreaks have on the world. It is an adventure survival and horror focused game series.
Different Types of Resident Evil Games
Over the years, the Resident Evil series has changed a lot, and that is why you can see a few different types of gameplay styles. Knowing the difference between these styles will help you choose the first game that matches your preferred type of experience.
- Classic Tank Controls and Fixed Camera Angles: These games use a classic control style, where your character moves like a tank (forward, backward, turn left, turn right), and the camera stays in a set position. This can feel old-fashioned but adds to the tension. Think of it as playing with a remote control car, and the camera is always at a specific angle.
- Over-the-Shoulder Perspective: These games have a camera that follows behind your character, and you control their movement in a more modern way. This is like most other modern action games. This makes combat feel more active and engaging.
- First-Person Perspective: Some of the newer games put you right in the character’s shoes, so you see the world through their eyes. This can make the game feel extra scary and immersive. It’s as if you’re really experiencing what your character is going through!
Resident Evil 1 Remake: A Great Place to Start
Many people suggest starting with the remake of the original Resident Evil, often called the Resident Evil 1 Remake. It’s a great option because it’s a polished version of the game that started it all. Let’s look at why this game is a great starting point.
Why Resident Evil 1 Remake is a Good First Choice:
- Tells the Origin Story: This game introduces you to the core characters, like Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, and sets up the basics of the whole Resident Evil universe. You’ll see where everything started.
- Classic Gameplay with Modern Touches: The remake keeps the classic creepy atmosphere and challenging gameplay while adding better graphics and updated controls. It’s a good mix of old and new.
- Intriguing Story and Characters: The game has a good story, that will make you curious about all the mysteries. It has a great atmosphere that gives you a good feeling about the game, and characters that you will surely remember.
- Good Pace for New Players: While it can be challenging, it’s not so difficult that new players will feel totally lost.
The Resident Evil 1 Remake is a classic horror experience that does a great job of making you feel alone and scared in a big creepy mansion. It’s a slower-paced game with puzzles and suspense, which can help you learn how to play the series without being overwhelmed by action.
Resident Evil 4: A Shift in Gameplay
Resident Evil 4 is often mentioned as another great place to jump in, but it’s very different from the original game. It changes things a lot. This game is well-loved by many, but is it right for a first timer?
Why Resident Evil 4 Might Be Good For You
- Action-Focused Gameplay: Resident Evil 4 shifts its focus from classic survival horror to a more action-oriented experience. The controls are better and it feels more like a third person shooter with horror elements.
- Captivating Storyline and Scenarios: The game takes you on an exciting journey through a spooky Spanish village and castle. The plot is gripping and the locations are very unique compared to earlier games.
- Memorable Characters and Villains: Leon S. Kennedy is a popular character and the villains in this game are some of the most iconic in the series. You will meet a lot of memorable people and monsters.
- More Accessible Controls: The over-the-shoulder camera and controls make the game much easier to pick up and play compared to the older games. If you prefer this style, this game will be comfortable.
Things to Think About Before Choosing Resident Evil 4:
- Not a Classic Survival Horror Game: While it’s still scary, it is more of an action game. If you prefer the slow pace of classic horror, this might not be the best place to start.
- Diverges from the Original Games: It doesn’t really connect to the story of the earlier games in a direct way, so you won’t get the full origin story like you would in the remake of the first game.
Resident Evil 4 is fantastic but think about if you prefer a survival horror experience or a more action-packed one before deciding.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: A First-Person Fright
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard takes a bold step by switching to a first-person view. This puts you right into the horror, but how does this change impact your experience as a first-time player?
Why Resident Evil 7 Can Be a Good Starting Point:
- Unique and Intense Horror Experience: The first-person perspective makes the game feel much more personal and scary. You are right in the thick of the horror, which some people find very exciting.
- Story Standalone: While it still exists within the Resident Evil universe, the story of Resident Evil 7 is very self-contained. You don’t need to know the earlier stories to understand it, making it great for new players.
- Modern Gameplay: The controls are more modern. This can be more comfortable for players who are not used to classic tank controls.
- Great atmosphere: The scary locations and monsters are extremely creepy, creating a tense and engaging experience.
Things to Consider With Resident Evil 7:
- Very Different From Earlier Games: The game feels quite different than most games in the series, so if you fall in love with the original Resident Evil feel, this might not give you the same experience.
- First-Person Can Be Intense: Some players might not be comfortable with the first-person horror. It can be more disorienting and scary, which can be a lot for some.
If you enjoy very scary games and want something new and fresh, Resident Evil 7 could be a good first choice. But keep in mind that it’s quite different than the more classic games.
Resident Evil 2 Remake: Another Solid Option
The Resident Evil 2 Remake is a modern take on a classic, offering a fantastic balance of action and horror. Is it a good place to start for a new player?
Why the Resident Evil 2 Remake is Great For Beginners:
- A Good Mix of Action and Horror: The game balances action with its scary moments, creating a great gameplay experience. It’s not just about running away; you get to fight back, too.
- Solid Characters and Story: Play as Leon or Claire in their early days in the iconic Raccoon City. This game will introduce you to a major part of Resident Evil lore, and characters that will play big roles in future games.
- Updated Gameplay: With an over-the-shoulder camera, modern controls, and updated graphics, the game is very easy to pick up and play. The controls will feel familiar to players of modern games.
- Not too Difficult: While it can be challenging, the game is not so hard that it will drive new players away. It offers a solid challenge that most people can handle.
Things To Think About Regarding the Resident Evil 2 Remake:
- Does Not Tell The Origin Story: You will see the aftermath of the virus outbreak and not how it all started. So, if you want to see the origin story, this game might not be the best choice.
- Can Be Very Scary: Some parts of this game can be very intense and scary. Be ready for the scary parts as there are a lot of them.
The Resident Evil 2 Remake is an excellent choice if you like a balanced experience of action and horror with modern gameplay. It’s a great way to get into the Resident Evil world.
Comparing the Options: Which is Best For You?
Let’s put all these options into a table for a clearer comparison:
| Game | Gameplay Style | Difficulty | Story | First Timer Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 1 Remake | Classic tank controls, fixed cameras | Medium | Origin story, sets up the universe | Good if you want a classic horror feel and want to see where it all began. |
| Resident Evil 4 | Over-the-shoulder action | Medium-Hard | Standalone story, different feel | Good if you like action with some horror, but it is not a traditional horror experience. |
| Resident Evil 7: Biohazard | First-person | Medium | Self-contained, new storyline | Good if you love first person intense horror experiences. |
| Resident Evil 2 Remake | Over-the-shoulder action | Medium | Focus on Raccoon City outbreak | Great if you want a balance of action and horror with a classic story. |
Other Games to Consider
While the games we’ve discussed are often recommended for beginners, there are some other titles in the Resident Evil series that you might want to check out later, once you are familiar with the basics. These include:
- Resident Evil 0: This is a prequel to Resident Evil 1 and further explores the origins of the virus outbreak. It follows the story of Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen, but has similar gameplay to Resident Evil 1.
- Resident Evil 3 Remake: It follows the events of Resident Evil 2, focusing on Jill Valentine’s struggles in Raccoon City. This is a must-play after Resident Evil 2.
- Resident Evil 5 & 6: These are more action oriented games with co-op gameplay. You can enjoy them after you get comfortable with the series.
- Resident Evil Village: This game is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, continuing the first-person perspective, and is a must play after the seventh entry.
These games are generally better to be played after you’ve spent some time with some of the other games, due to more complex storylines and more challenging gameplay.
Choosing your first Resident Evil game is like picking the perfect monster to face. Each game offers its own unique challenge and set of scary moments. Think about what type of experience you’re looking for – do you want a classic horror experience, action-packed gameplay, or a deep, atmospheric scare? With a little bit of research and an open mind, you will be well on your way to becoming a seasoned Resident Evil survivor.
What Resident Evil Should You Play FIRST?
Final Thoughts
For those asking ‘what resident evil game should i play first,’ Resident Evil 2 Remake stands as a perfect starting point. It offers modern gameplay and a compelling story. You will have a classic experience.
The remake keeps the core essence while feeling contemporary. Its accessible design makes it a great entry point. It allows new players easily understand series.
Ultimately, begin your journey with Resident Evil 2 Remake; this must be your initial game. You will quickly grasp the horror and action elements of the series.
