The Legacy of Resident Evil: 23 Years of Horror-Survival Excellence

The Resident Evil franchise has now been around for 23 years and has had a huge impact on the gaming world since the release of the first game on March 22, 1996. It is a franchise that not only provides thrills and excitement, but also marks a defining moment in the history of the survival-horror genre. In this article, we take a look at the origin of the franchise, what makes it so special, and how it has evolved over the years.

The Origin of Resident Evil

Resident Evil was developed by Capcom and was released for the PlayStation in 1996. The game was conceived by Shinji Mikami, a game designer who was inspired by classic horror films like Night of the Living Dead and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The gameplay of Resident Evil revolves around exploring a mysterious estate, while the player fights against hordes of zombies and other monsters. The game introduced a number of new features, such as puzzle-solving and collecting ammunition and other items.

The Success of Resident Evil

Resident Evil immediately became a success, and the franchise quickly grew to become one of the most popular and influential in the gaming world. The game received glowing reviews from critics and was praised for its unique blend of survival-horror and action gameplay. The game sold more than 2.75 million copies and led to a sequel in 1998, Resident Evil 2.

Resident Evil Over the Years

In the years that followed, the Resident Evil franchise had various installments. Some games were praised while others were received less well. Nevertheless, the franchise continues to have a major impact on the gaming world and is seen as a pioneer in the survival-horror genre. One of the highlights of the franchise was the release of Resident Evil 4 in 2005, which was praised for its innovative gameplay and storyline.

In addition to the games, the Resident Evil franchise is also known for its films. The first film was released in 2002 and the last in 2016. However, the films have received mixed reviews and often have little to do with the games.

What Makes Resident Evil So Special?

The Resident Evil franchise holds a special place in the gaming world because it was a pioneer in the survival-horror genre. The game captured the thrills and excitement of horror films and combined it with unique gameplay. The game was also unique in the way it forced the player to think strategically about the use of their resources. This made the game challenging and kept players interested.

Conclusion

Resident Evil remains one of the most beloved franchises in the gaming world and continues to inspire us with its unique blend of survival-horror and action. The franchise has grown and changed over the years.