Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, Sega Saturn
- Developers: Capcom Planning Room 2
- Publishers: Capcom, Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Resident Evil (1996): The Game That Defined Survival Horror
Released in 1996, Resident Evil is a third-person survival horror game developed and published by Capcom. It is the first installment in the Resident Evil series, and it is widely credited with popularizing the survival horror genre. The game follows a team of special forces agents, known as S.T.A.R.S., as they investigate a mysterious mansion on the outskirts of Raccoon City. The mansion is filled with zombies, mutants, and other horrors, and the S.T.A.R.S. team must fight for their survival while uncovering the truth behind the terrifying outbreak.
Resident Evil was a groundbreaking game for its time. It introduced a number of innovative gameplay elements that would become staples of the survival horror genre, such as the tank controls, the fixed camera angles, and the emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. The game’s atmosphere is also incredibly tense and suspenseful, and it is known for its jump scares and gore.
The game’s story is also well-written and engaging. The player is constantly kept on the edge of their seat as they uncover the truth behind the outbreak. The game’s characters are also well-developed and relatable, and the player quickly becomes invested in their survival.
Resident Evil was a critical and commercial success. It sold over 5 million copies worldwide and spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs. The game has also been ported to a number of different platforms, including the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PC, and Nintendo GameCube.
Gameplay
Resident Evil is a third-person survival horror game. The player controls one of several S.T.A.R.S. agents as they explore the mansion and its surroundings. The game’s controls are tank controls, which means that the character moves in fixed directions relative to the camera angle. The player can also use the D-pad to control the camera angle.
The game’s fixed camera angles create a sense of tension and suspense. The player never knows what is around the next corner, and this can lead to some truly terrifying moments. The game also relies heavily on exploration and puzzle-solving. The player must find keys to open doors, solve puzzles to progress, and collect items to survive.
Resident Evil is a very challenging game. The player must carefully manage their resources and make smart decisions in order to survive. The game also features a number of jump scares and gore, which can be off-putting for some players.
Story
The story of Resident Evil begins with the S.T.A.R.S. team being sent to investigate a series of bizarre murders on the outskirts of Raccoon City. The team soon discovers that the murders are the result of a viral outbreak that has turned the residents of the area into zombies.
The S.T.A.R.S. team must fight their way through the mansion and its surroundings in order to find a way to stop the outbreak. Along the way, they uncover a sinister plot involving the Umbrella Corporation, a pharmaceutical company that is responsible for the creation of the virus.
The story of Resident Evil is well-written and engaging. The player is constantly kept on the edge of their seat as they uncover the truth behind the outbreak. The game’s characters are also well-developed and relatable, and the player quickly becomes invested in their survival.
Impact
Resident Evil was a groundbreaking game for its time. It introduced a number of innovative gameplay elements that would become staples of the survival horror genre. The game’s atmosphere is also incredibly tense and suspenseful, and it is known for its jump scares and gore.
The game was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs. Resident Evil has also been ported to a number of different platforms, and it remains one of the most popular survival horror games of all time.
Resident Evil is a true classic of the survival horror genre. It is a game that is still enjoyed by millions of players around the world. If you are a fan of survival horror games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Resident Evil.
Review Score
8.5/10