Resident Evil Retrospective

 The Resident Evil franchise is a vast, interconnected universe that spans video games, remakes, novels, movies, and more. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the main plotline, including the original games, remakes, and movies. The story is primarily centered on the fight against the Umbrella Corporation and various bio-organic weapons (BOWs), which lead to a global bio-terrorism crisis.

The Video Games

1. Resident Evil (1996)

The original game sets the tone for the series. It introduces players to Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, members of the S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) team, who are investigating a series of grisly murders in Raccoon City. They discover that the Umbrella Corporation has been conducting illegal genetic experimentation and is responsible for the creation of the T-virus, a virus that turns humans and animals into deadly zombies and mutations. The game is set in the Spencer Mansion, a facility where Umbrella's experiments have gone horribly wrong. The players must survive, uncover secrets, and face off against the deadly creatures and the evil masterminds behind the virus.

2. Resident Evil 2 (1998)

The sequel takes place two months after the events of the first game. Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield (Chris's sister) arrive in Raccoon City, only to find it overrun with zombies due to the outbreak of the T-virus. The game dives deeper into the consequences of Umbrella's experimentation and introduces the G-virus, a mutation even more dangerous than the T-virus. Both Leon and Claire encounter new creatures, including the relentless Tyrant and the terrifying Mr. X. The game also introduces Sherry Birkin, who becomes a key character in the series.

3. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)

Set around the same time as Resident Evil 2, this game follows Jill Valentine as she tries to escape the city, which is now in complete chaos. She is pursued by Nemesis, a genetically-engineered monster created by Umbrella to eliminate members of S.T.A.R.S. Jill uncovers more about Umbrella’s plans, and the game focuses on her fight for survival as Raccoon City collapses under the weight of the outbreak.

4. Resident Evil CODE: Veronica (2000)

This entry focuses on Claire Redfield and her search for her brother, Chris, who has been captured by Umbrella. Claire is imprisoned on a remote island, and the story takes her through multiple locations, including a mansion and an Umbrella facility. Alexia Ashford, a key antagonist, plays a significant role as she controls bio-organic weaponry, including a terrifying new monster. Claire and Chris eventually work together to bring down Umbrella.

5. Resident Evil 4 (2005)

A major shift in gameplay, Resident Evil 4 follows Leon S. Kennedy, now a U.S. government agent, as he is sent to rescue the U.S. president's daughter, Ashley Graham, from a cult in rural Spain. The cult, Los Illuminados, is responsible for infecting people with a parasite called Las Plagas, which grants them control over their minds. Leon faces off against grotesque creatures and the cult leader, Ramon Salazar, all while uncovering a new conspiracy involving bioweapons and the remnants of Umbrella.

6. Resident Evil 5 (2009)

Set in Africa, Resident Evil 5 follows Chris Redfield and his new partner, Sheva Alomar, as they uncover a new bioweapon threat linked to the Uroboros virus. Umbrella's past sins have left a legacy of deadly viruses, and the pair investigates Tricell, a pharmaceutical company that has been testing biological weapons. The game's antagonist, Albert Wesker, is revealed to be working for a larger conspiracy, and the game ends with an epic battle against Wesker himself.

7. Resident Evil 6 (2012)

This installment features multiple storylines, with Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jake Muller (Wesker’s son) as the main protagonists. The game takes place globally, as a new virus, the C-virus, spreads across the world. Each character has a different perspective on the outbreak, and the game explores how the virus evolves. As a more action-oriented game, Resident Evil 6 was controversial for moving further from the horror roots of the series.

8. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)

A return to survival horror, Resident Evil 7 follows Ethan Winters, a man searching for his missing wife, Mia, who has been missing for three years. He ends up at a derelict plantation house in rural Louisiana, where the Baker family has been infected by a new virus called E-type. The game takes a more intimate, first-person perspective, bringing the player closer to the horror. The game introduces a new threat in Eveline, a powerful bioweapon. The game ends with Ethan confronting the evil that’s tainted his family.

9. Resident Evil Village (2021)

The direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, Village follows Ethan Winters as he searches for his kidnapped daughter, Rose, in a mysterious European village. He faces off against terrifying new enemies, including Lady Dimitrescu and Mother Miranda, who are part of a sinister cult. The game blends gothic horror with the series’ established bioweapon threats and focuses heavily on exploration and combat. By the end, Ethan uncovers disturbing truths about his past and the origin of the new bioweapons.

Resident Evil Village: Shadows of Rose (DLC)

Setting:

The story takes place 16 years after the events of Resident Evil Village (Resident Evil 8). Rose Winters, now a young adult, is living in a world that has been shaped by the horrifying events that unfolded in Dimitrescu Castle and the rest of the Village.

Story:

Rose Winters has inherited a powerful, dangerous ability from her father, Ethan Winters, who sacrificed himself at the end of Resident Evil Village to save her and her mother, Mia Winters. Rose’s powers, which are tied to her Mold-infection (the same infection that affected Ethan), make her feel like an outcast, unable to live a normal life. She has the ability to manipulate the Mold, but she sees it as a curse rather than a gift, making her distant from the world and her family.

Rose seeks to find a way to rid herself of the Mold and its influence on her life. Her journey leads her to seek help from The Duke, the enigmatic merchant from Resident Evil Village, who tells her about a possible way to remove the Mold permanently. To do so, she must venture into a strange and terrifying realm, which is a fragmented world built from the memories and experiences of her father’s past, along with the haunting remnants of the Mold.

This realm is heavily influenced by the Memories of the Village and the Mold's power, which distorts reality and creates monstrous versions of creatures and entities from Rose’s past, including manifestations of her fears and traumas.

The main antagonist of Shadows of Rose is Miranda, the leader of the Four Lords in Resident Evil Village, who also had ties to the Mold and the experiments that created the terrifying creatures. Miranda’s essence continues to linger in the fragmented realm, and Rose has to face this evil power in order to free herself from the curse of the Mold.

Rose encounters terrifying new creatures and has to navigate dangerous environments, filled with hostile entities. The story delves deeper into her inner conflict with her Mold powers, revealing that she is not just trying to rid herself of the Mold, but also struggling with her desire for a normal life.

Throughout the DLC, Rose is haunted by memories of her father and her life before the outbreak of the Mold infection. She is also guided by Ethan's consciousness, who has left behind messages that help Rose face the darkness of the world she's trapped in. As she moves through this distorted world, she learns more about her father’s legacy, his sacrifices, and the power that the Mold holds over her.

In the end, Rose is faced with a choice. She can either use her powers to defeat Miranda’s influence and break free of the Mold’s curse or risk sacrificing her own humanity in the process. The conclusion of Shadows of Rose sets the stage for Rose's future, whether she will find peace with her powers or embrace them as part of her identity.

Themes and Key Moments:

Rose’s Struggle with Her Identity: One of the central themes of Shadows of Rose is Rose coming to terms with the legacy of her father and her own powers. It’s a personal journey for her to understand who she is beyond the curse of the Mold.

Ethan Winters’ Legacy: The DLC expands on the emotional bond between Rose and Ethan, as his spirit and presence influence her journey. Ethan’s love for Rose remains a driving force, despite his physical death in Resident Evil Village.

The World of the Mold: The fragmented, twisted world that Rose enters represents the deep, dark psychological and physical trauma of the Mold. It's both a literal and symbolic space where she confronts her fears and her father’s legacy.

Miranda’s Role: Although Miranda is defeated in Resident Evil Village, her influence and the remnants of her power continue to haunt Rose, making her a crucial figure in the DLC’s narrative.

Gameplay:

Shadows of Rose is presented from a third-person perspective, unlike the first-person perspective of Resident Evil Village. The gameplay mixes traditional survival horror with puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat against new terrifying creatures.

New abilities: Rose can use her Mold abilities to manipulate and control the environment around her, adding a unique twist to combat and puzzle-solving.

Horror and Atmosphere: The DLC continues the series' tradition of creating a tense, eerie atmosphere filled with grotesque creatures and creepy environments, all while exploring themes of grief, identity, and survival.

Shadows of Rose offers a deeper exploration into the emotional and psychological consequences of the events in Resident Evil Village. It provides fans with a closer look at Rose Winters, her connection to the Mold, and her struggle to escape the shadows of her past. The story ties up many loose ends from Resident Evil Village, while also hinting at new directions for the character and the broader Resident Evil universe.

Remakes and Reboots

• Resident Evil Remake (2002): A modernized version of the original Resident Evil, with updated graphics and new gameplay elements.
• Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019): A complete reimagining of Resident Evil 2, featuring overhauled graphics, voice acting, and reworked gameplay to fit modern standards.
• Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020): A remake of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, again focusing on updated graphics and gameplay improvements, with some adjustments to the original story.
• Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023): A highly anticipated remake that brings Resident Evil 4 to modern consoles with updated visuals and mechanics, retaining the core story while making changes to enhance the experience.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the story for Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, and Resident Evil 4 Remake. These remakes have updated graphics, mechanics, and voice acting, while still retaining the core story elements of the original games.

Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)

Setting: Raccoon City, 1998

Story:

Resident Evil 2 Remake follows two protagonists: Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield.

Leon is a rookie police officer on his first day at the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD) when the T-virus outbreak begins, turning the city into a nightmarish zombie wasteland.

Claire is searching for her brother Chris Redfield, who is a member of the elite S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) team. She arrives in Raccoon City and is immediately thrust into the chaos of the outbreak.

As the two attempt to survive, they uncover the truth about Umbrella Corporation and its involvement in the outbreak. Leon and Claire each explore different parts of the RPD station and the surrounding city to find a way out, meeting various characters along the way, including Ada Wong, who has her own secret agenda, and Sherry Birkin, the young daughter of William Birkin, one of Umbrella’s lead scientists.

The main antagonist in this remake is William Birkin, who injects himself with the G-virus, creating a terrifying mutation that becomes a constant threat. Birkin’s actions are a key part of the outbreak, as his G-virus is a mutated version of the T-virus.

Both Leon and Claire encounter Mr. X, an unstoppable, Tyrant-class bio-organic weapon (BOW) sent by Umbrella to eliminate them.

Eventually, after surviving the horrors of the RPD, the two characters confront Birkin, and in the end, they manage to escape the city in a dramatic final showdown.

The game ends with the destruction of Raccoon City, triggered by the U.S. government as a last-ditch effort to contain the outbreak, and both Leon and Claire manage to escape, although the future remains uncertain.

Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)

Setting: Raccoon City, 1998

Story:

Resident Evil 3 Remake takes place around the same time as Resident Evil 2 and follows Jill Valentine, the protagonist from the first Resident Evil game, as she tries to escape the T-virus-infected Raccoon City.

Jill Valentine is a member of the S.T.A.R.S. team, and she is one of the few survivors left in the city. She is targeted by Umbrella Corporation for knowing too much about their illegal operations. Nemesis, a terrifying and nearly indestructible bioweapon created by Umbrella, is sent to eliminate Jill.

The game follows Jill’s efforts to escape the city, all while being relentlessly pursued by Nemesis. Along the way, she teams up with Carlos Oliveira, a mercenary from Umbrella’s U.B.C.S. (Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service) unit, who has his own motives for surviving the outbreak. Carlos and Jill fight through Raccoon City, uncovering more about Umbrella’s experiments and the T-virus spread.

Throughout the game, Jill confronts mutated creatures, including hordes of zombies, and must deal with Nemesis's constant pursuit, which includes him evolving into stronger forms as the game progresses. Jill eventually uncovers the details of Umbrella’s role in the outbreak and confronts Dr. Nikolai Zinoviev, a U.B.C.S. agent who was secretly working with Umbrella all along.

The final battle sees Jill and Carlos escaping Raccoon City, but it is too late—the U.S. government nukes the city to stop the outbreak, effectively wiping it off the map.

Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)

Setting: A rural village in Spain, 2004

Story:

Resident Evil 4 Remake follows Leon S. Kennedy, now a U.S. government agent, on a mission to rescue the U.S. president's daughter, Ashley Graham, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious cult known as Los Illuminados. This game drastically shifts the tone of the series to a more action-oriented approach, with a heavy focus on combat and exploration.

Leon is sent to a remote village in rural Spain to find Ashley. Upon arrival, he discovers that the villagers have been infected by Las Plagas, parasitic organisms that control their minds, turning them into hostile, zombie-like creatures.

As Leon ventures deeper into the village, he encounters Luis Sera, a former researcher, who helps him understand the Plagas and the dangerous cult that is behind the outbreak. The leader of the cult, Ramon Salazar, and its mastermind, Osmund Saddler, have been using the parasite to control the minds of the villagers and create a new army for their plans.

Leon faces multiple challenges throughout the game, including encountering Ada Wong, a mysterious woman who appears to be working for an unknown organization. The game has a lot of twists and turns, with Leon discovering more about the cult's involvement in the larger bio-terrorism conspiracy and Umbrella Corporation’s legacy in the outbreak.

Eventually, Leon rescues Ashley and faces off against Saddler and his powerful forces. The game culminates in an intense final confrontation where Leon is able to destroy Saddler, neutralize the Plagas, and escape with Ashley.

The story concludes with Leon’s successful mission, but with hints that the conspiracies and organizations tied to the Plagas virus may have even further-reaching consequences. Ada Wong also leaves the area with a mysterious briefcase, continuing her secretive operations, setting up future intrigue.

Key Differences in Remakes:

Resident Evil 2 Remake: This remake adheres closely to the original game's story while updating gameplay, visuals, and pacing to fit modern standards. The story and characters are nearly identical to the 1998 version, with a focus on tension, puzzles, and survival horror.

Resident Evil 3 Remake: The remake trims some content compared to the original, shortening the story and the areas the player explores. The relentless pursuit of Nemesis is more scripted, but the core elements remain similar. The remake also has more action-oriented gameplay compared to the original.

Resident Evil 4 Remake: This remake retains the core story of the original game but has made some adjustments to improve pacing and character development. For example, Ashley Graham is given a more prominent role, and the story incorporates deeper character moments for Leon. The combat system and overall atmosphere are also modernized, offering a smoother and more immersive experience.

These three remakes revitalized the classic Resident Evil games with modern technology while staying true to their roots, preserving the tension, horror, and narrative that fans love. Each one reshapes the experience in unique ways, with updated mechanics, visuals, and storytelling.

• Resident Evil Movies (Live-Action and Animated)
• Live-Action Movies (2002–2016)

The Resident Evil live-action movie series (directed by Paul W.S. Anderson) follows Alice, an original character, through a world ravaged by the T-virus. The movies are loosely based on the games, but take significant creative liberties. The series includes the following films:

• Resident Evil (2002)
• Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
• Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
• Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
• Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)
• Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

These films are action-packed, blending horror with blockbuster action and focusing on Alice’s fight against Umbrella and the spreading outbreak. They follow an alternate timeline that diverges from the games.

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)

A reboot of the series, this film attempts to stay closer to the events of the first two games, focusing on Claire and Leon's struggles to survive the outbreak in Raccoon City. It combines elements from the original games, including characters like Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and Wesker. The film was more faithful to the source material but received mixed reviews.

Animated Movies

The Resident Evil franchise also has several animated films, which are considered canon within the game timeline:

• Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)
• Resident Evil: Damnation (2012)
• Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017)

These films typically feature Leon S. Kennedy or Chris Redfield as the protagonists and explore additional storylines and threats within the Resident Evil universe.

Conclusion

The Resident Evil series has evolved from a survival horror game about a zombie outbreak to a complex narrative involving corporate greed, bioweapons, and global conspiracies. The franchise continues to be a major influence in the gaming industry, with its survival horror roots, new storytelling techniques, and iconic characters like Leon, Jill, Claire, Chris, and Ada. The movies, while diverging from the games, have also contributed to the cultural impact of the series, further expanding its reach.