Campaign
Resident Evil (1996) revolutionized the survival horror genre with its gripping, tension-filled story. Set in the eerie Spencer Mansion, the game follows two members of the S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics And Rescue Service) team—Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine—as they investigate the disappearance of their fellow team members. What starts as a simple search-and-rescue mission quickly turns into a fight for survival against grotesque creatures and deadly biological experiments.
The plot unfolds gradually through scattered files, environmental storytelling, and interactions with other survivors like Barry Burton and Rebecca Chambers. Twists and betrayals are central to the narrative, particularly the revelation of Albert Wesker’s true intentions, setting the stage for future entries in the franchise.
One of Resident Evil’s strengths is its oppressive atmosphere. The game keeps players on edge with limited resources, sudden enemy encounters, and a feeling of isolation. The mansion itself serves as a character, with its intricate layout and hidden secrets, reinforcing the sense of dread.
While the voice acting is infamously cheesy, it adds to the game’s charm rather than detracting from the experience. The mix of horror, mystery, and exploration makes the story engaging, even on repeat playthroughs. Despite some awkward dialogue and a few predictable moments, Resident Evil tells a compelling survival horror tale that remains iconic in gaming history.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Gameplay
Resident Evil established many of the core mechanics that would define survival horror. Players choose between Chris or Jill, each offering a slightly different experience—Chris is tougher but has less inventory space, while Jill can carry more items and has access to a lockpick. This encourages replayability, as each character's campaign includes unique story beats and gameplay elements.
One of the game’s defining features is its fixed camera angles, which add to the tension by limiting visibility. The tank controls—while controversial—force players to think carefully about movement and positioning. Combat is deliberately clunky, making encounters with zombies, hunters, and other creatures feel genuinely dangerous. Ammunition and healing items are scarce, requiring careful resource management.
Puzzle-solving plays a significant role in the experience. Finding keys, deciphering cryptic messages, and backtracking through the mansion contribute to the game’s engaging, nonlinear progression. The inventory system adds another layer of strategy, as players must decide what to carry, often leaving items behind in storage boxes.
The game includes multiple difficulty levels and endings, depending on player choices, such as saving certain characters or taking alternative routes. These elements boost replay value, as do the unlockable weapons and modes like the infamous "Real Survival" mode in later versions.
While Resident Evil lacks co-op or multiplayer, its gripping single-player experience more than compensates. The methodical pacing, emphasis on survival, and challenging enemies make for a tense, rewarding gameplay loop that still holds up as a cornerstone of survival horror.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Production
For a PlayStation-era game, Resident Evil delivers an unforgettable atmosphere. The pre-rendered backgrounds, while static, are highly detailed and create a hauntingly immersive environment. The Spencer Mansion is beautifully designed, with eerie hallways, dimly lit rooms, and grotesque laboratories that sell the horror experience. The use of light and shadow enhances the feeling of unease.
The fixed camera angles contribute to the game’s cinematic feel, often framing scenes in a way that amplifies tension. However, they can also make movement frustrating, especially during combat.
The soundtrack is a highlight, with tracks like the save room theme offering brief moments of solace, while other compositions build suspense and dread. The ambient sounds—groaning zombies, distant thunder, creaking doors—add to the immersive horror experience.
Voice acting is infamously bad, with awkward line delivery and laughable dialogue (“You were almost a Jill sandwich!”). However, this unintentionally enhances the game’s charm, making it more memorable. Cutscenes, particularly the live-action intro, are incredibly dated but contribute to the game’s B-movie aesthetic.
Despite some technical limitations, Resident Evil’s production values remain impressive for its time. The game’s atmosphere, music, and artistic direction create an experience that is both terrifying and nostalgic, cementing it as one of the most iconic horror games ever made.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Resident Evil is a survival horror masterpiece that set the standard for the genre. With a gripping story, tense gameplay, and an unforgettable atmosphere, it remains a must-play classic. Though its controls and voice acting feel dated, its eerie mansion, haunting soundtrack, and rewarding gameplay make it an enduring horror experience. Resident Evil gets 4 out of 5.
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