Resident Evil was not the first, as many will highlight Alone in the Dark, which failed to combine the dynamics to such an effective outcome. However when Gamestyle clutched that controller, enduring the first zombie encounter, 'Chris's blood' and most of all the dog corridor sequence, we were sold. Funnily enough waiting until 1998 for the Sega Saturn version was not even on the agenda.
Yet we're getting ahead of ourselves now, what about the actual storyline? The Resident Evil timeline and family tree is a complicated network that would put most public transport infrastructures to shame. Events unfold in Raccoon City during the summer of 1998, where a series of unexplained deaths are growing in number with some reports suggesting a degree of cannibalism is involved. The local specialists known as STARS (Special Tactics And Rescue Service) are put on the case and split into two teams, codenamed Alpha and Bravo. Surprisingly the Bravo team was first dispatched to investigate but after losing contact, Alpha team goes in next and you take the role of either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, each offering unique characteristics. After suffering heavy loses Alpha team flees to a nearby mansion seeking refuge yet they soon discover the fate of their Bravo colleagues and realise the dangers within its walls are far greater.
For its time Resident Evil was a hugely impressive feat, detailed environments and the effective use of audio, clearly demonstrated when it came to 3D it had the upper over the Saturn, which was effectively a 2D console with some added features. These factors combined created an atmosphere that was one of fear, dread and loathing as you moved from room to room, almost praying that no nasty surprises lay in wait. The only other game at the time to even come close to such a fear factor was Aliens on the Spectrum an overlooked classic for the system. Overcoming the fear was only one aspect as Capcom impressed with the variety of enemies and sequences it built into the storyline. While the series has been rightly criticised for subsequent instalments, a core strength has always been the monsters that were designed and unleashed by the Umbrella Corporation.
Resident Evil heralded an end to the trigger-happy gunplay, with the introduction of efficient stock control first time around for all players. This dynamic divided opinion, rewarding those who saved ammunition versus players who liked to recreate their own Die Hard episode. Gamestyle does admire the balance struck by its inclusion, as almost every shot counted, prompting imaginative approaches and ransacking every room for items. Restrictions were relaxed with each subsequent completion as Capcom rewarded players with some useful items but the game refused to join the ranks of House of the Dead. Adding to the need to scour environments was the use of herbs, with the ability to mix components literally being lifesaving and ink ribbons vital to saving. The use of documents brought insight into events within the Umbrella Corporation and the puzzles whilst unimaginative are still used to break up the game play today in such titles as Alan Wake.
Resident Evil is a series that has enjoyed a resurgence with the Gamecube playing host to the series all over again, including the pre-sequel Resident Evil Zero. Add to mix the directors versions, spin offs, the ongoing movies and you have a series that refuses to die. This original title was a system seller and an indication of things to come for players who wanted a more immersive, cinematic, adult and atmospheric gaming experience.
