Ranking Resident Evil Games
Resident Evil changed the landscape of the industry with its landmark release in 1996, igniting a wave of survival horror titles chasing the same sense of tension and dread that Capcom’s classic perfected. Rather than endlessly retreading familiar ground, the series has continually evolved with each new entry experimenting with fresh ideas, and each remake reimagining what made the originals iconic. With the ninth mainline installment looming, it feels like the right moment to rank every mainline Resident Evil game from worst to best and determine which stands as the series’ true magnum opus.
12. Resident Evil 6 (2012)
Resident Evil 6 is the low point of the series. While the multiple campaigns were a great idea in theory, in practice, they resulted in a bloated and repetitive adventure. Lacking the spirit of the originals, this one missed the mark.
11. Resident Evil 0 (2002)
Set before the original and introducing a partner system, this had everything to be another classic; however, it just didn’t click. Tension quickly gaveway to tedium, making this a prime choice for a remake.
10. Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)
Leaning heavily on cinematic horror, the use of scripted segments makes the experience feel a little too guided. While there are plenty of tense, exciting moments, the credits roll quickly, undercutting what could have been a strong reimagining.
9. Resident Evil 5 (2009)
Resident Evil 5 is better than most remember. Yes, it’s a little action-heavy and the ending is weak; however, it’s a brilliant game to play with friends and explores a unique setting unlike anything else in the franchise.
8. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Short and intense, Resident Evil 3 is a thrill from beginning to end. The introduction of Nemesis heightens the horror and makes it a memorable experience.
7. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
The debut of a franchise favourite, Leon, this was truly a remarkable sequel that took you out of the confines of the mansion and into Racoon City.
6. Resident Evil (2002 Remake)
The original remains the definitive experience. Featuring iconic moments etched into the medium’s history, it laid the groundwork for the incredible titles that followed.
5. Resident Evil Village (2021)
A celebration of the horror genre, each boss in Village learns into different sub-genres, creating a remarkable experience that includes some of the best characters and moments in the franchise.
4. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
After Resident Evil 6, Capcom needed to do something different to breathe new life into the franchise. In a bold move, the developers transitioned from third-person to first-person. What could have been a huge mistake instead became an incredible release, redefining what Resident Evil could be.
3. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
The first action-heavy release in the franchise is an absolute masterpiece. Perfectly paced, incredible gameplay, this is one of the greatest games of all time.
2. Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)
Not only does the Remake reimagine the original, but it also improves on it in every way. The suffocating atmosphere, refined mechanics, and the tense footsteps of Mr. X echoing behind you make for a truly unforgettable adventure.
1. Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)
When Capcom announced the Resident Evil 4 Remake, I was apprehensive. How do you improve an already perfect adventure? Just updating the graphics and refining the mechanics? Not at all. Stronger pacing, improved encounters, and much more make this the best the franchise has to offer.
There you have it! That’s my ranking of the mainline Resident Evil games. What are your thoughts on my list? Do you agree? What would you change? Let us know which you think is the best and your full ranking!
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