The First Resident Evil Game is Not the Best One to Start With

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As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found myself drawn to franchises where the mainline games are numbered sequentially, often feeling compelled to play them in order for an optimized experience and to avoid missing out on crucial details that could impact my understanding of subsequent games. However, with a series like Resident Evil, while it’s still enjoyable to delve into the chronology, the games are generally self-contained enough that you won’t be left in the dark about major plot points if you jump around within the series. So whether you start from the beginning or dive right into a later game, you can still get a grasp of what’s going on in the thrilling world of Resident Evil.

If you’re new to the world of Resident Evil, it might be more enjoyable for you to begin with a game other than the first one, particularly if you prefer games with an over-the-shoulder or first-person perspective and a good amount of action. Instead, consider choosing a game from the series that immerses you in the story quickly and offers a more contemporary control system compared to the initial release.

Resident Evil 2 Remake Is the Best Starting Game

If you’re new to the Resident Evil series, a great place to begin is with the remake of Resident Evil 2. This game throws you straight into the thick of things and allows you to delve into Raccoon City from multiple viewpoints, following both Leon and Claire’s stories. Unlike the original game which focuses on exploration of the mansion and uncovering the mystery behind it at a slower pace, Resident Evil 2 offers more action-packed gameplay. Moreover, each campaign in Resident Evil 2 provides a deeper understanding of Raccoon City and the outbreak compared to the relatively minor story differences between Jill and Chris’ campaigns in the first game.

In simpler terms, the current state of the mansion leads to fewer fights overall, which might not appeal to every player due to the frequent backtracking required to solve various puzzles. Enemies in the mansion will respawn as stronger versions called Crimson Heads after a certain period. Although these can initially seem frightening if you’re unaware of their behavior, they lead to more time spent navigating the mansion rather than engaging in combat or watching cutscenes. This might not be the ideal start for new players in the Resident Evil series, given that recent games and remakes focus more on action and improved controls.

In Resident Evil 2 (RE2), there are unsolved mysteries, but it offers more action-packed gameplay and a constant tension as Mr. X trails you. Additionally, there’s a challenging segment where you control Sherry, who must hide due to her youth and limited combat skills. This reflects the characteristics that modern Resident Evil games embody. Furthermore, Leon and Claire-iconic characters from the series-serve as your guides in this thrilling adventure.

When to Play the First Resident Evil

Playing the initial Resident Evil game is largely dependent on your desire to understand subsequent games in the series and your tolerance for missing out on backstory from those games. It’s recommended to play the first game prior to RE3, as it offers insights into Jill’s life post-mansion incident and her struggle against an outbreak she tried to warn her superiors about. While it’s possible to enjoy RE3 without playing the first game, having knowledge of the initial t-Virus encounter can enhance your experience.

Absolutely, if you haven’t found the earlier games in the Resident Evil series appealing, you might want to jump straight into “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard” and then continue with “Resident Evil Village” to follow the entire Winter’s storyline. However, since “Resident Evil: Apocalypse” (Requiem) is set in or near Raccoon City, now could be a great opportunity to delve into the remake of “RE2” first. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the area’s history before embarking on Grace’s upcoming mission.

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2025-08-29 17:47