The *Resident Evil* series boasts a cast of unforgettable characters. Capcom consistently introduces people – like Chris Redfield and Rose Winters – who quickly become popular with fans, or at least recognizable. However, Jill Valentine, a central figure in the very first *Resident Evil* game, stands out as a particular favorite. While Capcom hasn’t always given her a prominent role, fans consistently express their desire to see her more involved in the continuing story. There are many reasons why this ‘lockpicking expert’ is so beloved.
Let’s look at three key reasons why Jill Valentine is so popular with fans of the *Resident Evil* games.
3) Extra Inventory Space
From the very start of the *Resident Evil* series, players have preferred Jill Valentine, largely because she could carry more items than Chris Redfield. The first *Resident Evil* game established the idea of limited inventory space, which meant careful planning and revisiting areas were crucial. Even a small advantage, like two extra inventory slots, made Jill a much more popular choice for players.
While Chris is tougher and has a flamethrower, Jill is generally a better choice for players new to the series. She starts with extra inventory space, a lockpick, a bazooka, and gets a shotgun sooner than Chris. For many, Jill is the ideal character to begin with, and that first experience sticks with you.
2) Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Jill Valentine doesn’t appear in new *Resident Evil* games very often. While she was in the *Resident Evil 3 Remake*, her last major role in a core *Resident Evil* title was back in *Resident Evil 5*. She does lead *Resident Evil: Revelations*, which many fans consider a hidden gem, but she’s been noticeably absent from the main story arc.
What I really appreciate is that Jill Valentine isn’t *everywhere* like Chris Redfield. He’s in almost every *Resident Evil* game! Even Leon Kennedy started to feel a bit overexposed with Capcom re-releasing *Resident Evil 4* on so many different consoles. Jill, though, feels special because she’s often missing, and that just makes fans want to see her even more!
If Jill had been consistently featured in games, there wouldn’t be such a huge outcry from fans wanting her return. She’d still be popular, but the demand wouldn’t be so intense. By keeping her out of the spotlight, Capcom unintentionally made her even more popular – perhaps more than they expected.
1) A Pioneer Protagonist
It’s important to acknowledge that Jill Valentine wasn’t the *very first* female lead in gaming – characters like Ms. Pac-Man, Samus Aran, and Lara Croft came before her and paved the way. But that doesn’t diminish Jill’s significance or impact.
Jill isn’t the very first character you meet in *Resident Evil*, but she’s definitely among the strongest. She’s depicted as a skilled and resilient officer, standing her ground alongside characters like Chris, Barry Burton, and Albert Wesker. Throughout the game, she consistently demonstrates her strength and ability in combat, proving she’s just as capable as anyone.
Plus, Jilly wasn’t overly sexualized in her design, especially in the first game. This was unusual for the time and helps set her apart from characters like Lara Croft. While later Capcom games moved away from that approach, it’s important to remember that the original game showed developers could create successful games without relying on overly sexualized female characters.
It’s important to remember that Chris and Jill aren’t a couple. They share a strong bond built on loyalty and a shared focus on completing their mission. This dynamic felt unusual for video games in the 1990s, and it helped make Jill feel like a more realistic and relatable character.
It’s disappointing that later games moved away from Jill’s original, practical design. Instead of appropriate military clothing, the remake of *Resident Evil 3* dressed her in a date outfit. While the developers attempted to justify this with the sudden Nemesis attack, it felt more like a nod to fans than a logical choice. Hopefully, future appearances will stay true to the Jill Valentine players have come to know and love.
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2025-10-07 18:13