All Resident Evil games, ranked from best to worst

If Resident Evil 7 was what one of the original three Resident Evil games might look like if shifted into a first-person perspective, Resident Evil Village is that same concept applied to Resident Evil 4. That alone makes it either a perfect fit for RE fans or more of a miss depending on how much you value horror elements compared to action. Ethan Winters also makes a return and is markedly the blandest character in the game. Thankfully, Lady D, as well as the other lords you encounter, provide more than enough interesting personalities to carry you along. This is a somewhat shorter experience, even by Resident Evil standards, but proves that the shift to first-person can work for even a more action-focused entry in the series. Depending on how much you value actual horror (and that nervousness that comes with entering a room with just a few bullets left and no healing items) versus satisfying gunplay, exploration, and upgrades, you might swap this game’s placement with 7. For our money, though, it is just a slightly weaker entry than what its predecessor offered.

For many, ourselves included, Resident Evil 2 is the best of the first three games. Caught between the large-scale action of Nemesis and the claustrophobic corridors of the original game, Resident Evil 2 balances a larger story with the same isolation as the 1996 release. It’s Resident Evil, just a little better. Rather than changing up the formula entirely, Capcom built upon the precedents Resident Evil established with a unique narrative and fleshed-out atmosphere. Furthermore, Resident Evil 2 introduces Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, with Kennedy following the series until the sixth entry.

Resident Evil Zero isn’t a bad game, just not a particularly good one. Although released as the fifth mainline title, Resident Evil Zero is a prequel to the original game. The game’s narrative, visuals, and sound design are compelling, especially for Resident Evil fans. However, it makes several changes to the Resident Evil formula. Zero features a dual character system, and even though multiple perspectives have long been a hallmark of the Resident Evil franchise, the execution leaves something to be desired. Zero also doesn’t feature Resident Evil’s classic item boxes, making gamers have to set aside unnecessary items and go back and find them again if needed.