It’s 1998, I’m thirteen, and Resident Evil 2 has just been released. Our Mum (bless her) buys my brother and I a copy of the original on Platinum from the local HMV. So, arms length from our 14″ CRT on the edge of a bunkbed, we ventured into the Spencer Mansion and encountered our first zombie.
We shit ourselves! The only reasonable course of action was to rapidly slap the power button and turn off the PS1. Fortunately we persevered, and gained a fascination with a franchise that’s still going three decades later.
Even better, my brother – who historically just watched me play them – has joined in! It’s very pleasing to share this with him.
Over the years I’ve figured out what speaks to me when it comes to an RE game. Story and intensity are important, but being able to muck about in subsequent replays can be important too. This will lead to some decision that you may not be expecting! So here are the twenty Resident Evil games I’ve played, ranked.
Welcome to a world of Survival Horror…
20 – Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City – PS3, 2012
“ORC” isn’t just a poor RE game. It’s poor game full stop.
Slotting into an already very busy part of the timeline with a alternative take on proceedings, ORC follows a group of barely sketched out stereotypes that I immediately forgot about. It’s a lazy Left 4 Dead clone with a terrible cover mechanic and even worse aiming.
Could it have been better if I’d played online with other people? Possibly. But it’s so damn lacklustre.
Memorable Moment/Character? God no.
Is it scary? Only in how it plays.
Do you want to replay it? No thank you.
19 – Resident Evil Survivor – PS1, 2000
Young Chris would have purchased literal dogshit if it had an Umbrella logo on it. So I happily played Survivor, ignoring the fact the controls were a mess and that I couldn’t use my Predator light gun. Survivor forced the arcade shooter style onto the style of the original games with little thought given to how they’d combine. The story plodded, and even the enemies looked bored. Perhaps it would have been better with a G-Con, but it doesn’t change the fact that RE’s original first person game was terrible.
Memorable Moment/Character? Nah.
Is it scary? Nope.
Do you want to replay it? Not unless they make the Predator light gun work!
18 – Resident Evil 6 – Xbox 360, 2012
RE6 occasionally stumbles into feeling a little like the original games. But most of the time it’s a drab, lifeless world of QTEs, boring music, and clunky controls. It’s not a good game, mainly feeling like the wish list of a ten year old. Chris and Leon finally meeting should have been awesome but falls flat.
Everything decision for both new and old characters makes the world of RE feel infinitely smaller.
At least I got to laugh at it a lot via co-op! Otherwise I’m not sure I could have finished it.
Memorable Moment/Character? Piers Nivans. A hero who didn’t deserve the game.
Is it scary? The 6 looking like a giraffe is creepy.
Do you want to replay it? I’ll wait for the remake.
17 – Resident Evil 4 – PS2, 2005
Initially positioned lower down this list to reflect the resentment I’ve long held toward it for “taking RE away from me”, it now stays down here because I’ve played the HD remaster and I flat out don’t like it! Leon was amusing but it’s all so clunky. And brown.
The series needed energy, and it does feature many panic inducing situations as I fumbled for headshots on rooftops. The controls came on a lot, but for me RE4 is no GOAT. It doesn’t hold strong nostalgia for me and I don’t get the adulation it continually receives.
Memorable Moment/Character? Er, the dog/wolf that saves Leon?
Is it scary? It is not.
Do you want to replay it? Already tried.
16 – Resident Evil 0 – GameCube, 2002
I still find it baffling that the there’s only six years between RE1 and RE0. The prerendered PS1 backgrounds always looked great, but the GC titles, and they’re subsequent HD treatment, are beauties.
Gameplay wise it’s classic tank controls, which is fine. The zapping mechanic is at best novel.
Problem is, it’s pointless. Dig in to the Bravo Team situation by all means. But it’s dull, and adds weird questions to the original game Overall it just feels like filler, and a missed opportunity.
Memorable Moment/Character? The singing leech man?
Is it scary? Mildly?
Do you want to replay it? No. Too boring.
15 – Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles – Wii, 2007
The big caveat here is that I played this on the PS4 through PS Now. So the controls, originally designed for Wii Remote, were awkward at best. But Umbrella Chronicles has something that other entries at this end of the list do not. Charm. As brisk retelling of 0, 1, and 3 it’s based on an overall good story. It also has an amusing Albert Wesker. His overly elaborate enunciation is comical, but does hark back to the B-movie nature of the original game. I can forgive it a lot for that.
Memorable Moment/Character? “Zombeyes”.
Is it scary? No!
Do you want to replay it? No, but I wouldn’t ignore it.
14 – Resident Evil – Code: Veronica – PS2, 2001
This should have been a numbered entry and not been given a really awkward name. It makes it sound like a spinoff when it has Chris AND Claire Redfield in it! A hybrid of sorts, it keeps the tank controls but does have a moving camera. But it has issues.
Firstly it’s very plastic looking. Then there’s the story focus. Chris, Claire and Wesker should be plenty! Instead we also get the very odd Ashford twins. And we get Steve Burnside, a whiny kid with a ridiculous choice in weaponry. Claire finding her brother and Wesker returning could be really cool; this just isn’t it.
Memorable Moment/Character? Steve Burnside and his silly guns.
Is it scary? Not particularly.
Do you want to replay it? Waiting for the remake.
13 – Resident Evil – GameCube – 2002
From environmental detail to sound design, REmake is a gorgeous game.
However, in the march to improve the original title, I think it lost of the B-Movie charm and nonsense that made it special. Now they’ve buffed out all the blemishes they’ve made it so smooth that it’s a bit boring. It’s never going to be a bad game because of it’s origins and looks. For many it might even be the best overall. I get it. Especially as it makes some interesting story additions. But that lack of magic harms it for me.
Memorable Moment/Character? Lisa Trevor. What a sad character.
Is it scary? Bloody Crimson Heads.
Do you want to replay it? Not when I can play the original no. Intrigued by a second remake though.
12 – Resident Evil: Revelations – Xbox 360, 2012
Initially released as a 3DS game, I first played Revelations when it made the impressive jump to home consoles. Revelations could just be known for it being the first game where you could move and shoot simultaneously. Being able to back away slowly and fire off a few rounds was very satisfying. It seemed like the old and new were coming together to make something more, especially with Chris and Jill at the centre of it.
The Queen Zenobia proved an eerie setting in a game that may not have reached the highest echelons of survival horror but was a very positive step in the right direction.
Memorable Moment/Character? Moving and shooting! Together!
Is it scary? There’s creepiness for sure, but it’s not scary.
Do you want to replay it? Maybe. Seems like an overlooked part of the BSAA/Chris/Jill story.
11 – Resident Evil: Revelations 2 – PS4, 2015
A unique experience due to being release episodically, Rev2 was often lumpy in it’s pacing but did keep me coming back. And it has Barry Burton as a playable character!
I did appreciate that whilst the dialogue level was raised overall, Capcom didn’t hold back on giving him awful jokes. We also got more of a look into his fatherly instincts which was consistent with his original appearance. Fantastic to see him again.
Another solid entry with some fun moments, it even managed to not wind me up with a companion. I wonder how it would feel released as one complete piece now.
Memorable Moment/Character? BARRY BURTON
Is it scary? No? My memory is overall centred on Burton so much I’m not sure!
Do you want to replay it? Yeah maybe.
10 – Resident Evil 5 – Xbox 360, 2009
Wasn’t expecting it to be this high. But it turns out RE5 was really useful in figuring out how I actually feel about these games. Two things bumped this game up significantly.
RE5 is very action-orientated; miles away from the last time we saw Chris. But it was a great two player experience. Taking down BOWs as a team was fun, even when I accidentally took the sniper rifle and completely sucked with it. It was even fun when I had to stand in the corner whilst puzzles were dealt with.
Also, CHRIS REDFIELD PUNCHES A MOTHERFUCKING BOULDER. Absolutely bonkers.
Memorable Moment/Character? BOULDER.
Is it scary? Only in how bad I was at the sun puzzle.
Do you want to replay it? Not now, but I’d be all over a remake.
9 – Resident Evil 2 – PS1, 1998
Resident Evil 2 was highly anticipated, and by all accounts lived up to it. Bigger in every way, it expanded the Raccoon City story with branched storytelling and more playable characters.
For many people this will be the high point of the original games and possibly even the franchise. I get a lot of stick for calling it “the worst of the original trilogy”! It’s a great game, there are just aspects of the others that have stayed with me more.
Memorable Moment/Character? It’s actually the music that I remember.
Is it scary? It was yeah. But I didn’t see Mr X in the Bs…
Do you want to replay it? The remake is so good it’s become my preferred take.
8 – Resident Evil Village – PS5, 2021
Following on from 7 must have been daunting. So how to move forward? Mix RE7 with RE4!
Village – which is a dumb name – not only looks a lot more like 4 in tone and design, but adds action. Ethan has been through some shit now so it does make sense that he’s more capable. And then there’s Chris Redfield, who is now an older beefcake with a cool coat.
But this is still a Winters based story, with Ethan becoming more than just a first person avatar. A massive lore dump near the end brings it all into line with the broader series too. RE8 does go a bit COD near the end, but it makes sense. I wish the bad guys interacted more, but overall this is a very solid follow up.
Memorable Moment/Character? The baby
Is it scary? Partly. The baby is quite something.
Do you want to replay it? Have done a couple of times but it’s been overtaken since.
7 – Resident Evil 3: Nemesis – PS1, 1999
For a long long time Nemesis was my #1. With a 180 spin, little backtracking, and a story that kept pushing forward, it felt more refined than it’s predecessors.
The Nemesis itself changes things for me radically, especially as I hadn’t dived deep into the B scenarios of RE2 much by that point. He chews up and spits out the idea of being “saved by the door”, a game and coding mechanic that saved my behind many times previously. He was one scary bastard!
RE3’s bold storytelling, obliterating the game’s world up to the that point, was exciting, and along with its antagonist, left a big mark.
Memorable Moment/Character? They literally blow up the city and area you’ve spent three games in.
Is it scary? Nemesis. That is all.
Do you want to replay it? Flirted with it but I’m not sure.
6 – Resident Evil Requiem – PS5, 2026
A true mixture of the Survival and Action, Requiem is a distillation of the series into one entry. The tense tip-toeing of Grace builds up the fear, which is then released by chainsaw-wielding Leon. It’s a great mix, even if it doesn’t always balance it out well. Looking forward whilst also providing some closure, it’s a fun time that I hope will encourage more playthroughs. Time and DLC will ultimately decide how rounded it is. But this is a big flex from Capcom as they show how much they still understand the series.
Memorable Moment/Character? Gideon laughing and walking away abruptly is gold.
Is it scary? Early Grace sections very much so.
Do you want to replay it? Second play is done, and I’ve started a third!
5 – Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – PS4, 2017
Resident Evil 7 blew apart my expectations with a major return to Survival Horror.
In the shoes of an average Joe thrust into a horrendous situation, Biohazard steps back from the action and OTT nature of the previous numbered entries. Instead it is gruesome and tense, especially in the first couple of hours. Things do settle down once you find a rhythm and gain more weapons but there’s always that tension.
Showing that the first person view can work in RE, Biohazard uses it to really crank up the intensity. It’s links to continuity are more tenuous than I’d like, but to come from this after RE6 is a massive return to form.
Memorable Moment/Character? Welcome to the family son.
Is it scary? Bloody terrifying at points.
Do you want to replay it? Few times now, and will do again I’m sure.
4 – Resident Evil 4 – PS5, 2023
Trapped in a room with three enemies, I used up all my ammo on the first two. What followed was an awful lot of swearing as I took out the strongest of the three with a knife. Frustrating but ultimately very pleasing, and a great showcase of RE4’s mechanics.
Most people love OG RE4, and they will absolutely adore this, ironing out all sorts of wrinkles as it goes through a big update without leaving behind what made it amazing. Some decent DLC to boot too.
For me, it’s taken something I felt was always massively overrated and finally made me see what everyone else did. That’s a huge win!
Memorable Moment/Character? Being left with just my knife and emerging victorious!
Is it scary? No, but that would be missing the point.
Do you want to replay it? Requiem might eat into the chance a bit, but yes.
3 – Resident Evil 2 – PS4, 2019
Taking everything that made the original great but finally given the scale that Raccoon City deserved, 2R is such a good game. Headshots aren’t as reliable, so you need to consider your actions. Can you take on this room? Is it wise to? From the more resilient zombies through to the constant threat of Mr. X, you’ve got a game worthy of Survival Horror despite your improved mobility.
There are some strong set pieces, with a couple really messing with me. It also manages to be genuinely emotional. Who would have thought an RE game would make me legitimately sad. It’s basis may be old, but this is a true modern Resident Evil.
Memorable Moment/Character? Mr X squashing a poor sod’s head. And his interactions with Birkin.
Is it scary? Constant tension rather than outright panic. Where is Mr X?!
Do you want to replay it? A core part of Leon’s story. Yes.
2 – Resident Evil 3 – PS4, 2020
I know people rag on this game, but it’s the most fun I’ve had with the series. I see it’s short run time as a huge strength, though I do get why people miss things cut from the original. But for me 3R is finally the action film it should have been, providing an entertaining and punchy adventure whilst exorcising my resentment of RE4.
Alongside the more classic experience of 2R, this is a a thorough and thoroughly modern retelling of the Raccoon City’s downfall. Replaying it multiple times alongside my brother, culminating in a platinum trophy bumps it up even higher. I understand people’s issues with it. Nemesis isn’t as scary, and areas such as the clocktower being cut out is a shame. But I’ll take the immense replayability all day long.
Memorable Moment/Character? A bloody huge railgun!
Is it scary? No! This is an action film!
Do you want to replay it? I’ve already played it so many times. I will again.
1 – Resident Evil – PS1, 1996
Whilst it’s pleasing that the upper rankings are a mixture of new and old, the top spot was only ever going to be the original.
After the initial edge of the bed playthrough, I’ve returned to the Spencer Mansion several times over the years. Replays in 2012 (I finally did it as Chris!) and 2022 showed me how much I love the game. Then in 2025 I played the Nintendo DS port – Deadly Silence – and discovered it might be the best version!
I’ve realised that the setting, and the relationship you build with it, is its single biggest strength. The unravelling of the mansion and its secrets feels special. What’s behind those locked doors? The setting pushes you forward as it becomes more familiar. Finally unlocking a door you’ve been walking past for hours is both exhilarating and terrifying.
Then there’s the opening movie. Cobbled together in a few days with jobbing actors who only match up to the characters if you squint, it’s an awesome/terrible introduction. Watch Sweet Home for its inspiration.
It’s clunky and it’s cheesy and the voice acting is terrible. But I don’t care. Resident Evil is an all-time classic and one of my favourite games ever.
Memorable Moment/Character? The intro is one of the best things ever.
Is it scary? Yes due to it’s limitations but no due to how much I know.
Do you want to replay it? Yes I will. Again.
There you go! I’d love to hear your thoughts. How would you rank Resident Evil?
Be the first to comment