Resident Evil Review: Pros and Cons
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through qualifying links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Category: Entertainment
If you are searching for a Resident Evil review, pros and cons, whether Resident Evil is worth playing, or which Resident Evil game is best for beginners, the first thing to know is that “Resident Evil” can mean several different things: the original 1996 survival-horror game, its 2002 remake, the broader video-game franchise, or one of the movie and television adaptations.
This review focuses primarily on the Resident Evil video-game franchise, with particular attention to the original game and the modern versions that make it easier for new players to experience the series today. That distinction matters because the games and screen adaptations have received very different reactions.
The original Resident Evil launched on PlayStation in 1996 and became one of the defining games associated with survival horror. Metacritic currently lists the original PlayStation release at a 91 Metascore, with a generally favorable 8.7 user score. (Metacritic)
Table of Contents
- What is Resident Evil about?
- Is Resident Evil worth playing?
- What are the pros and cons of Resident Evil?
- Is Resident Evil scary?
- Is Resident Evil difficult for beginners?
- Which Resident Evil game should you play first?
- Is the Resident Evil remake better than the original?
- Why is Resident Evil still popular?
- What do fans say about Resident Evil?
- Who should play Resident Evil?
- What are the biggest reasons not to play Resident Evil?
- Final Resident Evil review: Is it worth buying?
What is Resident Evil about?
Resident Evil is a survival-horror franchise centered on zombies, bioweapons, exploration, puzzles, and conspiracies.
The original Resident Evil follows members of S.T.A.R.S. investigating strange incidents around Raccoon City and a mysterious mansion. Players can control Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield while exploring dangerous environments, fighting zombies and other creatures, solving puzzles, collecting resources, and uncovering the secrets behind Umbrella Corporation.
The formula established by the original game became enormously influential. Metacritic describes the 1996 title as a game that helped establish survival horror as a major genre, combining exploration, puzzles, action, zombies, and horror. (Metacritic)
The franchise has since expanded considerably. It includes traditional survival-horror games, action-oriented entries, first-person horror, remakes, animated productions, movies, television adaptations, and numerous spin-offs.
For someone considering buying into the franchise, that variety is both an advantage and a potential drawback. You can find a Resident Evil experience that emphasizes psychological tension, traditional puzzles, intense combat, or fast-paced action—but not every installment feels the same.
Affiliate disclosure: If you purchase through an affiliate link on this page, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Amazon shopping option: Resident Evil games and merchandise
Is Resident Evil worth playing?
Yes, Resident Evil is worth playing if you enjoy survival horror, exploration, puzzles, atmospheric storytelling, and resource management.
One of the strongest reasons to try Resident Evil is that the series offers something more substantial than simply fighting monsters.
The best entries make you think about where to go, what to carry, when to fight, when to run, and how to conserve ammunition.
That design philosophy gives Resident Evil a different rhythm from many modern action games.
Instead of constantly moving from one combat encounter to another, classic Resident Evil frequently asks players to explore a location, find an important object, return to an earlier area, unlock a previously inaccessible door, solve a puzzle, and decide whether an enemy is worth fighting.
That slower structure creates tension.
You might have enough ammunition to defeat an enemy—but using it could make the next section considerably harder.
Why does that matter?
Resource management is one of the defining characteristics of classic survival horror. It forces players to make decisions instead of automatically attacking everything they encounter.
The original game was highly regarded despite its dated control system and occasionally awkward dialogue. Metacritic’s retrospective ranking gives the original Resident Evil a 91 and notes its importance in establishing the genre. (Metacritic)
For modern players, however, the original can feel significantly less accessible than later remakes.
If you want the classic experience without dealing with all of its age-related limitations, a remake or remastered version may be the better purchase.
What are the pros and cons of Resident Evil?
Resident Evil’s biggest strengths are atmosphere, exploration, memorable characters, puzzles, enemy design, and its influential survival-horror formula.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent horror atmosphere | Some older mechanics feel dated |
| Strong exploration | Inventory management can frustrate newcomers |
| Memorable characters | Some dialogue can feel campy |
| Challenging resource management | Classic controls require adjustment |
| Interesting puzzles | Backtracking can become repetitive |
| Iconic monsters | Some entries emphasize action over horror |
| Large variety of games | Quality varies between installments |
| Strong replay value | Franchise continuity can be confusing |
What is the biggest advantage?
Atmosphere.
Resident Evil is particularly good at making familiar environments feel unsafe.
A hallway that initially appears harmless can become threatening after you discover a new enemy, run out of ammunition, or realize that you need to return through the same area later.
The franchise also benefits from recognizable characters and locations. Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, Raccoon City, Umbrella Corporation, and numerous monsters have become central parts of gaming culture.
What is the biggest disadvantage?
The franchise can be intimidating for newcomers.
There are numerous games, remakes, spin-offs, alternate versions, and different gameplay styles.
A newcomer might reasonably wonder whether they should begin with the original 1996 game, the remake, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7, or Resident Evil Village.
That is why choosing an entry point is important.
Is Resident Evil scary?
Resident Evil can be genuinely frightening, but its horror depends heavily on the specific game you choose.
Classic Resident Evil relies heavily on atmosphere, uncertainty, limited resources, unexpected enemies, environmental design, and sound.
Modern entries can use more sophisticated visual effects and first-person perspectives to create a different type of fear.
One of the franchise’s strengths is that horror does not always come from an enemy directly attacking you.
Sometimes the tension comes from not knowing what is around the corner.
Other times, the fear comes from knowing exactly what is coming but not having enough ammunition or health to deal with it comfortably.
How scary is Resident Evil for a new player?
That depends on your tolerance for horror.
If you dislike zombies, disturbing creatures, blood, suspense, or sudden enemy encounters, Resident Evil may not be the right choice.
For horror fans, however, the franchise offers considerable variety.
The original game is historically important because it helped popularize a particular style of survival horror, while later games experimented with first-person perspective, more action-oriented gameplay, and different forms of psychological and creature-based horror. (Metacritic)
Is Resident Evil difficult for beginners?
Classic Resident Evil can be difficult for beginners because it expects players to manage resources, solve puzzles, navigate unfamiliar areas, and learn its mechanics.
The difficulty is not necessarily about extremely complicated controls.
Instead, the challenge often comes from decision-making.
You have to consider:
- How much ammunition do you have?
- Should you fight this enemy?
- Do you have enough healing items?
- Is your inventory full?
- Which items should you keep?
- Where did you leave an important object?
- Should you save your game now?
- Can you safely return through an area?
This can feel very different from modern games that constantly provide objective markers and abundant resources.
The remake of the original game has also been described as unforgiving toward mistakes and relatively unfriendly to first-time players, with inventory management, camera limitations, and knowing where items are located forming part of its challenge. (Metacritic)
Who will enjoy the difficulty?
Players who enjoy solving problems and gradually learning a game’s environment will likely appreciate it.
Players who prefer fast action with minimal backtracking may find classic Resident Evil frustrating.
That distinction is important before purchasing.
Which Resident Evil game should you play first?
Resident Evil 2 Remake is one of the strongest starting points for newcomers, while Resident Evil 4 Remake is an excellent choice for players who prefer action.
There isn’t one universally correct starting point.
Your best choice depends on what you want.
For classic survival horror: Start with the original Resident Evil or its remake.
For a modern survival-horror experience: Try Resident Evil 2 Remake.
For action-horror: Try Resident Evil 4 Remake.
For first-person horror: Try Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.
For a mixture of horror and action: Try Resident Evil Village.
The series has evolved dramatically. A retrospective published through Amazon Music describes the progression from the original PlayStation game through the remakes, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7, and Village, highlighting how the franchise repeatedly changed its approach to horror and action. (Amazon Music)
Amazon shopping option: Browse Resident Evil video games
Is the Resident Evil remake better than the original?
The remake is generally easier to recommend to modern players, while the original remains important for understanding the franchise’s history.
The original Resident Evil is historically significant.
It established much of the formula that would define the series and became one of the PlayStation’s most important survival-horror releases.
However, modern players may struggle with its older presentation and mechanics.
The remake provides a more polished way to experience the mansion storyline while retaining many of the fundamental ideas associated with the original.
What should nostalgic players choose?
If you grew up with the original, playing both is worthwhile.
The original shows where the formula began.
The remake demonstrates how the same basic concept can be reinterpreted with substantially more modern presentation and design.
What should first-time players choose?
The remake is usually the easier recommendation.
A new player interested primarily in experiencing the story and atmosphere rather than studying gaming history may find the remake more approachable.
Why is Resident Evil still popular?
Resident Evil remains popular because it continually reinvents its formula without abandoning its core identity.
That may be the franchise’s most impressive accomplishment.
Some series become repetitive because they refuse to change.
Resident Evil has done almost the opposite.
It has experimented with:
- Fixed-camera survival horror
- Third-person action
- First-person horror
- Cooperative gameplay
- Puzzle-heavy exploration
- Fast-paced combat
- Horror-focused remakes
- Action-heavy sequels
- Multiplayer spin-offs
Yet familiar themes continue to appear: bioterrorism, Umbrella, mutated creatures, survival, mysterious laboratories, zombies, conspiracies, and characters caught in increasingly dangerous situations.
This makes the franchise appealing to multiple generations of players.
How has the series evolved?
The progression from the original game to later releases demonstrates a deliberate willingness to change.
The original emphasized survival horror.
Later entries increasingly emphasized action.
Resident Evil 7 moved to first-person horror.
Resident Evil Village continued the first-person approach while incorporating more action.
The modern remakes, meanwhile, have allowed Capcom to revisit older games with contemporary design philosophies.
What do fans say about Resident Evil?
Fan opinion is generally enthusiastic about the franchise, although players strongly disagree about which games represent Resident Evil at its best.
Community discussions show that players frequently debate the merits of individual games, remakes, scores, difficulty, story changes, and the balance between horror and action. (Reddit)
For example, community rankings often place games such as Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 4, and the original Resident Evil highly, while opinions become considerably more divided around some of the franchise’s more experimental entries. (Reddit)
That disagreement is actually useful for a prospective buyer.
It demonstrates that there is no single definition of the “best” Resident Evil.
If you want puzzles and survival mechanics, one game may appeal to you.
If you want combat, another may be better.
If you want atmospheric horror, another may win.
Why do some fans dislike certain Resident Evil games?
The most common criticism is usually related to changes in tone or gameplay.
Players who love classic survival horror may dislike entries that emphasize action.
Conversely, players who discovered the franchise through action-oriented games may find slower classic entries tedious.
This explains why opinions can be so different even among longtime fans.
Who should play Resident Evil?
Resident Evil is best suited to players who enjoy horror, suspense, exploration, puzzles, resource management, and action-oriented storytelling.
It is particularly worth considering if you enjoy games where the environment itself is part of the challenge.
You should also consider Resident Evil if you like franchises with extensive lore.
There are recurring characters, organizations, locations, viruses, monsters, and storylines connecting many installments.
You do not, however, have to play every game in chronological order to enjoy the franchise.
Several entries work well as individual experiences.
Who may want to skip Resident Evil?
Players who dislike horror or gore may not enjoy it.
You may also want to skip the older games if you strongly dislike:
- Backtracking
- Puzzle solving
- Limited inventory
- Resource management
- Older controls
- Slow exploration
- Replaying areas
Modern remakes solve some of these issues, but they don’t eliminate the fundamental survival-horror philosophy.
What are the biggest reasons not to play Resident Evil?
The biggest drawbacks are inconsistent gameplay styles, older mechanics in classic releases, occasional excessive action, and a complicated franchise history.
Resident Evil is not one consistent experience.
That’s both its greatest strength and one of its biggest weaknesses.
Someone might love Resident Evil 2 Remake but dislike a more action-oriented installment.
Another player might prefer Resident Evil 4 precisely because it reduces some of the slower survival-horror elements.
The franchise also has a complicated history outside the games.
The 2002 Resident Evil movie, for example, received a 36% Tomatometer score from critics and a 67% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of the current listing. Critics characterized it as loud, violent, formulaic, and cheesy, while audience reactions have been considerably more forgiving. (Rotten Tomatoes)
That is an important reminder: liking Resident Evil games does not necessarily mean you will like Resident Evil movies or television adaptations.
Is Resident Evil better as a game or a movie?
The Resident Evil games are the stronger choice if you want the franchise’s signature survival-horror experience.
The games give players direct control over exploration, combat, resource management, puzzles, and survival.
The movies tell their own stories and generally prioritize cinematic action.
The 2002 movie, for example, centers on a commando team entering an underground Umbrella laboratory after a deadly virus outbreak. (Rotten Tomatoes)
The movie has its fans, but reviews demonstrate the divide between critics and audiences.
Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film at 36% from critics and 67% from audiences. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where should a newcomer start?
If your primary interest is playing Resident Evil, begin with one of the major games rather than assuming the movies are representative of the gameplay.
That will give you a much clearer idea of why the franchise became so influential.
What should you buy if you are new to Resident Evil?
Newcomers should choose a Resident Evil game based on whether they prefer classic horror, modern survival horror, action, or first-person gameplay.
A practical buying guide looks like this:
| If you want… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Classic survival horror | Resident Evil / remake |
| Modern survival horror | Resident Evil 2 Remake |
| Action-horror | Resident Evil 4 Remake |
| First-person horror | Resident Evil 7 |
| Horror plus action | Resident Evil Village |
| Franchise history | Original Resident Evil |
| A modernized classic | Resident Evil remake |
If you’re purchasing a physical edition, compare the available platform carefully before buying. Resident Evil titles have appeared across numerous consoles and PC platforms, and individual releases can have different editions.
Amazon shopping option: Search Resident Evil games on Amazon
What are the pros and cons of buying Resident Evil?
The biggest advantage is the variety of experiences available, while the biggest drawback is deciding which version is right for you.
Pros
- Long-running and recognizable franchise
- Excellent horror atmosphere
- Memorable characters
- Strong replayability
- Puzzles and exploration
- Resource-management mechanics
- Multiple gameplay styles
- Numerous modern remakes
- Strong selection for newcomers
- Extensive lore
Cons
- Some older entries feel dated
- Franchise chronology can be confusing
- Gameplay varies considerably
- Some games prioritize action over horror
- Backtracking can frustrate players
- Resource management isn’t for everyone
- Some storylines are intentionally over-the-top
- Not every installment appeals equally to every player
For consumers, the last point is particularly important.
Don’t buy a Resident Evil game solely because it has the Resident Evil name.
Look at the specific game’s style first.
How does Resident Evil compare with other horror games?
Resident Evil stands out because it combines survival mechanics, exploration, combat, puzzles, and long-running franchise storytelling.
Other horror franchises may focus more heavily on psychological horror, stealth, atmosphere, or combat.
Resident Evil frequently combines several of these elements.
The original game’s influence is difficult to overstate. Metacritic’s retrospective describes it as a major title in the development of the survival-horror genre and gives the PlayStation release a 91 Metascore. (Metacritic)
Its influence is also visible in the continuing popularity of remakes and modern survival-horror games.
Final Resident Evil review: Is it worth buying?
Yes, Resident Evil is worth buying if you choose the game that matches your preferred horror style.
Overall, I would recommend the franchise—but not necessarily every Resident Evil game to every player.
For a newcomer, Resident Evil 2 Remake is a particularly sensible starting point because it combines modern presentation with the franchise’s traditional horror identity. If you want something more action-oriented, Resident Evil 4 Remake is a strong alternative. If you want the historical experience, the original Resident Evil remains an important piece of gaming history.
The original game earned a 91 Metascore on Metacritic, illustrating how highly it was regarded when viewed in the context of its era. (Metacritic)
Who is Resident Evil best for?
Horror fans, survival-game fans, players who enjoy puzzles, and anyone interested in influential video-game history should consider it.
What is the biggest reason to buy it?
The combination of atmosphere, exploration, resource management, memorable characters, and constantly evolving gameplay.
When should you skip it?
Skip or reconsider it if you strongly dislike horror, gore, backtracking, limited resources, or games that sometimes expect you to figure things out without extensive guidance.
Where can you buy Resident Evil?
Resident Evil games are available on multiple platforms depending on the specific installment and edition. For physical copies and current availability, check the applicable platform version before purchasing.
Shop Resident Evil games on Amazon
Why is Resident Evil still worth playing?
Because very few major gaming franchises have demonstrated the same ability to reinvent themselves while retaining recognizable horror roots.
The original helped establish survival horror as a mainstream gaming genre, while later entries repeatedly experimented with perspective, pacing, combat, and storytelling. (Metacritic)
How would I rate Resident Evil overall?
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Horror: 5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Gameplay variety: 4.5/5
Story and lore: 4.5/5
Beginner accessibility: 4/5
Replay value: 4.5/5
Franchise consistency: 3.5/5
Final verdict: Resident Evil remains an excellent entertainment franchise for consumers who want horror with exploration, puzzles, combat, and memorable characters. Its biggest weakness is also one of its most interesting characteristics: the games can feel dramatically different from one another. Choose the right entry for your preferences, and Resident Evil can be one of the most rewarding horror franchises to explore.
Affiliate-link note for publishing: I used standard Amazon shopping destinations above rather than inventing your Amazon Associates tracking ID. Before publishing, replace those destinations with your own Amazon Associates URLs so your commissions are correctly attributed.