Resident Evil
Price: £8.49
"Resident Evil" (known as "Biohazard" in Japan) is the survival horror classic that launched one of the most successful and influential video game franchises of all time. Developed by Capcom, the 1996 release combined cinematic storytelling, puzzle-solving, and nerve-wracking tension into a groundbreaking horror experience.
The story follows members of S.T.A.R.S., an elite police unit sent to investigate a series of gruesome murders on the outskirts of Raccoon City. Trapped inside a mysterious mansion, players must choose between two protagonists — Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine — each with unique abilities and story paths. As the night unfolds, you uncover the terrifying truth behind the Umbrella Corporation and its twisted experiments.
"Resident Evil" introduced a new genre to gaming — survival horror — emphasizing limited resources, inventory management, and atmospheric dread over pure action. The fixed camera angles and pre-rendered backgrounds heightened the tension, making every corner feel like a potential death trap.
Combat is tight and strategic. You’ll encounter zombies, mutant beasts, and bioengineered horrors, but ammunition and healing items are scarce. Every decision matters. Do you fight or flee? Save that herb or use it now? The game’s design forces players to think critically and conserve resources to survive.
Its haunting soundtrack, creaking doors, and eerie silence created a constant sense of vulnerability. The game’s notorious door-loading screens even became part of its tension-building identity.
"Resident Evil" also introduced features that would become staples of the franchise, such as typewriter save points, ink ribbons, and multiple endings based on player choices. It’s a masterclass in mood, pacing, and slow-burn fear that continues to influence horror games decades later.
Whether you're a horror fan or a curious newcomer, the original "Resident Evil" is a must-play. Its legacy lives on in countless remakes and sequels — but nothing quite captures the raw suspense of this terrifying first step into survival horror.