Resident Evil
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Resident Evil (known in Japan as Biohazard (バイオハザード Baiohazādo?)) is a survival horror video game series and media franchise consisting of comic books, novelizations, three Hollywood motion pictures, and a variety of collectibles, including action figures, strategy guides and publications. [1] Developed by Capcom and created by Shinji Mikami, the series has been influenced by George A. Romero's Living Dead films, the original Alone in the Dark series of video games and the Nintendo Entertainment System RPG Sweet Home. The games have sold 34.5 million copies as of February 29, 2008.[2]
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[edit] Game history
The original Resident Evil made its 1996 debut on the PlayStation. It was both a critical and commercial success,[3] leading to the production of two sequels, Resident Evil 2 in 1998 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis in 1999, both for the PlayStation and Dreamcast. A port of Resident Evil 2 was released for the Nintendo 64. In addition, ports of all three were released for Windows. The fourth game in the series, Resident Evil Code: Veronica, was developed for the Sega Dreamcast and released in 2000, followed by ports of 2 and 3. Resident Evil Code: Veronica was later re-released for Dreamcast in updated form as Code: Veronica Complete, which included slight modifications, many of which revolved around the story cutscenes. Code: Veronica Complete was later ported to PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube under the title Code: Veronica X, and received world-wide release unlike the Japan-only release of the enhanced re-release for Dreamcast.
Despite earlier announcements that the next game in the series would be released for the PlayStation 2, which resulted in the creation of an unrelated game titled Devil May Cry, series' creator and producer Shinji Mikami decided to make the series exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube.[citation needed] The next three games in the series: a remake of the original Resident Evil, the prequel Resident Evil Zero and Resident Evil 4, were exclusive to the GameCube, although 4 was later released for PS2, Wii and PC. In addition, the GameCube received ports of the previous Resident Evil sequels. The remake and Resident Evil Zero were both released in 2002. Despite this exclusivity agreement between Capcom and Nintendo, Capcom released several Resident Evil titles for the PS2 that were not considered direct sequels.
A trilogy of GunCon-compatible light gun games known as the Gun Survivor series featured first person gameplay. The first, Resident Evil: Survivor, was released in 2000 for the PlayStation and PC, but received mediocre reviews.[4] The subsequent games, Resident Evil: Survivor 2 Code: Veronica (2001, Arcade/PlayStation 2) and Resident Evil: Dead Aim (2003, PlayStation 2), fared somewhat better.[5] Dead Aim is actually the fourth Gun Survivor game in Japan, with Gun Survivor 3 being the Dino Crisis spinoff Dino Stalker.
Resident Evil Outbreak is an online game for the PS2, released in 2004, depicting a series of episodic storylines in Raccoon City set during the same time period as Resident Evil 2 and 3. It was followed by a sequel, Resident Evil Outbreak: File 2.
Resident Evil Gaiden is an action-adventure game for the Game Boy Color featuring an RPG-style combat system. It was developed by now-defunct British-based M4 Limited. Leon S. Kennedy and Barry Burton feature in the game, and it is notable for its cliffhanger ending that has not yet been explored in later games. There have also been several downloadable mobile games based on the Resident Evil series in Japan. Some of these mobile games have been released in North America and Europe through Capcom Mobile.
[edit] Games
[edit] In other media
In addition to video games, the plot of Resident Evil has also been adapted into officially licensed materials such as films, comic books, and novels.
[edit] Films
There are currently three Resident Evil films, written by Paul W. S. Anderson. Though acclaimed horror film director George A. Romero was hired to write a script for the first film, it was ultimately rejected in favor of one penned by Anderson.[6] As Romero's script was a close, but not full, adaptation of the game, Capcom believed fans would feel that the movie had been altered too much from the game, and that newcomers would dislike the premise.[7] Sony released a revised synopsis that referred to Extinction as "the third and final installment" of the Resident Evil film series.[8] The movies were mostly panned by critics,[9] but reaction from fans were mixed. Some praised the movie for bringing the series to a mainstream audience,[10] while others criticized the fact that it was a confused adaptation of the Resident Evil games[citation needed].
Despite the criticism, the films have been financially successful enough to encourage the approval of a trilogy. Released films are as follows:
Capcom has also created two Biohazard films:
[edit] Novels
The earliest Resident Evil novel was a novella titled Biohazard: The Beginning by Hiroyuki Ariga. It was published in 1997 as a portion of the book The True Story of Biohazard, which was given away as a pre-order bonus with the Saturn version of Biohazard. The story serves as a prelude to the events of the original Resident Evil, in which Chris investigates the disappearance of a missing friend.
S.D. Perry has written novelizations of the first five games, as well as two original novels taking place between games. The Perry series is: The Umbrella Conspiracy, a novelization of the first game; Caliban Cove, an original novel set after the first game; City of the Dead, a novelization of Resident Evil 2; Underworld, another original novel set after Resident Evil 2; Nemesis; Code: Veronica; and Zero Hour. The novels often took liberties with the plot of the games by exploring events occurring outside and beyond the games. This often meant that the games would later contradict the novels by taking the story in a different direction.[citation needed] One notable addition from the novels is the character of Trent, who often served as a mysterious behind-the-scenes string-puller who aided the main characters. Perry's novels were translated and released in Japan with new cover arts by Wolfina.[11] Interestingly enough, Perry's novels stated that Brian Irons was attempting to run for mayor, which was something mentioned in Biohazard: The Beginning.
There was also a trilogy of original Biohazard novels in Japan. Hokkai no Yōjū (北海の妖獣? lit. "The Beast of the Northern Seas") was published in 1998 and was written by Kyū Asakura and the staff of Flagship. Two additional novels were published in 2002, To the Liberty by Suien Kimura and Rose Blank by Tadashi Aizawa. While no official English translation of these novels has been published yet, the last two books were translated into German and published in 2006.
Novelizations of the three films, titled Genesis, Apocalypse, and Extinction were written by Keith R.A. DeCandido. Extinction, the novel, was released in late July of 2007, several months before the film's release. There was also a Japanese novelization of the first film, unrelated to DeCandido's version, written by Osamu Makino.
[edit] Comics
In 1998 Wildstorm began publication of a monthly comic book series based on the first two games titled Resident Evil: The Official Comic Magazine, which lasted five issues. Each issue was a compilation of short stories that were both adaptations of events from the games (alluded and depicted), as well as related side-stories. Like the Perry novels, the comics also explored events occurring beyond Resident Evil 2 (the latest game during the series' publication) and thus were contradicted by later games. Wildstorm also published a four-issue mini-series titled Resident Evil: Fire & Ice, which depicted the ordeal of Charlie Team, a third S.T.A.R.S. team appearing only in the comic.
There has also been a few officially licensed (as well as unlicensed) Biohazard manhua series published in Hong Kong. One of these comics, an adaptation of Code: Veronica by Lee Chung Hing, was translated into English and published by Wildstorm.
[edit] Merchandise
Over the years, various toy companies have acquired the Resident Evil license and each producing their own unique line of Resident Evil action figures or models. These include, but not limited to, Toy Biz, Palisade Toys and Moby Dick (in Japan only). NECA and Hot Toys currently holds a license. Originally the company was only producing figures based on Resident Evil 4, but extended the line to include characters from previous installments. Tokyo Marui also produced replicas of the guns used in the Resident Evil series in the form of gas blow-back airsoft guns. Some models included the S.T.A.R.S. Beretta featured in Resident Evil 3, and the Umbrella Desert Eagle in a limited edition that came with other memorabilia in a wooden case, along with the Gold Lugers from Code: VERONICA "Samurai Edge" from the Gamecube Resident Evil remake. Other merchandise includes an energy drink called "T-Virus Antidote".
[edit] Sourcebooks
Resident Evil Archives (Biohazard Archives) is a reference guide of the Resident Evil series written by staff members of Capcom. It was translated into English and published by BradyGuides. The guide describes and summarizes all of the key events that occur in Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, and Resident Evil Code: Veronica. Along with the main plot analysis, it also contains character relationship charts, artwork, item descriptions and file transcripts for all five games. While one of the few video game-based reference guides that was translated into English, the translation was criticized by fans for inconsistencies with the original Japanese version[citation needed], as well as inconsistencies in the official translations provided by the games themselves[citation needed].
[edit] Critical response
Utilizing heavy horror elements, puzzle solving, and action, most of the games in the main Resident Evil series have been released to positive reviews. Many of the games, notably Resident Evil 4, have been bestowed with multiple Game of the Year honors[12] and frequently placed on lists of the best games ever made.[13] A common criticism of the series is its odd placement of puzzles. When speaking of Code: Veronica, one critic wrote that the game is "still largely a puzzle-driven (as opposed to plot driven) experience."[14] Capcom has been commended, however, for making an attempt to phase out and better integrate the puzzles, with IGN writing that the puzzles of Resident Evil 4 are "not so obscure that they can't be figured out, and indeed many of them are downright clever."[15]
[edit] In other games
Due to Resident Evil's popularity, Capcom has incorporated references to the series and even actual crossovers with the characters in some of their other titles. Other companies, such as SNK Playmore and Namco, have also incorporated references to the series.
- Pocket Fighter (1997) - A super deformed fighting game starring Street Fighter and Darkstalkers characters. In one of her combos, Chun Li is dressed as Jill Valentine in her S.T.A.R.S. outfit. Akuma's ending in the game also featured a scene in which he fights zombies dressed like those from the original Resident Evil.
- Breath of Fire III (1998) - There is an enemy in Caer Xhan that is called "Plant 42".
- Trick'N Snowboarder (1999) - A snowboarding sports game for the Sony PlayStation, featuring Leon, Claire, and a zombie cop from Resident Evil 2 as unlockable characters.
- Dino Crisis (1999) - A survival horror (or "survival panic") game directed by Shinji Mikami, often considered to be a cousin to the Resident Evil series. Umbrella logos are visible on certain crates.
- SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash (1999) - A card game-based video game for the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Card Fighters Clash featured various trading cards based on Capcom and SNK games, including characters cards of Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and a generic zombie from the series, as well as an Action Card called "Escape", which pictured Sherry Birkin fleeing from the mutant G. The mansion from the first game is adapted into a theme part attraction within the game, featuring various references to the series (including two characters named "Chris" and "Mikami"). The sequel (Card Fighters 2: Expand Edition) added two new character cards depicting Chris Redfield and Nemesis. The upcoming Card Fighters DS will feature an Ada Wong card.
- Marvel vs. Capcom 2 (2000) - A popular fighting game that has been ported to several home consoles, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 featured an extensive roster of characters from both Marvel Comics and Capcom. Resident Evil's Jill Valentine was one such character. She is armed with most of the weapons she equips in the original Resident Evil and can summon some of the enemy creatures of the series for special attacks, including the Rocket Launcher and Tyrant respectively.
- Under the Skin (2004) - One level in this sci-fi comedy PlayStation 2 game takes place in a comical parody of Raccoon City, and features several characters from Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, including Jill Valentine and Carlos Oliveira, as well as the Nemesis itself.
- Metal Slug 3 (2001) and Metal Slug 4 (2002) - Each of these games introduced Resident Evil themed levels, with zombies and humans, turning into them, as well as medi-packs, restoring player's status, if turned into zombie.
- Namco x Capcom (2005) - A strategy RPG for the PlayStation 2. Bruce McGivern and Fong Ling from Resident Evil: Dead Aim are featured, among other Capcom and Namco characters.
- Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble (2005)- Contains a level based on the Resident Evil series, featuring music and enemies from the games, and pictures of villains dressed as Jill, Carlos, Claire and Steve in the background.
- Dead Rising (2006) - Another Capcom game involving zombies for the Xbox 360, though it is unrelated to the Resident Evil universe. This game contains several Resident Evil references. The most obvious of these is a sandwich restaurant named Jill's Sandwiches in reference to Barry's infamous line in the original Resident Evil.
[edit] See also
- Resident Evil soundtracks
- Sweet Home – a game from which Resident Evil borrowed many thematic elements. It was released only in Japan in 1989 for the Famicom, but was unofficial translation into English.
- Alone in the Dark - a game from which Resident Evil borrowed many gameplay mechanics.
- Devil May Cry – a game that was originally planned to be Resident Evil 4.
- List of video games featuring zombies
- Genetic engineering in fiction
[edit] References
- ^ "Enter The Survival Horror... A Resident Evil Retrospective," Game Informer 174 (October 2007): 132-133.
- ^ CAPCOM | Press Release [1]. Retrieved March 4, 2008.
- ^ Game Informer calls the "multi-million dollar franchise...Capcom's largest" and refers to "the original Resident Evil" as "one of the most important games of all time." See "Enter The Survival Horror... A Resident Evil Retrospective," Game Informer 174 (October 2007): 132.
- ^ IGN.com. Resident Evil Survivor Review. September 13, 2000. Retrieved January 27, 2006.
- ^ Gamespot.com. Resident Evil: Dead Aim Review. June 16, 2003.
- ^ TNMC Movie News. TNMC Movie News: Resident Evil. May 27, 1999. Retrieved January 27, 2006.
- ^ TNMC Movie News. TNMC Movie News: Resident Evil. November 29, 1999. Retrieved January 27, 2006.
- ^ http://movies.ign.com/articles/751/751224p1.html IGN: An End to Evil?. December 16, 2006. Retrieved January 21, 2007.
- ^ Rottentomatoes.com. Reviews of Resident Evil. Retrieved January 27, 2006.
- ^ IGN Flimforce. Videogame Movies: A Retrospective. October 21, 2005. Retrieved January 27, 2006.
- ^ Snake Heart
- ^ IGN. IGN Presents: The Best of 2005. 2006. Retrieved January 28, 2006.
- ^ Electronic Gaming Monthly. Top 100 Video Games of All Time. Issue 200, page 94. Retrieved January 28, 2006.
- ^ Gamecritics.com. Resident Evil Code: Veronica Review. April 11, 2000. Retrieved January 28, 2006.
- ^ IGN.com. Review of Resident Evil 4. January 7, 2005. Retrieved January 28, 2006.
[edit] External links
- Official Resident Evil website
- Official Biohazard website
- Wikia has a wiki on this subject: Resident Evil
- Raccoon City - Resident Evil Community (German)
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