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Resident Evil

Resident Evil Game Cover
89%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphics
Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization
89% User Score Based on 960 reviews

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PCPlaystation 5Playstation 4WindowsPlayStation
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Resident Evil Game Cover

About Resident Evil

Resident Evil is a single player action adventure game with a horror theme. It was developed by CAPCOM Co., Ltd. and was released on January 20, 2015. It received positive reviews from players.

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Reviews

89%Audience ScoreBased on 960 reviews
gameplay16 positive mentions
grinding2 negative mentions
  • Defines the survival horror genre with tense atmosphere, resource management, and puzzle-solving.
  • Strong nostalgic charm with iconic cheesy voice acting, classic tank controls, and memorable mansion setting.
  • The Steam version includes modern improvements like skipping door animations and better graphics compatibility while preserving original content.
  • Tank controls and fixed camera angles can be difficult or frustrating for newcomers.
  • Original voice acting and dialogue are often considered awkward or laughable.
  • The Steam release suffers from DRM issues, lack of Steam features (no achievements, no cloud saves, no overlay), and limited platform support (not working out-of-box on Steam Deck).

  • gameplay

    69 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    23% positive mentions, 73% neutral mentions, 4% negative mentions

    The gameplay of this classic survival horror title is characterized by its tank controls, fixed-camera angles, puzzle-solving, and resource management, which may feel outdated and initially challenging but are integral to its tense and methodical pacing. While modern players might find mechanics cumbersome, the gameplay's design is highly praised for its compact level design, engaging exploration, and foundational influence on the genre. Quality-of-life improvements and added content in remakes enhance accessibility without sacrificing the original charm, making it a rewarding experience once players adapt.

    • “In terms of content, they really did improve the overall gameplay, quality of life features and added a significant amount of new content for the remake, but that doesn't take away the greatness of what this game has to offer.”
    • “The gameplay basics of exploring the mansion, solving puzzles, finding key items, and encountering the undead are all there.”
    • “Tank controls took getting used to but the gameplay still holds up and was really fun once I got used to them.”
    • “Outdated and terrible gameplay mechanic, there is little to no clue. I got stuck many times and gave up halfway through the story as I kept watching someone else for guidance, making me lose interest. Lacks Steam overlay, achievements, or even basic in-game options. You’re better off getting the other version or skipping this entirely in my opinion.”
    • “The graphics were incredibly outdated, the voice acting was laughably bad, and the gameplay was very outdated, basic, and clunky.”
    • “The gameplay is nothing special as it's 30 years old and outdated as fudge, but being on Steam and GOG there are a few new features such as 360 tank controls rather than old d-pad controls which suck.”

  • graphics

    55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    18% positive mentions, 71% neutral mentions, 11% negative mentions

    The graphics of this classic game are widely regarded as dated and rough by modern standards, featuring pixelated pre-rendered backgrounds and PS1-era visuals that evoke nostalgia and atmosphere. While some appreciate the original charm and eerie aesthetic, many recommend community mods or graphical overhauls to enhance the experience. Despite their limitations, the visuals are considered fitting for the game's tone and era, though newcomers may find them less appealing without upgrades.

    • “With state of the art graphics, and an incredible cast of actors, this follow up to Requiem is definitely going to leave behind a legacy of tears and laughter for all ages to come!”
    • “The PC version can be heavily upgraded using Classic Rebirth and HD texture mods created by the community, improving compatibility, visuals, controls, and overall presentation while keeping the original atmosphere intact.”
    • “As for the graphics, they're not that bad at all, in fact I really liked the creaky wooden floors, the stained carpets and the gloomy forest you can almost see through the static tinted windows, the many paintings (that must have seen horrors beyond Resident Evil) scattered around the premises really adding to the feeling as if you're in some huge mysterious mansion.”
    • “The graphics were incredibly outdated, the voice acting was laughably bad, and the gameplay was very outdated, basic and clunky.”
    • “- Bare minimum port work; graphics settings and all are handled through a launcher, no attempt was made to smooth out the model quality or upscale the 2D artwork.”
    • “Graphics are too old and pixelated even when set to 4K, the resolution looks the same.”

  • story

    49 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    31% positive mentions, 63% neutral mentions, 6% negative mentions

    The story is simple and classic horror-themed, featuring memorable characters, intriguing plot twists, and a dual-perspective narrative that enhances replayability. While the voice acting is often seen as cheesy and dialogue unnatural, the atmospheric tension and environmental storytelling make the experience engaging and iconic. Despite some outdated mechanics and basic storytelling by modern standards, the narrative remains a defining and nostalgic pillar of the game’s legacy.

    • “The main cast and story are unforgettable!”
    • “The story is very intriguing and has a few plot twists along the way, which is surprising for the year that it was released, despite the "iconic" voice-acting.”
    • “Even for a game dating way back to 1996 this game had scenario exclusives and told 2 sides to the same story which makes it interesting and replayable.”
    • “Story was worse on Jill's for this one; won't say why because spoilers, but it isn't canon in this one.”
    • “The story is... there, kinda off in the background with not much focus, I'd say.”
    • “Outdated and terrible gameplay mechanic, there is little to no clue; I got stuck many times and gave up halfway through the story as I kept watching someone else for guidance, making me lose interest. Lacks Steam overlay and achievements or even basic in-game options... you better off getting the other version or skip this entirely, in my opinion.”

  • atmosphere

    47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    40% positive mentions, 54% neutral mentions, 6% negative mentions

    The atmosphere of Resident Evil (1996) is widely praised as its strongest and most enduring element, combining eerie silence, iconic soundtrack, detailed pre-rendered backgrounds, and tense environmental sounds to create a uniquely creepy and immersive experience. Despite dated graphics and cheesy voice acting, the game's distinctive blend of horror, mystery, and 90s campiness continues to captivate players, making it a timeless classic in survival horror.

    • “The fixed camera angles, the eerie silence, the unforgettable soundtrack, the cheesy yet charming voice acting, and those iconic door loading animations all create an atmosphere that sticks throughout the game.”
    • “A gem that, thanks to its incredible atmosphere and level design, still holds up today, 30 years later.”
    • “In the end, Resident Evil (1996) is more than just a starting point for a long-running series—it is a masterclass in atmosphere and design.”
    • “Some could even argue that this game is scarier than the remake because of the terrible graphics and eerie atmosphere.”
    • “The dead silence in some areas added to the dreadful atmosphere the game tries to swallow you with.”
    • “The graphics are, understandably, dated and rough by modern standards, but the atmosphere remains strong.”

  • music

    47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    38% positive mentions, 56% neutral mentions, 6% negative mentions

    The game's original soundtrack is widely praised for its eerie, oppressive atmosphere that heightens tension and dread, with iconic themes for the mansion, safe rooms, and jump scares. Many appreciate how the music, ambient sounds, and strategic silence together amplify the horror experience, although some versions suffer from audio glitches or compressed tracks. Overall, the soundtrack remains a defining and beloved element that strongly supports the game's suspense and nostalgic charm.

    • “From the mysterious mansion themes to the relaxing save rooms, every piece of music perfectly supports the atmosphere.”
    • “The fixed camera angles, the eerie silence, the unforgettable soundtrack, the cheesy yet charming voice acting, and those iconic door loading animations all create an atmosphere that sticks throughout the game.”
    • “The background music is excellent and greatly enhances the overall tension and immersion.”
    • “(Although I will say, the added DRM is disgusting and the BGM is horribly compressed from previous PC ports. The original wasn't like this and makes a lot of the music tracks incredibly grating.)”
    • “Music has a gap in the loop and sometimes doesn't even play.”
    • “Often when music and dialogue was happening, there was a muffled static sound like it was playing from an old record player.”

  • humor

    27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The humor in the game is largely characterized by its unintentionally funny and dated voice acting, cheesy dialogue, and over-the-top live-action scenes, which many players find charming and add a unique comedic flavor to the otherwise scary atmosphere. Fans appreciate the game's campy, B-movie vibe, including iconic moments like the "Jill sandwich," resulting in a blend of horror and humor that feels nostalgic and entertaining despite technical flaws.

    • “The voice acting features some unintentionally humorous moments, which add a certain charm to the experience.”
    • “In terms of presentation, the live-action sequences are hilarious in a B-movie kind of way, while the voice acting is legendary for how hammy it is.”
    • “Experiencing 'Jill sandwich' and this cheesy voice acting definitely added a funny flavor to the spooky atmosphere of the mansion.”

  • replayability

    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    31% positive mentions, 50% neutral mentions, 19% negative mentions

    The game offers solid replayability primarily through its two playable characters, Chris and Jill, each with unique interactions and endings that enrich the experience. While the variety may be limited compared to remakes, fans appreciate its multiple scenarios and story perspectives, making it an enduring and enjoyable classic with lasting appeal.

    • “It's tense, mentally somewhat taxing and endlessly replayable, highly recommend it!”
    • “Even for a game dating way back to 1996 this game had scenario exclusives and told 2 sides to the same story which makes it interesting and replayable.”
    • “The game offers some replayability thanks to being able to play as Chris and Jill.”
    • “-less replay value.”
    • “So there's some replayability if you're into like 100% games but from what I understand, the things you have to do to get each ending... I wouldn't say you're missing out too much if you don't bother replaying to get them but that's up to you.”
    • “There is replay value here, but like I said the remake is better in every single way.”

  • optimization

    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    36% positive mentions, 43% neutral mentions, 21% negative mentions

    Optimization for the game is mixed: while it generally runs smoothly and better than emulation on original hardware, the inclusion of Enigma DRM causes performance drops, stuttering, and compatibility issues for some users, even on high-end systems. The release lacks special platform support (e.g., Steam features) and can negatively affect controller compatibility and frame rates. Overall, optimization feels unpolished, with performance varying significantly between users.

    • “It runs smoothly and looks better than it ever did on original hardware or emulation, while keeping the exact same oppressive mood.”
    • “The game runs smoothly and way better than the emulator I was using — I didn’t expect it to!”
    • “I haven't had any performance issues myself across all 3 ports, but I know things can vary between people, so keep it in mind.”
    • “Prevents modding, cheat engine, and reduces performance by up to 10-15 fps with stutters.”
    • “Enigma DRM can cause performance issues to the point where the game can be unplayable with very low frame rates even if you have top-of-the-line hardware.”
    • “It tanks performance, makes the game larger, and messes with support for certain controllers.”

  • stability

    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    50% positive mentions, 17% neutral mentions, 33% negative mentions

    The game runs smoothly with no bugs or glitches reported, providing a stable experience across platforms. While it generally works well out of the box, some users on Linux may need minor troubleshooting to optimize performance. Overall, stability is solid and reliable.

    • “No bugs, no glitches.”
    • “No issues, launches and runs great.”
    • “Runs great, looks pretty great as well, and the controls worked right out of the gate.”
    • “First of all, I'm playing this on Linux, and like many games, this one requires some troubleshooting to fix stability issues.”

  • emotional

    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    Users find the game emotionally impactful, evoking nostalgia and a deep connection similar to iconic classics like Half-Life. The experience is described as touching and immersive, successfully transporting players to a different era while rekindling strong attachments to the story and setting.

    • “It made me feel like I time travelled back in history, into an era where perhaps, everything was better.”
    • “I've played 90s games before, this isn't my first time playing a game that got released way before I was born, but there are only two games that have made me feel such a way, the other one being the original Half-Life.”
    • “No other game has the emotional attachment for me that Resident Evil does... and now it's time to relive the horrors of Spencer Mansion all over again, but finally on Steam!”

  • grinding

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    Users find the grinding aspect tedious rather than challenging, particularly due to limited inventory space. They also express frustration over the lack of SteamOS compatibility and cloud saves on Steam, which could alleviate some of the repetitive inconvenience.

  • monetization

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    Users criticize the monetization of the game, feeling it is overly focused on cash grabs and repetitive pricing strategies.

    • “Director's Cut and achievements, come on, cut it out. You've cash-grabbed enough already.”
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Play Times

2h Median play time
2h Average play time
3h Main story
19h Completionist
2-2h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Resident Evil is a action adventure game with horror theme. Common tags for Resident Evil include mature.

Resident Evil is available on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows and others.

The main story can be completed in around 3 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 19 hours to finish. On average players spend around 2 hours playing Resident Evil.

Resident Evil was released on January 20, 2015.

Resident Evil was developed by CAPCOM Co., Ltd..

Resident Evil has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked Resident Evil for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Resident Evil is a single player game.

Similar games include Resident Evil 3 Nemesis (1999), Dino Crisis, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 2, System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster and others.