Since 1995, Resident Evil has been at the zenith of the survival horror game genre. As the years rolled and each new edition was released, new and excitingly terrifying features have been added to the games. However, those well-versed in the series’ early entries will know that some things have also been lost.
One such feature, one that some remember with fondness, though most with a frustrated bemusement, was fixed camera angles. The initial Resident Evil games featured camera angles that were fixed in place, as opposed to following the lead character around. Those that remember this view with fondness might cite the atmospheric benefits and scare factors associated with them. Those who found them frustrating might name the need to change direction buttons every time the camera angle shifts, something especially frustrating on a PC keyboard, as their bone to pick. Still, it was the early Res Evil games that broke ground and became iconic titles, and here is a list of the best games in the series to employ a fixed camera.
7 Resident Evil Outbreak
Resident Evil Outbreak was the first game in the franchise to include an online multiplayer mode for players to indulge in. Originally named, Biohazard Online, this 2007 release allows users to select one of five characters to lead their game.
A spin-off from the main storyline, Outbreak sees players traversing the deadly streets of a post-apocalyptic-like Raccoon City in and around the events of Resident Evil 2. As players endeavor to escape the carnage, they work their way about the city collecting items, solving puzzles, and fighting the ever-present zombies.
6 Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
First developed as a spin-off that takes place at a similar time as Outbreak - in and around the timeline of Resident Evil 2. Originally released in 1999 on the PlayStation and Dreamcast, with later releases on the Nintendo GameCube and PC, Resident Evil 3 has since received an overhaul in the form of a remake that doesn’t include fixed cameras.
Similar to Outbreak, players find themselves running about Raccoon City evading zombies. However, for this escapade, they’re following the singular main character, Jill Valentine, as she avoids the additional nuisance known as Nemesis.
5 Resident Evil
The first in the series and a truly ground-breaking game. When Resident Evil was first released in 1996 on the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, the teeth-shattering terror that this game evoked in a generation was truly surprising given the now-dated graphics.
The original release saw the player choosing one or two characters, Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield, both members of the elite local police unit, S.T.A.R.S. Unique for the time in that both characters' stories would play out in different ways, Resident Evil is responsible for introducing the fixed cameras and now famous zombies.
4 Resident Evil 0
Somewhat of a hidden and forgotten gem – for fans of fixed camera – this 2002 title follows the journey of lead characters Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen as they traverse the events leading up to the original game.
A prequel that was originally released on the GameCube and PlayStation 3 but has seen numerous releases over the years. Resident Evil 0 was the last in the series to feature fixed cameras but the first to feature unique player-changing capabilities which allow users to switch between the characters they controlled.
3 Resident Evil: Code Veronica
While not in the series numerical sequence, Resident Evil: Code Veronica is considered a part of the main storyline. Post-Resident Evil 2 & Resident Evil 3, Code Veronica sees Claire Redfield in search of her brother, Chris. Throughout the game, players occasionally switch between each character and into different settings as they attempt to locate each other.
Released in 2000 on the Dreamcast, a later version titled Code Veronica X dropped on the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. Taking place on an isolated island riddled with zombies and puzzles, CV has one of the more interesting in-game narratives.
2 Resident Evil 2
For its time, Resident Evil 2 is arguably the best game included. While the graphics of the original sequel are massively dated, it still offers players a pleasantly scary experience. Released in 1998 on the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Dreamcast, number two picked up where the first left off, allowing players to choose between two main characters.
Recently receiving a remake, the game introduces for the first time Claire Redfield, who is beginning her search for her brother, and rookie cop, Leon Kennedy as the main roles for players to choose from. Negating the zombie-filled streets of Raccoon City, players must head to the police station, solve a plethora of puzzles and save the day.
1 Resident Evil Remake
While fixed camera angles may be off-putting to many game fans, there is little debate as to the credentials of the 2002 remake of the original Resident Evil. Originally released on the Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 3, this remake has made its way to numerous platforms.
Following the same lead characters, Chris and Jill, as they enter the zombie-infested and puzzle-filled mansion in the middle of the woods, this remake is an entry that currently withstands the test of time. While the graphics may not be perfect, there is no doubt that fans playing this game in a dark room will be appreciating the tension the addition of fixed cameras adds.