The Resident Evil franchise has proven itself to be one of the most successful survival horror franchises of all time. It’s been interesting to watch the horror series change and grow over the years, plus the ways in which it remains relevant as so many other titles fall into obscurity.
The Resident Evil games are most commonly singled out for their monsters, scares, and intricate story, but the serious games are also able to have a lot of fun with the extra costumes that are available for their characters. Some of these new looks can actually add to the experience, but many are more frightening than Raccoon City’s monsters.
10 Best: Ninja Chris
There have been many ports and re-masters of the original Resident Evil, but the Nintendo DS version, Deadly Silence, actually tries to spice up the formula with some enhanced gameplay elements, new puzzles, and some other fun perks for those that are familiar with the game.
Resident Evil: Deadly Silence indulges in absurd outfits that are so crazy they’re actually good. Chris’ ninja garb is a perfect example. It’s a bizarre sight to see a shinobi mowing down zombies, especially when they’re using guns and making all sorts of noise that would leave most ninjas ashamed.
9 Worst: “The Mexican” Chris
Capcom’s Resident Evil Remake is a phenomenal release and the success of the project is responsible for the trend that Capcom has headed down in terms of remaking all of their classic Resident Evil games. Resident Evil Remake is a sublime experience that improves upon the original in every way, but it also brings with it some truly absurd additional costumes.
One that truly defies logic is Chris Redfield’s “The Mexican” look. It’s pure ‘90s cringe and when he’s dressed like this it wouldn’t be surprising that zombies even pass him over due to the glaring fashion indiscretions.
8 Best: Cheerleader Rebecca
There are plenty of extra costumes in Resident Evil that steer towards fan service and attire that may not be practical, but is visually appealing. The Nintendo DS port of Resident Evil, Deadly Silence, decks Rebecca Chambers out in a Capcom cheerleading outfit, which makes it easy to forget that she’s with law enforcement. This costume was so popular that it would later reappear with Rebecca in Resident Evil 0. However, Deadly Silence’s version is the superior take on the look since it also replaces Rebecca’s knife with pom poms, which is too hilarious to ignore.
7 Worst: Clubbin’ Sheva
The Resident Evil series has experienced its ups and downs over the years and even though the original games are still positively viewed, it’s titles like Resident Evil 5 and 6 that pushed the franchise into jeopardy. Resident Evil 5 features some worthwhile ideas and it’s not a bad co-op experience. The game also introduces overlooked Resident Evil protagonist, Sheva, who also has an amazing, but impractical, alternate outfit. Clubbin’ Sheva highlights that even during a zombie apocalypse it’s important to be comfortable and kick back. It seems especially awkward during the events of the game.
6 Best: Sailor Chris
Resident Evil: Revelations is a strong return to form for the series and it’s one of the scariest recent entries in the series. Revelations touches on many trademarks from the long-running franchise, but it’s set on a ghost ship, which lends itself to some tense, claustrophobic horror. The extra costumes in Revelations embrace the game’s nautical angle and one of Chris’ outfits dresses him up to look like he’s on shore leave or auditioning for Popeye. It’s a look that’s so bizarre that it works.
5 Worst: Nurse Rebecca
Resident Evil 0 is one of the most satisfying entries in terms of the number of unusual costumes that are available. Rebecca Chambers has been relegated to the sidelines for many Resident Evil games, but Resident Evil 0 acts as a showcase of her past and gives her many outfits that are fun Easter eggs for the franchise. Nurse Rebecca looks more like a ballet dancer’s interpretation of a candy striper, but it strangely works. It’s so over the top that it stops being demeaning and Rebecca is almost able to make the heightened look come across as empowering.
4 Best: “Cody” Billy
Resident Evil 0 was a dark horse entry in the series, but audiences have gained a deeper appreciation for it after it was re-mastered and got a wider release beyond the Gamecube. Resident Evil 0 introduces new character, Billy Coen, a death row inmate who becomes an unlikely ally to Rebecca Chambers. One of the most entertaining alternate costumes in the game plays with Billy’s prisoner status. Referred to as the “Cody,” in a reference to the Final Fight character, Billy is dressed like a stereotypical convict. All that’s missing is a ridiculous ball and chain tied around his leg.
3 Worst: Knight Ashley
Resident Evil 4 was a turning point for the franchise and while it helped establish many of the modern traditions that have informed the future games in the series. Ashley Graham is an interesting partner for Leon Kennedy and she’s more of a nuisance to protect than an asset in battle. One of Ashley’s alternate costumes plays into the frustration around the character by putting her in a clunky suit of armor. Aesthetically, it’s bonkers to see this young girl decked out as a knight, but the awkward nature of the outfit actually affects the character’s performance, too.
2 Best: Pirate Jill
Resident Evil has crafted a progressively large story over the years that’s featured many different characters in starring roles. Jill Valentine has turned into a popular lead in the franchise and she’s put back in the spotlight for Resident Evil: Revelations. Revelations features some entertaining costumes that play with the idea that the horror title is set on the water. The best application of this is with the Pirate Jill costume. The new look doesn’t only deck Jill out with a frilly and flamboyant outfit, but she’s even got a parrot on her shoulder to keep her company, too.
1 Worst: Warrior Chris
Resident Evil 5 isn’t the best that the franchise has to offer, but it being ported over to the Nintendo Switch and current gen consoles has helped the controversial entry gain a bit more of an audience. The game feels overly serious at times, but its extra costumes help inject a much-needed sense of levity to the title. Warrior Chris is the most absurd of these choices, which puts Chris in a highly impractical and revealing outfit. However, it’s perfect for those that have always wished that Resident Evil crossed over with Mad Max.