What better way to start The Best of Gaming Horror than to look back at the game that popularized the concept of “survival horror”.
Since its release back in 1996, Resident Evil has become one of the most iconic games while setting the standards of the genre. Resident Evil was the brain child of video game designer Shinji Mikiami, who was inspired by the game Sweet Home and the works of horror film icon, George A. Romero.
Its story alone is one of the most memorable ones, but here is a summery for the three noobs who don’t know it. In response to a series of bizarre murders that have occurred on the outskirts of Raccoon City, S.T.A.R.S (a special unite of the Raccoon Police Department) have been assigned to investigate the murders. During the investigation, the team is attacked by a pack of Cerberus (zombie dogs) and are forced to take refuge in a mansion. From this point is when the real nightmare begins as they uncover the secrets of the Umbrella Corporation.
Despite the little joke in the preview, yes Resident Evil can be analyzed as a modern retelling of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. They both focus on the moral implications of unchecked scientific research and progression; especially the subject of playing god. The only difference is Dr. Victor Frankenstein research was to help humanity while the Umbrella Corporation was focused on weaponizing its research.
But besides the obvious similarities between Frankenstein; one can not overlook the games attempt of using a zombie outbreak as a reflection of social issues. Similar to how Romero attempted to display the evils of racism and war in Dawn of the Dead, Resident Evil is a reflection of corporate greed, the lack of moral fiber regarding pharmaceutical companies, and political corruption that is more relent today.
Yet one thing Resident Evil has received little credit for is avoiding the stereotypical gender roles that are common in both video games and horror films. The obvious is how the characters of Jill Valentine and Rebecca Chambers have not had their personality or visual appearance sexualized. Nor has their role been marginalized into “the useless chick” but their character are made to be an actually heroine.
Like Romero; Resident Evil has continued to influence both gaming and horror years after its release. It has grown to become one of the biggest gaming franchises while setting new standards as gaming progresses. For any horror fan or gamer; it’s a real shame to have missed out on this classic.
For more Resident Evil, checkout these sites of interest:
* The Resident Evil wiki – The source for all you Resident Evil info
* Resident Evil (PlayStation) for sale on eBay
* Resident Evil (Game Cube remake) for sale on eBay
* Resident Evil by George A. Romero – The original screenplay written by Romero
