Begin a sentence with the phrase “iconic horror series,” and tradition dictates that the words “Resident” and “Evil” must follow shortly after.
Having coined the term 'survival horror' during its original Japanese 1996 release, the Resident Evil franchise has spent the years since spawning a slew of games packed with characters who have defined the genre. But out of all of those protagonists, who are IGN’s favourites?
Here are our Top 10...
First playable: Resident Evil Zero (2002)
Billy Coen could’ve easily turned into a villain after being wrongly framed for war crimes he didn’t commit. But, thrust into a situation he was never trained for, nor mentally prepared for, Billy proves time and again he’s an honorable soldier by sticking with Rebecca Chambers – despite the fact she thinks he’s a murderer. He’s the sort of stand-up guy you’d buy a beer for at the pub, and who you’d definitely want on your team during an outbreak.
First playable: Resident Evil 2 (1998)
"Survival is your responsibility," It's one of the only quotes we can attribute to HUNK, the laconic, gas-mask-wearing, ruthless operative we first met in Resident Evil 2, but it epitomises his character. While other members on this list may have more, well, personality, HUNK stands for pure survival and simply getting the job done. He’s probably faced more outbreaks than anyone else, and was often the only survivor. There’s a lot we can learn from the man behind those lifeless red goggles. Actually, he’d probably use you as a human shield given the chance.
First playable: Resident Evil Zero (2002)
Most 18-year-olds would count among their greatest achievements the ability to rap the entirety of Gangsta’s Paradise into a Red Bull can microphone at midnight the evening before an essay is due. Rebecca Chambers, meanwhile, has already graduated college as a prodigy in the fields of chemistry and medicine, earned a coveted position in the elite STARS force, and is knee deep in investigating a series of cannibalistic murders that, spoiler, turn out to be a zombie outbreak. It’s hard to decide what’s more impressive - her list of achievements, or the fact she performs them without a single sip of energy drink.
First playable: Resident Evil 5 "The Mercenaries" Mode (2009)
Barry Burton’s bearded lips are responsible for some of Resident Evil’s creakiest dialogue, like “here’s a lockpick. It might come in handy if you, the master of unlocking, take it with you,” or “I found this weapon. It's really powerful, especially against living things!” He’s a charismatic buffoon with a heart of gold, and out of all the characters you’ll meet playing Resident Evil, he’s the most likeable. Barry’s way with words means there’s never a dull moment when he’s on screen.
First Playable: Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Duplicity is an essential quality of any Resident Evil game. At times, it seems as if everyone is out to screw over one another, and Ada Wong represents that individualism. Over the years she’s worked for the organisation, Umbrella, and other employers, but in reality she’s always working for herself. Resident Evil likes archetypes, with Ada’s fulfilling the role of the classic femme fatale – sexy, smart, and dangerous in equal measure, she’s always a captivating and intriguing presence whenever she shows up. Also, she’s a lot of fun to play – you just don’t get to roundhouse zombies wearing a cocktail dress when playing as Chris or Leon.
First Playable: Resident Evil (1996)
With more appearances in the Resident Evil games than any other character on this list, Chris Redfield is posterboy for the damage a man can inflict with his guns. You’d be forgiven for thinking that by that we mean his biceps; the man is a walking pharmacy of steroids in Resident Evil 5. Before that though Chris was STAR’s sharpest shooter and Jill’s right hand during the Mansion Incident. His skill in combat, concern for the life of innocents, and close bonds with his teammates makes Chris the archetypal hero of the series – a title that he upholds by blasting through Umbrella’s lackeys, one mutated monstrosity at a time... Just don’t ever block his path with a boulder.
First Playable: Resident Evil Code: Veronica in the Battle Game minigame (2000)
What’s the old adage? Never trust a man who wears sunglasses inside. Okay, that’s not a saying, but it’s still sound advice. Albert Wesker is no-good, power-hungry human villain of the Resident Evil universe. Ever since his betrayal towards the end of the original Resident Evil, the name Wesker has been synonymous with treachery. Originally a gifted research at the Umbrella Corporation, Wesker would go on to become an undercover operative, posing as the leader of S.T.A.R.S. and an officer within the Raccoon P.D. Over the last twenty years, he’s become the chief antagonist of the series, faking his own death, manipulating everyone around him, and even infected himself in order to gain superpowers and usher in what he believes to be the next stage in human evolution. Should’ve spotted the sunglasses thing earlier.
First playable: Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Few families strike such fear into rotted zombie hearts like the Redfields, and Claire is no exception. When her brother Chris is MIA she tears Raccoon City apart to look for him, and when the young Sherry Birkin is infected, it’s a hardened Claire who springs into action. But while she’s more than capable of using a cargo conveyor belt to knock a tyrant out of a plane’s landing bay, she balances being a badass with emotional depth. Her close relationships and empathy for those around her make her one of the most human characters in Resident Evil – which for a franchise that’s packed with conniving manipulators like Wesker, conniving killers like Ada, and creatures with spiked, pulsating-flesh-holes instead of faces, is rather welcome indeed.
First playable: Resident Evil (1996)
Jill Valentine survives using her sharp mind, deep pockets, and sheer gumption. This is the Holy Trinity for those who guzzle their communion wine from the barrel of a Beretta, and while she and Chris make a great team, she packs her own advantages for the player. She has two extra inventory slots, is a whizz with a lockpick, and she knows how to work her way out of a Jill Sandwich. Clever and respected by her fellow agents, Jill Valentine is video games’ answer to horror movie’s Final Girl - and has rightfully cemented her place as one of the most well-rounded, capable characters in horror games.
First playable: Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Unlike Chris or Jill, Leon Kennedy wasn't a highly trained S.T.A.R.S. operative. He was a cop, looking to make a difference. He took a job in Raccoon City because he was attracted by the spate of unexplained murders. In fact, there's something a bit John McClaine about Leon, an ordinary guy who becomes extraordinary under adverse circumstances.
He quickly became one of the most capable characters in the series, matching Chris in hand-to-hand combat and being referred to as a genius by Ada. In a world occupied by two-faced maniacs, mercenaries, and mad scientists, Leon is always decent, trustworthy, and composed. Sure a lot of his popularity might stem from the brilliance of Resident Evil 4, but Leon has done enough over the years to warrant sitting at the top of this list. He even made that haircut cool.
Who are your favourite playable characters from the Resident Evil series? Let us know in the comment section below, and for all your info on everything that the Umbrella Corporation is throwing our way, stick with us on IGN.