Resident Evil 1-3: My Journey Before RE4!

Hey guys! After countless hours of zombie dodging, puzzle solving, and intense boss battles, I've finally conquered the original Resident Evil trilogy! It's been a wild ride revisiting (or in some cases, experiencing for the first time) these iconic games. Now, I'm super stoked to finally dive into Resident Evil 4, but I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences with the first three games before moving on. Consider this my little love letter (or maybe a slightly terrified diary entry) to the early days of Resident Evil.

Resident Evil 1: The Spencer Mansion Nightmare

Let's kick things off with the game that started it all: Resident Evil (or Resident Evil: Director's Cut, since that's the version I played). Man, this game is a classic for a reason! Stepping into the Spencer Mansion for the first time was genuinely creepy. The fixed camera angles, the limited resources, and those horrifying Crimson Heads – it all contributed to a feeling of constant dread. Seriously, those Crimson Heads… nightmare fuel! I played as Jill Valentine, and her lock-picking skills definitely came in clutch more than a few times. Exploring the mansion, uncovering the Umbrella Corporation's secrets, and trying to survive against hordes of zombies and other monstrous creatures was an unforgettable experience. The puzzles were challenging but satisfying to solve, and the story, while a bit cheesy at times, was incredibly engaging. One of the things that really stood out to me was the atmosphere. The sound design, the lighting, and the overall visual presentation created a truly immersive and terrifying world. Even though the graphics are dated by today's standards, the game's art style and the way it uses shadows and darkness still hold up incredibly well. I think what makes Resident Evil so special is its focus on survival horror. You're not some super-powered action hero; you're just a regular person trapped in a terrifying situation, trying to survive with limited resources. This sense of vulnerability is what makes the game so tense and rewarding. Finding a single bullet feels like a major victory, and every encounter with a zombie is a life-or-death situation. The level design of the Spencer Mansion is also brilliant. It's a complex and interconnected space with secrets hidden around every corner. Exploring the mansion feels like solving a giant puzzle, and the sense of discovery is incredibly rewarding. Overall, Resident Evil is a masterpiece of survival horror. It's a game that has stood the test of time and continues to be a terrifying and enjoyable experience. If you've never played it, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Resident Evil 2: Raccoon City's Undead Outbreak

Next up, we have Resident Evil 2, and wow, what a sequel! Taking the action to the streets of Raccoon City was a brilliant move. The sheer scale of the outbreak was terrifying, and the atmosphere was even more intense than the first game. Playing as both Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, each with their own unique storylines and challenges, added so much replayability. I loved the interconnectedness of their paths and how your actions as one character could affect the other's game. Mr. X… shivers. That relentless Tyrant pursuing you throughout the police station was absolutely terrifying! The sound of his footsteps echoing through the halls still haunts my dreams. The Lickers were also a major threat, and their creepy design and unpredictable movements made every encounter a tense affair. Resident Evil 2 expanded on the gameplay mechanics of the first game while also introducing new elements. The inventory management was still crucial, but the addition of weapon upgrades and different ammo types added a new layer of strategy. The puzzles were also more complex and varied, requiring you to think outside the box to solve them. I was particularly impressed with the story in Resident Evil 2. It delved deeper into the Umbrella Corporation's conspiracies and introduced memorable characters like Ada Wong and Sherry Birkin. The emotional stakes were higher, and the game explored themes of loss, survival, and the human cost of corporate greed. The atmosphere of Resident Evil 2 is what truly sets it apart. Raccoon City feels like a city in the midst of complete chaos, and the game does an excellent job of conveying the sense of desperation and hopelessness. The streets are littered with debris and corpses, and the constant threat of zombies and other creatures lurking around every corner keeps you on edge. The police station, with its dark corridors and blood-stained walls, is a particularly terrifying location. Overall, Resident Evil 2 is a fantastic sequel that improves upon the original in almost every way. It's a must-play for any fan of survival horror. The intense action, the compelling story, and the terrifying atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis – The Ultimate Stalker

Then came Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, and let me tell you, Nemesis lived up to his name! Having that relentless bio-weapon constantly hunting you down was incredibly stressful (in the best way possible, of course!). The feeling of being pursued and never truly safe added a whole new level of tension to the game. Running away and strategically using the environment to your advantage became essential for survival. Jill Valentine's return was awesome, and her story in Raccoon City during its final hours was gripping. The addition of the dodge mechanic was a welcome change, allowing for more dynamic combat encounters. Making choices that affected the story's progression was also a cool feature that added to the replayability. Resident Evil 3 took the action-oriented elements of the series and ramped them up while still retaining the core survival horror mechanics. The game felt more fast-paced and intense than its predecessors, and the focus on combat was more pronounced. However, the resource scarcity and the ever-present threat of Nemesis kept the tension high. The environments in Resident Evil 3 are more diverse than those in the previous games, ranging from the streets of Raccoon City to a hospital and a clock tower. Each location is meticulously designed and filled with secrets and dangers. The game also features a number of challenging puzzles that require you to use your wits to solve them. One of the things that I appreciated about Resident Evil 3 is its story. The game does an excellent job of showing the chaos and destruction that Nemesis brings to Raccoon City. Jill Valentine is a strong and capable protagonist, and her determination to survive in the face of overwhelming odds is inspiring. The supporting characters are also well-developed, and their interactions with Jill add depth to the story. Overall, Resident Evil 3 is a fantastic entry in the series. It's a fast-paced, action-packed game that still manages to deliver a strong dose of survival horror. Nemesis is one of the most iconic villains in video game history, and his relentless pursuit of Jill Valentine makes for a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts Before Resident Evil 4

Playing through the original Resident Evil trilogy has been an amazing journey. Each game brought something unique to the table, and they all contributed to shaping the survival horror genre as we know it. I've gained a newfound appreciation for the series' roots and can't wait to see how Resident Evil 4 builds upon them. The evolution of the gameplay, the storytelling, and the overall atmosphere across these three games is truly remarkable. From the claustrophobic hallways of the Spencer Mansion to the zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City, each location is memorable and terrifying in its own way. Now, it's time to experience what many consider to be a masterpiece in the series. Resident Evil 4, here I come! I'm both excited and a little nervous about what awaits me. But hey, that's the beauty of Resident Evil, right? Wish me luck, guys! I have a feeling I'm going to need it. I'll be sure to share my thoughts on Resident Evil 4 once I've had a chance to play it. Until then, stay safe and avoid any suspicious-looking mansions... or umbrella corporations! What are your favorite memories from the original Resident Evil trilogy? Let me know in the comments below!