The 2022 Capcom showcase just dropped a trailer for the Resident Evil 4 Remake that has fans really excited. But, the with eight main games in the series already, as well as a multitude of spin-offs. Capcom had taken full advantage of the series' success and as a result, fans have been graced with so many games, ranging in various levels of quality.
The spin-offs are an interesting batch of games because they often change up genres. Sometimes they embrace a first-person shooter, others embrace a multiplayer game style, or they take a classic formula and put a twist on it. It makes playing through the different spin-offs such a diverse and fascinating experience.
Resident Evil Gaiden (2001)
As strange as it may sound, Capcom managed to bring Resident Evil to the GameBoy Color. Resident Evil Gaiden is far from perfect, but it's impressive that Capcom managed to capture the essence of the franchise in this spin-off.
It's a top-over view with combat against zombies essentially boiling down to quick-time events. Resident Evil Gaiden managed to maintain the puzzle-solving, item collecting, and exploration that the series is famous for. In of making a handheld Resident Evil game, it could have been much worse.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (2011)
The Mercenaries mode has been a staple of the main games so it's not surprising that Capcom attempted to make it a standalone game. Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D puts players in scenarios based on events from Resident Evil 5.
Instead of it just being about killing as many zombies and monsters as quickly as possible, The Mercenaries 3D added new objectives. It was an impressive game for the 3DS and even featured surprisingly stable online co-op, but unfortunately, it was an exclusive for that console. As a result, not many gamers ever got to play it.
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (2009)
There have been many attempts at on-rail Resident Evil spin-offs, and rarely do they work. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles was one that managed to make a decent attempt at it. It actually tells multiple stories, including retellings of Resident Evil 2 and Code Veronica in new ways.
It also provides a new prequel story to Resident Evil 4. Unlike other on-rail Resident Evil games, The Darkside Chronicles keeps a fast pace and keeps the zombies coming to make them somewhat imposing. It's still not the scariest game in the series, but for a fun shooter romp, it's one of many underrated gems on Nintendo Wii.
Resident Evil: Resistance
This game came attached to the Resident Evil 3 remake and it showed a lot of promise. Four players work together to make it out of scenarios seen in the games while another player controls a mastermind. They can choose what zombies and creatures spawn on the map.
It's an interesting twist on the asymmetrical horror game concept but unfortunately, it wasn't the biggest success. With friends, Resident Evil: Resistance is a lot of fun (and even a little humorous) but as a whole, this multiplayer game lacked any variety and dedicated servers. It works as a proof of concept that could be improved with a sequel.
Resident Evil: Dead Aim (2003)
The Resident Evil Survivor spin-offs weren't loved since many agreed that they never felt like part of this franchise. Resident Evil: Dead Aim fixed this by having the first-person combat against the zombies and BOWs but returned to being a memorable zombie survival horror experience.
Now gamers were able to explore a massive ship, collect items, and solve puzzles. Resident Evil: Dead Aim is a healthy blend of Survivor and classic Resident Evil titles. It may not be perfect but it does its best to provide a unique experience in the franchise.
Resident Evil - Code: Veronica (2000)
Despite being a side story, Resident Evil: Code Veronica is rather vital to the series' plot as a whole. It's concurrent with Resident Evil 3 and tells a story that connects to Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. Sadly, Code: Veronica is a game that would end up being overlooked.
It's still a strong survival horror title that keeps the formula of classic Resident Evil games and is one of the best games on the Sega Dreamcast. As a result, Code: Veronica would gain a reputation for being underrated with gamers begging for a remake.
Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)
Originally a 3DS exclusive, Resident Evil: Revelations dialed back on the high-octane action after Resident Evil 6 and tried to bring survival horror back on a handheld. Fans were actually so pleased with this over the main game that Revelations ended up getting remastered for consoles.
It comes closer to being a mix of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5 while fully embracing horror in a way that's almost a precursor to the recent remakes of classic games.
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)
Without the limitations of being a handheld game first, Resident Evil: Revelations 2 took the concept and made it even better. This time, Revelations embraced an episodic form of release, but now gamers can play all episodes in one game with releases on nearly all consoles, including the Nintendo Switch.
Despite the occasional glitch and it being less visually impressive, Revelations 2 was praised for telling a strong story that bridged the gap between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. It also retained the co-op experience of Resident Evil 5 with several iconic characters of the RE franchise, allowing for as many thrills as chills.
Resident Evil: Outbreak - File #2 (2004)
Resident Evil Outbreak was successful enough to warrant a sequel, but rather than improving on the formula, File #2 was essentially more of the same besides some new BOWs. Granted, that means it's more quality content, but the only real change is that the co-op multiplayer was expanded upon and for the better.
Other than that, Resident Evil: Outbreak: File #2 is still the same concept of a group of characters going through scenarios to try and survive. It maintains the characters with unique perks and weapons as well as the heart-pounding tension that continues to rise throughout. It just doesn't quite reach the same level as the first game.
Resident Evil: Outbreak (2003)
Rather than two characters to choose from, Resident Evil: Outbreak gives the player a multitude of characters. Each one has different pros and cons; some come with firearms from the start, others have little to nothing but they have perks that are still helpful. Each character will provide a different experience for the player in of difficulty and how they progress.
Not only does this allow a lot of replay value for Resident Evil: Outbreak but also changes the formula just enough without dwindling what makes Resident Evil so iconic. It is what many hoped Resident Evil Resistance would be and is another game fans hope that Capcom remakes.
