10 Scariest Resident Evil Moments
When something has to be mentioned about horror videogames one of the first names that is brought up to the conversation (if not the first one) is Resident Evil.
With almost three decades of ongoing running, and with no signs of stopping any time soon, the franchise has reached the highest peaks in horror gaming; as well as the lowest points.
Allow me to walk you through the scariest moments in the, not scariest, but undoubtedly, most influential franchise in all of horror.
Welcome To The Village - Resident Evil 4 / Resident Evil 4: Remake
In terms of innovative gameplay, influence and legacy there is no better game in all of Resident Evil than its fourth main entry (at least numbered). This title can still be found in lists of greatest videogames of all time ranking high up. Not only that, players around the world still find previously unknown and hidden details almost two decades after it was released. Why is it still so popular and replayable?
Capcom has never been afraid of reinventing its formula. In Resident Evil 4, leaning towards the action (while keeping horror elements in less measure than previous entries) gave Capcom the 2005 Game Of The Year and reinvented Survival Horror (and doomed it at the same time). This blending of approaches and characteristics is what makes The Village the most iconic part of the game. No matter how much Leon has changed since his rookie days, one still feels powerless and overwhelmed by the dwellers throwing axes, using pitchforks, wielding chainsaws and setting cops on fire.
OG depiction of The Village in 2005.
The 2023 remake does a great job keeping the tension while changing the gameplay and renewing the looks.
Meeting Lisa Trevor - Resident Evil: Remake
The recent remakes have solidified Resident Evil's place as the most iconic franchise in horror. They have also attracted a new generation of players; in addition, assiduous gamers saw their favorite franchise rise up again in all its glory. However, this trending of remakes have placed the classics off the main line.
Just ask players for the best remake in the franchise (five in total) and assured is that the most frequent names would wind up being either Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 4. Both entries are truly great games. Nonetheless, the best remake Capcom has ever created is the reimagination of its first game. This title, from 2002, was so ahead of its time that up to the present time it looks gorgeous.
With terrifying and tense moments galore, the one that ends up conquering is the introduction of Lisa Trevor. Throughout different games, Capcom has shown that when the time to craft and build the scares is taken, the results turn out to be ominous. Everything from Lisa's disturbing and saddening backstory to the setting, the soundtrack and the pacing is second to none. The scariest moment in the greatest Survival Horror game of all time.
Getting The Arm - Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Aforementioned you can find the statement in which I mention that Capcom has never been afraid of changing its formula for Resident Evil games. Welll, here they changed everything, almost starting from scratch, but they were rather afraid. The seventh installment was risky. If they missed with this one, the franchise would be done and gone.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard does not really feel like a Ressy game; I dare to say that even the awful and all over the place Resident Evil 6 feels more familiar. In spite of this, the entry was a welcomed return to form in terms of horror. The franchise was scary again
All of the Baker's estate section makes up for one of the finest exemplifications of horror in recent times. Plenty of moments could have gotten a word here; Jack's appearances and chase sequences, Mia going insane or Marguerite disgusting encounters. However, obtaining the arm for the serum is the scariest moment in the game. We get to behold glimpses of Evelyn, to go through rooms that could have fit perfectly in any Silent Hill game or to face the distinctive molded enemies (which are way scarier during this section). Generally speaking, the ambience is dull, gloomy and appalling and the whole sequence, though short, provides uneasiness.
Nemesis Breaking Into The RPD - Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Before Resident Evil 4, the third numbered entry was the closest thing to a perfect blending betwixt action and horror in a game. Resident Evil 3 was not supposed to be a main numbered entry for the franchise (at least not by the developers); it ended up being it due to some financial and administrative issues among Capcom and some game companies.
In addition to these problems, there were numerous flaws in this title that would not have been to the liking of the community; one of them was extremely obvious: the replayability. This third effort was as short as previous games but lacked the replayable component. There were no multiple campaigns and the main one was too short. Once the game was released to the public, most gamers forgot about this aspect. Why? Well, because Capcom created the most iconic and relentless villain in the franchise: Nemesis.
What makes this ephemeral game (regarding the running time) a tremendously thrilling and exciting experience is its colossal villain. The randomized pattern of appearances in the game manages to catch you off-guard in most occasions. On top of that, besides its introduction, its scariest and most alarming emergence is this jumpscare. Resident Evil games do not lean heavily on jumpscares to induce fear (cough, cough, Outlast), but they certainly know how to use them properly. This one right here is the scariest in all the franchise.
Catching Rachael Ooze - Resident Evil Revelations
Before Resident Evil 7 was a triumphant emergence from the blink of extinction for the franchise, the Revelations series showcased glimpses of the formula that made Resident Evil the best valued horror franchise that it was back then in a moment of uncertainty and misguidence.
The first installment in that series was meant to serve as a template for further experimentation and change that the franchise needed; it was a spin-off after all. The results exceeded any expectations one could have in regard to the series' quality at the time (prior and post Resident Evil 6). Revelations was a solid action game with an eerie setting and a handful of very well-made enemies and scares. Most people would state Coms Officer as the scariest part of the game; it might be without a shade of doubt. Nonetheless, I find the desing of Rachael Ooze, her moves, mechanics, voice and peeks of humanity a little more intimidating.
Dadda! - Resident Evil Village
Despite being rooted in horror, Resident Evil has been primarly known for the action present in most of its titles. Sometimes it can be found in great measure (Resident Evil 4, 5 and 6) or in a small portion (Resident Evil, Resident Evil: Remake). Do not let that fool you, when Capcom wants to get scary, it delievers.
Resident Evil 7 was a return to form that revived the franchise; in spite of it, Capcom received some negative comments and feedback because some people deemed it as too scary. Taking that into account, it was decided that the next main entry, Resident Evil Village, would be less scary without compromising the thrills.
We got what we were promised; the game was more based on the action that some aforementioned games make popular. Notwithstanding this fact, one can find what might be considered the scariest part in the modern era of the franchise. House Beneviento was a frightening setting, but the build up to the introduction of Ethan's baby was terror at its most ominous. Unfortunately, it losses all its power during the second run. If it were not a scripted section as it is, it would be the scariest sequence in all of gaming. P.T. (which undoubtedly influenced it) is grateful for that.
Loading Screen - Resident Evil 2
Provided that there is something truly distinctive and iconic from the classic tank control era of Resident Evil (besides the fixed camera angles) is the loading screens (although they were not pioneered by the franchise). Not only were these transitions using doors or stairs the way in which the game had the opportunity to load the scenarios and details for the area that was going to be examined and played, but also a swift break in order to be prepared for what was to come.
By this point, we had played a whole game and an eighth part of a second one witnessing these loading screen transitions come and go without any inconvenience (perhaps some transitions were slowed down on purpose to provide some intimidation or forecasting a not very pleasant occurrence). Nothing abnormal whatsoever. Be that as it may, one of these rapid sequences in Resident Evil 2 had a little suprise. A jumpscare could be found within one of them. Quick, unexpected and simple, but there is no player that saw something like this coming taking into account the aforementioned context.
Succeeding the discussed event, no other transition did something like this, but the damage was done. In the subsequent five entries that still made use of these chops, people were expecting a happening that never took place again: a jumpscare within a freaking loading screen.
Private Residence - Resident Evil: Code Veronica
Nowadays, Resident Evil: Code Veronica has been fairly divisive for the Ressy community. Some people argue the title is not an important game in the main picture and does not fullfill the requirements to be in the same league as the holy trinity of classic games (RE 1, 2 and 3). Conversely, a handful state that it is the best tank control game in the series and is the entry that needs a remake the most (this was discussed even before the remake of Resident Evil 4).
Being totally honest, I am of the latter. It is my favorite Resident Evil game and it is a a joy to behold. The game is gorgeous and is, alongside Resident Evil 2, one of the few times the franchise took the story seriously and delievered something decent regarding the writing. To put it plainly, it is the true Resident Evil 3 and was a shame it was relegated to a second term for not having a number on the cover.
With that being said it is imperative to mention that the game is not really scary per se; the soundtrack is top notch, the ambience and settings are beautiful and a very old-fashioned and avant-garde vibe permeate the game up to the Antarctica section. However, The Private Residence was a scary piece for all the previously alluded aspects. I mean, who can ignore a giant blood covered suspended in the middle of a dim mansion with one of the creepiest pieces of music playing in the background?
Escaping From Chief Irons - Resident Evil 2: Remake
The single best-selling game in the series offers plenty of obscure and spine-chilling moments. Graphically, it might be the best Resident Evil game to date (even more than the latest remake, Resident Evil 4). For all these reasons it tends to be considered the best game in the franchise. I would not argue for a very valid point, except that Resident Evil: Remake, Resident Evil: Code Veronica, Resident Evil 4 and 4: Remake, and the OG Resident Evil 2 exist.
Often brought up for the Mr. X chase sequences or the boss fights with William Birkin, countless gamers seem to forget equally scary moments that might be underrated. My personal favorite is having the control of Sherry Birkin and making the escape from orphanage. Resident Evil is at the peak of its powers here without necessarily featuring any bio-weapon or monster other than Chief Irons, a very derranged human being. The entry in which a kid pleads their mom for help, or a young adult mentions the melted off face of one of their mates, all while hiding and running from a man, whose height is twofold Sherry's, willing to catch her and kill her creates the scariest part in the game.
Why Don't You Die? - Resident Evil 4 / Resident Evil 4: Remake
The only element and characteristic off Resident Evil 4 that I have not mentioned previously is that it is unforeseeable. The first encounters with The Merchant and the shooting gallery during The Village and The Castle are a very welcomed hiatus from all the action-packed and horrifying situations dealt with at that particular moment. On the other hand, The Island, despite having the U3 and Krauser confrontations, is the least appealing section of the game due to the fact that here the game goes off the rails and the action floods all over.
In hindsight might as well be stated that this part is the least frightening one. Of course, as I mentioned at the beginning, the game is full of unexpected pieces. The scariest sequence occurs here, in the midst of all the war and chaos. Regeneradores and Iron Maidens will always rank high in the list of most fearsome creatures in the franchise. I will address the first because I consider them more iconic and their introduction more fear-inducing.
Both depictions, the original and the remake's, occupy the spot because, despite presenting the same being, each one has its merits; the original is more scary and disgusting, but the one in the remake looks stronger and is capable of running. Resident Evil 4 introduced the world to the Survival Action-horror, but here it was pure and raw Survival Horror.
Face of a Regenerador in the original Resident Evil 4.
First encounter with a Regenerador in the 2023's superb remake.
Bonus: Regis Licker - Resident Evil: Outbreak
It was truly disheartening having to narrow the list down to ten spots; nevertheless, I want to acknowledge this particular sequence in one of the most overlooked games in the franchise.
The concept in which Resident Evil: Outbreak was based upon is not different to Resident Evil 2 or 3's. The execution and characters is what makes it a total dissimilar experience. We are in control of characters that most people could relate to; not really prepared or trained to face a conflict like this one.
The gameplay and online features are to be discussed in another occasion, but highlighted must be the introduction of the Regis Licker (a.k.a. Suspended Licker). The abrupt and alarming cinematic, its appearance, the sounds it produces or the way it uses its tongue as means of hurting and killing make up for a moment that simply could not go as a honorable mention.
Honorable Mentions:
-Revenants - Resident Evil Revelations 2
-Mayday! - Resident Evil Revelations
-Dogs from the windows - Resident Evil
-Nosferatu - Resident Evil: Code Veronica
-Mr. X at the RPD - Resident Evil 2: Remake
-The hospital - Resident Evil 3: Remake
-Meeting the Licker - Resident Evil 2
-Bugging Marguerite - Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
-Verdugo - Resident Evil 4
-Swimming with crocodiles - Resident Evil 5
-Stop! - Resident Evil Village: Shadows of Rose (DLC)
-The Keeper's Diary - Resident Evil
-First encounter with a Crimson Head - Resident Evil: Remake
