10 Groundbreaking Video Games That Changed Everything
8. Resident Evil
The
original survival horror, Resident Evil has enjoyed decades of praise and
admiration since it was released back in 1996. Since then, the series has
evolved considerable, changing with each successive instalment, becoming
gradually unrecognisable in the process. That said, the first entry in the
franchise was ground-breaking, creating a framework for an entire genre.
In the game, players choose between two playable characters, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine – two special operatives, tasked with investigating a series of unexplained murders. Gameplay is purposely restrictive – movement is uncooperative, and combat is unpredictable – requiring players to manage their resources and ammunition carefully.
Besides that, the game also takes inspiration from traditional adventure games, collecting items and solving puzzles a significant aspect of the experience.
Beside Silent Hill, Resident Evil is easily the most recognisable survival horror franchise in history, influencing everything from Dead Space to Fatal Frame. That said, it wasn’t the very first survival horror ever made, but it might be the most important.