8. The Reveal of Lisa - Resident Evil (2001)
Many, myself included, consider the 2001 Gamecube remake of the original
Resident Evil to be the best entry in the franchise. It took the creepy mansion setting of the first, got rid of nearly all the cheese, and ratcheted up the scare factor, all while giving it a fantastic new look. Not content with just remaking, however, Capcom also added new areas, game elements, and storylines to tie it more closely with the sequels. One such storyline was about Lisa Trevor, daughter of George Trevor, the architect of the Spencer Mansion. Taken from her family and forced to undergo horrible experiments by Umbrella, she was eventually transformed into a hideous, near indestructible monster. Umbrella thought her dead, but as the mansion incident begins, she still lurks among the underground catacombs. The inclusion of Lisa is one of many elements that make the 2001 remake such an unnerving experience. Before ever meeting her, you hear her moans of sadness beneath the mansion. Notes detailing her origin are scattered throughout, adding to the mystery. Only once you finally venture outside the mansion do you finally actually get to meet her. Emerging inside a decrepit cabin, Jill/Chris is knocked out my a mysterious entity. Upon waking up, you see what can only be described as a lanky humanoid in chains. Suffice to say, running away is the ideal choice. Many elements come together to make Lisa one of the most disturbing creatures in the series. She is not revealed until far into the game; built up over time. You know she's around, you just don't know where, making her eventual reveal the unforgettable moment it is. Her design is also perfect in that she is distinctly human, but is also deformed to the point where you aren't even sure what you are looking at. But the most disturbing aspect to her character is her tragic background. She was just an innocent littler girl, but the greed and lust for power of others turned her into an invincible abomination who still retains the mind of a child crying out for her mother. As a result, you pity it as much as you fear it. The reveal of poor Lisa Trevor is undoubtedly one of the franchise's most unsettling and unforgettable moments.