“Resident Evil” (1996) is a survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom. It is the first installment in the long-running “Resident Evil” series, also known as “Biohazard” in Japan. The game is credited with popularizing the survival horror genre and introducing many elements that would become hallmarks of the series.
In “Resident Evil,” players take on the role of either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, members of the elite special forces team known as S.T.A.R.S. They are sent to investigate mysterious and gruesome murders in the fictional Raccoon City. Upon arriving at the eerie mansion known as the Spencer Mansion, they discover that it is infested with hordes of zombies and other horrifying creatures. The players must explore the mansion, solve puzzles, find items, and engage in combat to survive and uncover the dark secrets behind the outbreak.
Resident Evil (1996) Facts
- “Resident Evil” was originally conceived as a remake of Capcom’s earlier horror game called “Sweet Home” (1989) for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
- The game was directed by Shinji Mikami, who is often credited as the creator of the “Resident Evil” series and is regarded as one of the pioneers of the survival horror genre.
- The development team drew inspiration from horror movies, including George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead,” for the game’s zombie theme.
- “Resident Evil” was initially released for the Sony PlayStation but was later ported to other platforms, including the Sega Saturn, PC, and Nintendo DS.
- The game was originally titled “Biohazard” in Japan but was renamed “Resident Evil” for its international release due to trademark conflicts.
- “Resident Evil” popularized the survival horror genre and is credited with establishing many of its defining characteristics, such as limited resources, puzzle-solving, and atmospheric tension.
- The iconic “tank controls” in the game, where characters rotate on the spot rather than moving smoothly, were implemented to heighten the sense of fear and vulnerability.
- The game’s fixed camera angles and pre-rendered backgrounds were a result of technical limitations at the time but added to the game’s cinematic atmosphere.
- The mansion in “Resident Evil” was modeled after the Spencer Mansion from the “Sweet Home” game, featuring intricate details and hidden passages.
- “Resident Evil” initially received mixed reviews from critics but quickly gained popularity among players, leading to its status as a classic and a franchise with enduring success.
- The game’s director, Shinji Mikami, had a specific vision for “Resident Evil” to be a cinematic experience that combined horror, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
- “Resident Evil” features two playable characters, Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, with different storylines and item placements, adding replayability.
- The game’s success led to multiple sequels, spin-offs, novels, comics, movies, and other adaptations, making “Resident Evil” one of Capcom’s most successful and recognizable franchises.
- “Resident Evil” was praised for its atmospheric graphics, haunting soundtrack, and innovative gameplay mechanics, despite some criticism of its voice acting and dialogue.
- The popularity of “Resident Evil” sparked a renewed interest in horror games and influenced many subsequent titles, leaving a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
Resident Evil (1996) Gameplay Tips
- Manage Your Resources: Resources, such as ammunition and healing items, are limited. Be conservative with your usage and only engage in combat when necessary. Aim for headshots on zombies to conserve ammo.
- Investigate Thoroughly: Explore every room and investigate all objects and items. Many puzzles and essential items are hidden throughout the mansion, so be meticulous in your search.
- Save Frequently: Make use of the game’s typewriters and ink ribbons to save your progress. Save before engaging in challenging encounters or before entering unknown areas to avoid losing progress.
- Practice Efficient Inventory Management: Inventory space is limited, so prioritize essential items. Combine herbs with a typewriter ribbon to create a healing item that saves inventory space. Discard unnecessary items or store them in item boxes.
- Use Map and Note System: Pay attention to the in-game map, which will help you navigate the mansion. Read notes and files to gather important clues and hints for puzzles and progression.
- Be Cautious with Health: Monitor your character’s health and use healing items wisely. Combine green and red herbs for stronger healing effects. Use defensive items, such as defensive daggers, to escape from enemy grabs.
- Master the Art of Quick Turning: Practice the quick turn maneuver by pressing the back and run buttons simultaneously. This allows you to swiftly turn around and escape from enemies or quickly aim at approaching threats.
- Use Defensive Tactics: If a zombie or other enemy grabs you, try to use defensive items or perform counterattacks to escape their grasp. This can save you from taking significant damage.
- Solve Puzzles Methodically: Approach puzzles with patience and careful observation. Examine objects thoroughly, gather clues from notes and files, and think logically to solve puzzles. Sometimes, the solution may lie in combining items from your inventory.
- Utilize Backtracking: As you progress, you may need to revisit previously explored areas. Keep track of locked doors or areas that require specific items and return to them when you have obtained the necessary key or item.
- Take Advantage of Sound Cues: Pay attention to sound cues, such as zombie growls or footsteps, to anticipate enemy encounters and their proximity. This can help you prepare for combat or choose to avoid unnecessary fights.
- Save Defensive Items for Tough Encounters: Defensive items, like daggers or defensive sprays, can stun enemies or repel attacks. Save them for critical moments or encounters with tougher enemies to increase your chances of survival.
- Combine Weapons with Limited Ammo: If you’re low on ammo, consider combining weaker weapons, like the combat knife, with herbs to create a stronger weapon that deals more damage.
- Use the Map to Plan Escape Routes: Familiarize yourself with the map layout and plan escape routes in case of emergencies. Identify nearby safe rooms or areas with defensive items that can aid in your escape.
Resident Evil (1996) Quotes
- “Jill, here’s a lockpick. It might be handy if you, the master of unlocking, take it with you.” – Barry Burton
- “You were almost a Jill sandwich!” – Barry Burton
- “I’m sorry, but it looks like your party has been canceled.” – Albert Wesker
- “Don’t open… that door!” – Richard Aiken
- “I have this.” – Jill Valentine
- “It’s not Chris’s blood!” – Rebecca Chambers
- “You must be careful, Rebecca. The forest is full of zombies and monsters.” – Enrico Marini
- “You, the master of unlocking.” – Barry Burton
- “There’s no turning back now.” – Albert Wesker
- “Alpha Team is flying around the forest, situated in northwest Raccoon City, where we’re searching for the helicopter of our compatriots Bravo Team, who disappeared during the middle of our mission.” – Brad Vickers
- “Chris Redfield. Jill Valentine. Barry Burton. Rebecca Chambers. Albert Wesker.” – The introduction sequence
- “What is this? Wow! What a mansion!” – Jill Valentine
- “It was… Bravo team’s helicopter. Nobody was in it. But strangely, most of the equipment was still there.” – Jill Valentine
- “No. Don’t go!” – Kenneth J. Sullivan
- “Everything was plotted from the start by Umbrella.” – Barry Burton
Resident Evil (1996) Game Controls
Here are the default game controls for “Resident Evil” (1996) on the PlayStation version:
Movement Controls:
- D-Pad or Left Analog Stick: Move character forward, backward, or turn left or right.
- Triangle Button: Turns character 180 degrees.
- Circle Button: Run.
- X Button: Confirm, interact with objects, or fire weapon.
- Square Button: Cancel, examine items or map, or reload weapon.
Combat Controls:
- R1 Button: Aim weapon.
- L1 Button: Ready weapon.
- R2 Button: Use defensive item (if available).
- L2 Button: Nothing assigned by default.
Inventory Controls:
- Select Button: Access inventory screen.
- Start Button: Pause the game.
Other Controls:
- Triangle + Circle: Combine items.
- Square + X: Use item.
- L1 + R1: Quick-turn 180 degrees.
Here are the default game controls for “Resident Evil” (1996) on PC:
Movement Controls:
- W, A, S, D: Move character forward, left, backward, or right.
- Q, E: Rotate character left or right.
- Spacebar: Confirm, interact with objects, or fire weapon.
- Shift: Run.
- Ctrl: Walk.
- Tab: Switch character (if applicable).
Combat Controls:
- Left Mouse Button: Aim weapon.
- Right Mouse Button: Ready weapon.
- Ctrl + Left Mouse Button: Use defensive item (if available).
- R: Reload weapon.
Inventory Controls:
- I: Access inventory screen.
- Enter: Combine items.
- Backspace: Cancel, close inventory, or examine items.
Other Controls:
- Esc: Pause the game or access the menu.
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