The Resident Evil series is synonymous with survival horror, bringing heart-pounding tension, grotesque monsters, and intricate storylines to gaming. Spanning over 25 years, Resident Evil has become a massive franchise with movies, spin-offs, and remakes. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the world of Raccoon City, here are 10 surprising facts about Resident Evil that’ll enhance your appreciation for the series!
1. The Series Was Originally Inspired by a Horror Classic
Resident Evil draws heavy inspiration from the 1989 horror game Sweet Home, which was based on a Japanese horror film of the same name. Sweet Home featured a group of characters exploring a haunted mansion, dealing with resource management and puzzle-solving—sound familiar? Resident Evil took these core ideas and reimagined them into its now-famous survival horror formula, giving birth to the genre as we know it today.
2. It Was Almost Called “Biohazard” Worldwide
While the series is known as Resident Evil outside Japan, it’s actually called Biohazard in its home country. Capcom’s U.S. branch was forced to change the name due to a copyright conflict with a DOS game and a heavy metal band both named “Biohazard.” After an internal contest among Capcom staff, the name Resident Evil was chosen, reflecting the eerie mansion setting of the first game.
3. The Original Resident Evil Had Multiple Endings
The first Resident Evil game, released in 1996, had four different endings depending on how many characters the player saved and which protagonist they played as (Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield). This was groundbreaking at the time, allowing players to shape the story and encouraging multiple playthroughs.
In some endings, both protagonists escape with their partner (Jill with Barry Burton, and Chris with Rebecca Chambers), while others left the fate of their allies uncertain. This variability added depth to the game’s narrative.
4. The Infamous Opening Cutscene Was Almost Censored
The original Resident Evil featured a live-action opening cutscene that introduced the S.T.A.R.S. team. This intro was considered controversial for its time due to its intense violence, especially the scenes showing Joseph Frost being attacked by zombie dogs. The cutscene was filmed in black-and-white to reduce the impact of the violence and was heavily censored in the North American release. However, the uncensored version can be found in international copies and re-releases.
5. Leon S. Kennedy Wasn’t Originally in Resident Evil 2
Leon S. Kennedy, the iconic rookie cop introduced in Resident Evil 2, wasn’t always meant to be in the game. Early drafts of the game featured a different character named Elza Walker, a motorcycle racer who gets caught up in the zombie outbreak. However, after the development team overhauled the game, they scrapped Elza Walker and created Leon, who became one of the most beloved characters in the series.
Interestingly, Elza Walker’s character design and concept were partially brought back in the Resident Evil 2 remake through alternate costumes for Claire Redfield.
6. The Tyrant T-002 Was Based on a Movie Villain
The terrifying Tyrant T-002 from the original Resident Evil took inspiration from the character T-800 in The Terminator. Both characters are unstoppable killing machines, designed to eliminate anything in their path. The Tyrant, with its towering frame and mutated claws, became one of the most iconic enemies in the Resident Evil universe, cementing its place as a nightmare-inducing boss for players everywhere.
7. Resident Evil 4 Game’s Script Was Originally Twice as Long
Resident Evil 4, one of the most celebrated games in the series, originally had a script that was much longer than what players ended up with. Series creator Shinji Mikami had envisioned a story packed with supernatural elements, such as Leon being haunted by ghosts. However, these ideas were scrapped, and the final version focused more on action and horror in a biological sense, pitting Leon against mutated villagers infected by Las Plagas.
Some elements of the original script were repurposed, like Leon’s fight against bizarre creatures and powerful enemies, but the supernatural direction was completely abandoned in favor of a more grounded narrative.
8. The Spencer Mansion Was Modeled After a Real Building
The eerie Spencer Mansion from the first Resident Evil game is not just a creation of the imagination—it was based on a real building. The designers drew inspiration from the Oakley Court Hotel in Berkshire, England, which had previously been used as a filming location for horror movies like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dracula. The mansion’s sprawling, labyrinthine layout, complete with trap-filled rooms and creepy ambiance, helped set the tone for the entire franchise.
9. Ada Wong’s Identity Is Still a Mystery
Ada Wong, the enigmatic spy who first appeared in Resident Evil 2, remains one of the series’ most mysterious characters. Despite her numerous appearances throughout the franchise, little is known about Ada’s true background or motivations. She frequently switches allegiances, and even in later titles like Resident Evil 6, her loyalty remains ambiguous.
Many fans speculate about her real name and whether she’s truly working for Umbrella, a rival corporation, or only for herself. This air of mystery keeps Ada one of the most intriguing characters in Resident Evil lore.
10. The Series Pioneered the Survival Horror Genre
While Resident Evil wasn’t the first game to incorporate horror elements, it’s widely regarded as the pioneer of the survival horror genre. The game introduced limited resources, strategic item management, and tense exploration of claustrophobic environments, creating a new kind of challenge for gamers.
Capcom defined “survival horror” as a genre in its promotional material for Resident Evil, and it has since become a staple in gaming. The success of Resident Evil influenced countless other titles, including Silent Hill, Dead Space, and The Evil Within, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of horror gaming.
The Legacy of Resident Evil
Resident Evil continues to captivate players with its mix of horror, action, and unforgettable characters. From its roots as a mansion-escape horror game to its evolution into an action-packed blockbuster franchise, Resident Evil has redefined the horror genre time and again. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the series, these 10 facts are a testament to how far the franchise has come and why it remains a favorite in gaming history.
Do you have a favorite Resident Evil fact or moment? Let us know in the comments below!
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