Resident Evil: Dead Aim (PS2)

Known as Gun Survivor 4: Biohazard: Heroes Never Die in Japan, Resident Evil: Dead Aim is another attempt to fuse light fun mechanics with the core Resident Evil series. Developed by Cavia, it's moderately more successful than previous efforts, but there's still the feeling that it doesn't really do the concept justice. Not an essential entry in the franchise, it has to be said.

Resident Evil 5 (PS3)

Something of a controversial entry in the series due to its African setting, Resident Evil 5 had a tough act to follow. Resident Evil 4 had effectively rebooted the franchise, and much was expected of this, the first all-new HD entry in the series. The game's co-op mechanics remain interesting even today, but those who claimed it was closer to an action game than a survival horror title do perhaps have a point. However, nothing could prepare them for Resident Evil 6, which would move further into the 'action game' direction.

Resident Evil Re:Verse (PS4)

This online third-person shooter was supposed to be bundled with Resident Evil Village, but it slipped to 2022. Developed by NeoBards Entertainment – which also handled the production of Resident Evil Resistance – Re:Verse stars famous faces from the series, with the twist being that, when killed in battle, your character respawns as a mutated monster.

Resident Evil 3 (PS4)

Resident Evil 3 had the potential to better its classic predecessor, but a disappointing amount of cut content and the let down that is Nemesis hold it back from greatness. It's still an experience very much worth revisiting, with Raccoon City and the hospital receiving a lot of love and attention, however, it only makes us question what could have been that little bit more.

Resident Evil (PS1)

The game that started it all. Released at a time when the PS1's talent for 3D was becoming readily apparent, Resident Evil (or Biohazard as it was known in Japan) took the core mechanics of Alone in the Dark and introduced detailed CGI backgrounds, live-action FMV sequences and some of the most intricate 3D character models seen up to that point. The end result was a game which thrilled and shocked in equal measure; few can forget that iconic opening sequence where the CGI zombie turns its head to gaze at the player, even though it's halfway through its lunch. Sure, the series has evolved almost beyond comprehension since its debut, but this remains a seminal entry in the franchise.

Resident Evil Revelations 2 (Switch eShop)

A certain sense of porting laziness aside, this is a fine entry that stands proud in a storied franchise. Revelations 2 is a full-fat Resident Evil experience with a neat partner system and some terrifyingly tense set pieces. There's a strong case to be made that you should ignore the original (especially if you've played it already) and simply purchase this prime slab of survival horror, but completionists won't be disappointed either way.

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (Wii)

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is a worthy sequel to Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. It nicely fills in the story gaps of the first collection and presents a very good-looking and deep light-gun experience. There are some interesting trade-offs in terms of the controls and some of the story lines are overly long (especially true of the Resident Evil 2 sections), but better visuals and more dynamic camera action keep the game fresh and exciting even hours into it.

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (Wii)

An unexpected and refreshingly different addition to the genre, Umbrella Chronicles is a well executed on-rails arcade-shooter that is host to a huge amount of Resident Evil content that will please most fans of the series. Shooter fans will also be happy with the good range of weapons and 22 levels on offer here, well worth a purchase. I would, however, advise against getting a Wii Zapper for this particular title. It seems Capcom finally get a Resident Evil spin-off right, although far from perfect, but great fun nevertheless, bring on the sequel.

Resident Evil: Deadly Silence (DS)

A Nintendo DS-exclusive enhanced version of the game that started it all – complete with dual-screen mechanics and touch-based controls – Resident Evil: Deadly Silence does some interesting things with its "Rebirth Mode", which contains new puzzles based around the DS' technical innovations, such as a mini-game where you must administer CPR by blowing into the console's microphone.

Resident Evil 0 (GCN)

Initially conceived as a side-story for Nintendo's N64 console, Resident Evil Zero / 0 boasts a partner system which was unique for the time; you can switch between the two lead characters – police officer Rebecca Chambers and tattooed convict Billy Coen – in order to solve puzzles and take down enemies. Despite sales of four million copies, some critics felt that the game's innovations didn't go far enough to keep the format feeling fresh.