7 Resident Evil games you might have missed

Think you’ve played every Resident Evil game? Hmm. We challenge you to seven Resident Evil games that you probably haven’t played. With the latest game in the series, Resident Evil Requiem, just around the corner, now seems like a good time to think about the more obscure titles in the franchise.

If you’re a Resident Evil fan, you’ll of course be familiar with the mainline games in the series, along with the remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3 and 4. But not every game in Capcom’s seminal horror series has shared the same celebrated success. Do you remember Resident Evil Gaiden? How about Resident Evil Dead Aim?

Yeah… we thought not. Read on to get a glimpse at some of the more obscure Resident Evil games from over the years, spanning multiple platforms. Maybe you’ve played some of them, or maybe they’re brand new to you. Either way, you probably aren’t missing much…

A version of this article was originally published in August 2020.

1. Resident Evil – The Missions 3D

First released in: 2007
Platform: Mobile devices

From 2007, Resident Evil – The Missions 3D is one of many Resident Evil-themed mobile games. As the name suggests, this is a mission-based game, with 100 different short missions for players to work their way through. It doesn’t attempt to add to Resident Evil lore or any overarching story; instead, you’ll simply be facing off against zombies, rescuing survivors or collecting herbs in short, bite-sized levels.

2. Resident Evil: Code Veronica

First released in: 2000
Platform: Dreamcast, PS2, PS3, PS4, Gamecube, Xbox 360

Alright, this one might not be the most obscure Resident Evil game. But thanks to it not being part of the ‘numbered’ series of mainline games, there’s a good chance you might have missed it. That, and the fact it’s 26 years old now. Despite not being a numbered title, though, Resident Evil: Code Veronica is still considered to be a ‘proper’ Resident Evil game. Lacking zombies but filled with all manner of other similar nasties, it’s well worth a play, especially if you’re a fan of Claire Redfield, who takes the lead here.

3. Resident Evil Gaiden

First released in: 2001
Platform: Game Boy Color

As if its name doesn’t give it away, Resident Evil Gaiden is a bit of an odd one.. Unsurprisingly, this entry into the Resident Evil series is not strictly canon but, set on a cruise ship, it blends 2D exploration with first-person shooter sections. Being a Game Boy game, it’s a little basic in terms of graphics, but it still manages to deliver a relatively authentic Resident Evil experience.

4. Resident Evil Survivor

First released: 2001
Platforms: PS1, Windows

Coming from the PS1 era, Resident Evil Survivor could be played with a light gun attachment. Arguably that was the best way to play (god, we miss the light gun days!), but it could be played with a standard controller too. Resident Evil Survivor tells an all-new story set in Umbrella’s secret base (or one of their secret bases; judging by the franchise, they must have had about 20). This is a surprisingly competent shooter and, despite being made for light gun play, it’s not entirely on rails.

5. Resident Evil Dead Aim

First released: 2002
Platforms: PS2

Another semi first-person shooter, Resident Evil: Dead Aim introduces us to two new characters: Fong Ling and Bruce McGivern. Ling and McGivern are a a pair of opposing intelligence agents tasked with clearing out a cruise ship. Yeah, another cruise ship. Just like Resident Evil Survivor, Dead Aim supports light guns, although in our opinion this game actually played better without one.

6. Resident Evil Outbreak

First released: 2003
Platforms: PS2

Resident Evil Outbreak (and standalone expansion Outbreak File #2) resemble traditional Resident Evil games, but they are intended to be played co-operatively. You can, however, jump in and enjoy in single-player if you’d prefer. Resident Evil Outbreak adds a little to the series’ lore via its episodic story-focused levels, and it was considered to be fairly fun back in the day, but it’s a rather ho-hum trip to Raccoon City, all things considered.

7. Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles

First released: 2007
Platforms: Wii and PS3

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (and its follow-up, The Darkside Chronicles) was designed to be played with Wiimote motion controls or PlayStation Move controllers (remember them?). This entirely on-rails shooter offers a story narrated by Albert Wesker, giving us a new insight into the downfall of the Umbrella Corporation. It takes chunks from previous games, making it a neat trip through Resident Evil history.