Everything is Canon in the Resident Evil Universe
Resident Evil fans have long wondered about the answer to a question: Are the original games or the remakes included in the main story? According to the latest statement from Dusk Golem, a reliable insider to the series, there is only one answer to this question for Capcom: Both are valid! Capcom evaluates both the original and the remakes as a single canon and leaves the contradictions in the details to the imagination of the players.
How are Canon Boundaries Drawn in Resident Evil?
Capcom’s Resident Evil story management keeps the basic events, character deaths, and BOWs (Bio Organic Weapons) as consistent as possible. However, it is flexible in terms of place, time, and details. For example, Jill Valentine both goes to the RPD and doesn’t; Brad Vickers dies both from a zombie attack and from the hands of Nemesis. Similarly, while it is revealed in Resident Evil 3 Remake that Nemesis was created from the Las Plagas virus, it is explained in RE4 Remake that Luis is involved in this project. These details make the series more connected, but also bring some contradictions.
According to Dusk Golem, what is important for Capcom is that the general flow of events does not change: Brad dies, Krauser is defeated, and the battle between Jill and Nemesis begins. The rest of the details are up to the players to decide which version they like. In other words, both realities are considered true in the Resident Evil universe.
Another interesting detail is the position of the Revelations series. Originally designed as interludes, these stories are now considered part of the main story by Capcom. According to Dusk Golem, games like Revelations and Code Veronica are considered as important as the numbered games.
Other spin-offs on Capcom’s canon list include games like Survivor, Outbreak, Umbrella Chronicles and Darkside Chronicles. Gaiden, Operation Raccoon City and some mobile games are not included in this list. In short, if you are planning a Resident Evil marathon, don’t skip Revelations and Code Veronica! According to Capcom, they are right in the middle of the series.
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