Since its debut in 1996, Resident Evil has been the barometer for the horror genre. Its history is a fascinating cycle of reinvention, moving from tight corridors to global action, and eventually back to the shadows. And now, with Resident Evil Requiem marking the series’ 30th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to look back on how the series changed not only itself but the gaming industry altogether.

1996: The Birth of Survival Horror

The original Resident Evil (1996) didn’t just launch a franchise; it defined a sub-genre. By trapping players in the Spencer Mansion with limited ammunition and “tank controls,” Capcom turned technical limitations into a directorial style. The fixed camera angles weren’t just for show – they were used to hide terrors just out of sight, forcing players to listen for the dragging footsteps of zombies they couldn’t yet see.

2005: The RE4 Revolution

By the mid-2000s, the series needed a change. Resident Evil 4 (2005) provided a seismic shift that influenced the entire gaming industry. By introducing the over-the-shoulder camera, it bridged the gap between survival horror and action. Its precise aiming mechanics and “stop-and-pop” gameplay became the blueprint for the modern third-person shooter, inspiring everything from Gears of War to The Last of Us.

2012: This isn’t Resident Evil!

As the series leaned further into blockbuster spectacle, it hit a polarizing peak with Resident Evil 6 (2012). While a technical marvel for its time, many fans felt the game had “stumbled” by losing its horror identity. With four separate campaigns and a heavy focus on Michael Bay-style explosions and quick-time events, it felt more like a generic action movie than a survival horror experience.

2017–2021: The Perspective Shift (RE7 & Village)

Capcom successfully “reset” the franchise with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017). By moving to a first-person perspective and introducing the RE Engine, they brought back the claustrophobic dread of the original. This era continued with Resident Evil Village (2021), which balanced the horror of RE7 with the tactical action of RE4, solidifying the first-person camera as a core pillar of the modern series.

The Modern Renaissance: The Power of the Remake

Perhaps the most significant development in recent years has been Capcom’s mastery of the remake. Starting with the Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019), the developers proved that classic survival horror could be modernized without losing its soul. By utilizing the RE Engine to create photorealistic gore and expanding the presence of the terrifying Mr. X, they revitalized the Raccoon City incident for a new generation. This success paved the way for the Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023), which managed to refine the most influential game in the series, proving that the franchise’s greatest strengths lie in its ability to respect its past while innovating its future.

2026: What’s New in Resident Evil Requiem

The latest installment in the mainline series, Resident Evil Requiem, serves as the ultimate synthesis of these eras. It returns players to a derelict Raccoon City, featuring two protagonists: veteran Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft.

The biggest evolution here is the hybrid camera system, which allows players to switch between first and third-person perspectives in real-time. Grace’s chapters focus on pure stealth and puzzles (RE7 style), while Leon’s segments lean into high-intensity combat (RE4 style), effectively honoring 30 years of different gameplay preferences in one title.

For players following this decades-long saga, the Resident Evil Requiem CD key is the next step to explore the ninth chapter in the series. 

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The Enduring Legacy of Raccoon City

With the 30th anniversary upon us, Resident Evil Requiem brings that legacy full circle. By revisiting the scarred remains of the city with modern RE Engine fidelity and the return of iconic characters, Capcom is proving that survival horror never truly dies.

For fans eager to witness this next chapter, the Resident Evil Requiem CD key is essential, as the lore reaches its newest peak. Digital marketplaces like Eneba have become a staple for many gamers, providing a reliable way to purchase game keys and keep up with the evolving nightmare of rising AAA price tags.