Resident Evil created the survival horror genre as we know it, and it’s one of the most influential series in video game history. The influence of the first Resident Evil simply cannot be overstated, but what’s fascinating about the series, is that the first entry isn’t even the most important game. That honor lies with Resident Evil 4, a title that legitimately might be one of the most important, and best video games ever made. Twenty years after its release, it’s more clear than ever how formative Resident Evil 4 was for the industry at large — and how it changed the entire trajectory of the franchise.
Resident Evil 4 was a bit shocking when it released in 2005, as a console exclusive for the Nintendo GameCube. The exceptionally dark and violent game was a far cry from the family fare that Nintendo was known for, especially at that time. But even more shocking was how revolutionary the game felt, not just for horror games but shooters as well.
