‘Resident Evil’ drew us in by shoving us down and daring us to get back up.
Back in 1996, Capcom released a video game that would change the gaming world and have a long-lasting impact on the horror genre. For many of us, Resident Evil was the first survival horror title we remember playing, and one that both terrified and frustrated us. Now, here we are, over two decades later, and the franchise is still growing. Writer Philip J. Reed dives into this world, taking us behind-the-scenes and back into the game.
You may think that everything there is to know about Resident Evil has been served up in a multitude of ways over the years. Well, you would be wrong. It is quite fascinating to discover that actors had no idea they were connected to the franchise until recently, or that finding an actress’s real name would elude fans until last year. That mysteriousness just adds to the game’s charm and legacy.
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In his book, Reed intricately weaves these details, discoveries, and stories together, complete with interesting interviews by the actors and voice actors who helped bring it all to life. Alternating chapters describe the gameplay, taking us back to those moments cemented in our brains. The first zombie. The dogs. The clunky controls. The awkward dialogue. Nothing has been looked over. Reed explains the why behind the certain decisions, and how Capcom made us go against our inner psychological voice that tells us to flee, not fight.
There is also a personal side to Resident Evil that many fans will relate to. As someone who turned to horror and video games at a young age to cope with things like loneliness and anxiety, Reed’s storytelling of dealing the same issues makes it quite relatable.
While I went into the novel expecting straight interviews and game mechanics, I was left with something more. Those things are certainly included, and in a compelling way, but it also reads like a love letter to the game, and the legacy it has spawned. I found myself pulling quotes and sending to friends who also love the game, saying, “I never thought of it like this before!” or, “I didn’t know this!” After 24 years, new knowledge and perspective is a gift for fans. And, that is exactly the gift Philip J. Reed offers his readers.
Resident Evil is included in the Boss Fight Books: Season 5 collection, and can be pre-ordered here. For more information about the writer, and the interviews conducted, visit Reed’s official website.
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