Known as Biohazard in Japan, Resident Evil is a series of very popular survival horror games developed by Capcom. Its popularity has created a large media franchise consisting of motion pictures, comic books, collectibles, strategy guides, and even novels. The original Resident Evil made its debut in 1996 to rave reviews and commercial success on the
Sony Playstation. Resident Evil 2 and 3 followed thereafter for the PS and the Sega Dreamcast. Further success resulted in more ports from the Game Boy to the PC.
The storylines often center around a complex or town that has been taken over by mindless undead who have been exposed to a toxic biological agent. The heroes must then fight their way out in concert with progressing the storyline as to why the zombies are there in the first place. The storylines all link together forming a contiguous Resident Evil universe. The horror elements, story, puzzle solving, and action have all created a very large fan base. The Resident Evil games have sold over 34 million games as of 2008. RE’s success has resulted in a number of Guinness World Records including “Most Live-Action Movie Sequels” and “Action Adventure Game With the Most Novelizations.”
