Forgotten Resident Evil Games Every True Fan Should Play

Resident Evil is a powerhouse in the gaming world, but some titles have been unfairly relegated to the shadows. While the recent remakes have revitalized the franchise, they've also inadvertently muddied the waters of the established canon, particularly concerning the events of *Resident Evil 0* and the *Outbreak* series. This has led to a somewhat fragmented understanding of the overall narrative within the community.

However, certain projects have successfully enriched the *Resident Evil* universe, notably the animated movies. Among the most overlooked, yet essential, contributions are the two rail shooters: *The Umbrella Chronicles* and *The Darkside Chronicles*. Despite being largely forgotten, these games are crucial for truly grasping the intricate lore of *Resident Evil*, and they stand as solid rail shooters in their own right.

Umbrella Chronicles: Unveiling Wesker's Origins *Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles* initially appears to be a *House of the Dead*-style retelling of *Resident Evil 0*, *Resident Evil 1*, and *Resident Evil 3*. However, the heart of the game lies in its side stories and the pivotal "Umbrella's End" campaign, which significantly expands on *Resident Evil* lore.

This game is essentially Wesker's story. He serves as both narrator and central figure, providing insights into his origins and his transformation into the monstrous villain seen in *Resident Evil 5*. Beyond its narrative importance, *Umbrella Chronicles* is a standout rail shooter for the Wii. It also offers interesting glimpses into other characters, such as Ada Wong's escape during the events of *Resident Evil 2*. While some criticize its handling of the classic game retellings, it's important to remember that those portions aren't considered canon. The side stories and "Umbrella's End," however, are vital to the overall narrative. *Umbrella Chronicles* shines as a rail shooter, offering a wide array of weapons and a constant barrage of enemies. The gameplay emphasizes accurate headshots for high scores and rankings, making for a satisfying and rewarding experience. The soundtrack is also exceptional, featuring memorable tracks like Wesker's theme.

Darkside Chronicles: Exploring Krauser's Descent *Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles* is a worthy sequel, though not quite as impactful as its predecessor. It presents three scenarios: retellings of *Resident Evil 2* and *Code: Veronica*, and a new scenario delving into the backstory of Leon and Krauser's relationship. This new scenario sheds light on Krauser's descent into darkness, as the title suggests.

The graphics are noticeably improved, with enhanced cutscenes. However, Capcom's decision to incorporate shaky cam, reminiscent of movies like *Cloverfield*, proves distracting and frustrating for a rail shooter that demands precise aiming. While the Krauser scenario is compelling, the final two levels reuse environments from the previous levels, albeit with added inner narration. Despite this, the game includes a fun Tofu secret level. *Darkside Chronicles* provides another piece of the *Resident Evil* puzzle, though it's not as essential as *Umbrella Chronicles*. Nevertheless, both games are worth experiencing.

Why These Games Deserve a Remaster The recent *Resident Evil* titles are excellent additions to the horror genre. However, newcomers may struggle to grasp the full narrative, especially given the changes introduced by the remakes. A remaster of these rail shooters for modern consoles would greatly benefit both new players and longtime fans. These games help connect the dots regarding Wesker's and Krauser's origins, Ada's escape, and the ultimate downfall of the Umbrella Corporation. While remastering these titles presents certain challenges, it's certainly feasible. With the PS5's support for the PlayStation Move and the potential of the Nintendo Switch 2's gyro controls and mouse functionality, these games could thrive on modern platforms. *Resident Evil* enthusiasts should consider exploring these forgotten gems, and hopefully, remasters will soon become a reality.