TheResident Evilfranchise has proven itself to be one of themost successful survival horror franchisesof all time. It’s been interesting to watch the horror series change and grow over the years, plus the ways in which it remains relevant as so many other titles fall into obscurity.
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TheResident Evilgames are most commonlysingled out for their monsters, scares, and intricate story, but the serious games are also able to have a lot of fun with the extra costumes that are available for their characters. Some of these new looks can actually add to the experience, but many are more frightening than Raccoon City’s monsters.
10Best: Ninja Chris
There have been many ports and re-masters of the originalResident Evil,but the Nintendo DS version,Deadly Silence,actually tries to spice up the formula with some enhanced gameplay elements, new puzzles, and some other fun perks for those that are familiar with the game.
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Resident Evil: Deadly Silenceindulges in absurd outfits that are so crazy they’re actually good. Chris’ninja garb is a perfect example. It’s a bizarre sight to see a shinobi mowing down zombies, especially when they’re using guns and making all sorts of noise that would leave most ninjas ashamed.
9Worst: “The Mexican” Chris
Capcom’sResident Evil Remakeis a phenomenal release and the success of the project is responsible for the trend that Capcom has headed downin terms of remaking all of their classicResident Evilgames.Resident Evil Remakeis a sublime experience that improves upon the original in every way, but it also brings with it some truly absurd additional costumes.
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One that truly defies logic is Chris Redfield’s “The Mexican” look. It’s pure ‘90s cringe and when he’s dressed like this it wouldn’t be surprising that zombies even pass him over due to the glaring fashion indiscretions.
8Best: Cheerleader Rebecca
There are plenty of extra costumes inResident Evilthat steer towards fan service and attire that may not be practical, but is visually appealing.The Nintendo DS portofResident Evil, Deadly Silence,decks Rebecca Chambers out in a Capcom cheerleading outfit, which makes it easy to forget that she’s with law enforcement. This costume was so popular that it would later reappear with Rebecca inResident Evil 0.However,Deadly Silence’sversion is the superior take on the look since it also replaces Rebecca’s knife with pom poms, which is too hilarious to ignore.
7Worst: Clubbin’ Sheva
TheResident Evilseries has experienced its ups and downs over the years andeven though the original gamesare still positively viewed, it’s titles likeResident Evil 5and6that pushed the franchise into jeopardy.Resident Evil 5features some worthwhile ideas and it’s not a bad co-op experience. The game also introduces overlookedResident Evilprotagonist, Sheva, who also has an amazing, but impractical, alternate outfit. Clubbin’ Sheva highlights that even during a zombie apocalypse it’s important to be comfortable and kick back. It seems especially awkward during the events of the game.
6Best: Sailor Chris
Resident Evil: Revelationsis a strong return to form for the series and it’s one of the scariest recent entries in the series.Revelationstouches on many trademarks from the long-running franchise, but it’s set on a ghost ship, which lends itself to some tense, claustrophobic horror. The extra costumes inRevelationsembrace the game’s nautical angle andone of Chris’ outfitsdresses him up to look like he’s on shore leave or auditioning forPopeye.It’s a look that’s so bizarre that it works.
5Worst: Nurse Rebecca
Resident Evil 0is one of the most satisfying entries in terms of the number of unusual costumes that are available. Rebecca Chambers has been relegated to the sidelines for manyResident Evilgames, butResident Evil 0acts as a showcase of her past and gives her many outfits that are fun Easter eggs for the franchise. Nurse Rebecca looks more like a ballet dancer’s interpretation of a candy striper, but it strangely works. It’s so over the top that it stops being demeaning and Rebecca is almost able to make the heightened look come across as empowering.
4Best: “Cody” Billy
Resident Evil 0was a dark horse entry in the series, but audiences have gained a deeper appreciation for it after it was re-mastered and got awider release beyond the Gamecube.Resident Evil 0introduces new character, Billy Coen, a death row inmate who becomes an unlikely ally to Rebecca Chambers. One of the most entertaining alternate costumes in the game plays with Billy’s prisoner status. Referred to as the “Cody,” in a reference to theFinal Fightcharacter, Billy is dressed like a stereotypical convict. All that’s missing is a ridiculous ball and chain tied around his leg.
3Worst: Knight Ashley
Resident Evil 4was a turning point for the franchise and while it helped establish many of the modern traditions that have informed the future games in the series. Ashley Graham is an interesting partner for Leon Kennedy and she’s more of a nuisance to protect than an asset in battle. One of Ashley’s alternate costumes plays into the frustration around the character by putting her in a clunky suit of armor. Aesthetically, it’s bonkers to see this young girl decked out as a knight, but the awkward nature of the outfit actually affects the character’s performance, too.
2Best: Pirate Jill
Resident Evilhas crafted a progressively large story over the years that’s featured many different characters in starring roles.Jill Valentine has turned into a popular lead in the franchiseand she’s put back in the spotlight forResident Evil: Revelations. Revelationsfeatures some entertaining costumes that play with the idea that the horror title is set on the water. The best application of this is with the Pirate Jill costume. The new look doesn’t only deck Jill out with a frilly and flamboyant outfit, but she’s even got a parrot on her shoulder to keep her company, too.
1Worst: Warrior Chris
Resident Evil 5isn’t the best that the franchise has to offer, but it beingported over to the Nintendo Switchand current gen consoles has helped the controversial entry gain a bit more of an audience. The game feels overly serious at times, but its extra costumes help inject a much-needed sense of levity to the title. Warrior Chris is the most absurd of these choices, which puts Chris in a highly impractical and revealing outfit. However, it’s perfect for those that have always wished thatResident Evilcrossed over withMad Max.
Next:Resident Evil 3 Vs. Silent Hill 3: Which Game Is Better?
