Resident Evil Requiem Approaches: Essential Series Recap Before Launch
With Resident Evil Requiem just days away from its scheduled release, gamers worldwide are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this iconic horror franchise. Before diving into this new adventure, it's crucial to refresh your memory on the series' complex lore and pivotal events. This article provides a detailed recap of all integral moments from previous games, ensuring players are fully prepared for the upcoming journey.
Resident Evil Recap: The Legacy of Survival Horror
The Resident Evil franchise has delivered decades of thrilling, pathbreaking experiences in zombie apocalyptic horror and survival gameplay. Let's explore the lore in a comprehensive yet concise manner.
The Raccoon City Incident (1998)
Years before the outbreak, researchers discovered the progenitor virus in Africa. Among them was Oswell E. Spencer, a wealthy and influential figure who co-founded the Umbrella Corporation. While appearing as a regular pharmaceutical company, Umbrella secretly advanced virus research and bioweapon development under Spencer's ambition to reshape humanity.
In 1998, the T-virus—developed by Spencer's collaborator James Marcus—leaked from a research facility in Raccoon City, located in the American Midwest. The virus spread rapidly, triggering an unprecedented pandemic that mutated residents into flesh-eating zombies. Despite the terror, brave individuals fought back against infected creatures and monstrous bioweapons.
Key survivors included rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy, college student Claire Redfield, and STARS agent Jill Valentine. Their escape prompted the U.S. government to launch a sterilization operation, destroying Raccoon City. The incident exposed Umbrella's secrets, leading to its bankruptcy, but for survivors, this was only the beginning.
Some, like journalist Alyssa Ashcroft, sought to expose Umbrella's darkest truths. Others hunted bioterrorists weaponizing Umbrella's research, while some investigated the government's sterilization motives.
Aftermath of Raccoon City
The Raccoon City incident's aftershocks resonated for decades, coinciding with other bioweapon outbreaks. Ordinary man Ethan Winters became entangled in tragedy while searching for his missing wife, Mia. Following an email, he arrived at the Baker estate in the bayou, encountering a deranged family infected with a horrific ailment. Ethan fought to escape their madness and rescue his wife.
Three years later, Ethan faced a new nightmare when his baby daughter Rose was taken by Chris Redfield, a legendary hero from previous bioweapon incidents. In his quest to rescue Rose, Ethan was led to a mysterious village ruled by Mother Miranda and four lords. Village residents, like the Baker family, were transformed into gruesome creatures.
Mother Miranda shared a deep connection with Oswell E. Spencer and played a pivotal role in the village incident. It was later revealed that an insidious force known as The Connections manipulated events from the shadows, responsible for orchestrating the tragedy.
Arrival of Resident Evil Requiem
Players should brace themselves for Resident Evil Requiem, which ventures into a new phase of the saga featuring a fresh protagonist: Grace Ashcroft, daughter of journalist Alyssa Ashcroft. Grace will investigate the post-nuclear remains of Raccoon City alongside federal agent Leon S. Kennedy, one of the franchise's most beloved characters.
Requiem introduces an entirely new threat—something protagonists have never faced before—lurking around every corner. Players will experience terrific gameplay with Grace and Leon while unveiling undiscovered secrets of Raccoon City, culminating in an unforgettable horror experience.
