GameBoy Advance: Resident Evil

The Ultimate Guide to Survival Horror on the Go

Introduction

The GameBoy Advance (GBA) may not be the first platform that comes to mind when you think of survival horror, but Capcom's Resident Evil franchise has proved to be a surprisingly successful fit for the handheld console. With three main installments and a spin-off title, the GBA has played host to some of the most iconic Resident Evil experiences, offering players a unique and portable way to experience the horrors of Raccoon City and beyond.

Resident Evil Gaiden (2001)

The first GBA Resident Evil title, Gaiden, was a departure from the series' traditional third-person perspective, opting instead for a top-down view. This change allowed for a more compact and action-oriented experience, with players controlling either Leon S. Kennedy or Barry Burton as they investigate a mysterious island facility. Gaiden also introduced a new ally system, allowing players to team up with AI-controlled characters to take on the undead hordes.

Resident Evil: Survivor (2000)

While Gaiden was a success, Resident Evil: Survivor was a more divisive title. The game abandoned the traditional survival horror elements of the series in favor of a first-person shooter gameplay style. Players controlled either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield as they navigated a series of haunted mansions and abandoned warehouses, using firearms to defeat the infected masses. Survivor was criticized for its departure from the series' core gameplay, but it remains a unique and interesting experiment in the franchise's history.

Resident Evil: The Missions (2004)

Resident Evil: The Missions was a compilation title that included two separate games: Operation: Raccoon City and Outbreak Scenario. Operation: Raccoon City was a third-person shooter similar to Survivor, while Outbreak Scenario was a cooperative multiplayer game that allowed players to work together to survive the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. The Missions was a successful release, offering fans a variety of gameplay experiences in a single package.

Resident Evil Advance (2003)

Resident Evil Advance was a remake of the original Resident Evil game, reimagined for the GBA. The game featured updated graphics and sound, as well as a new control scheme designed specifically for the handheld console. Advance was a critical and commercial success, proving that the classic survival horror formula could be effectively translated to a portable format.

Why Resident Evil Has Succeeded on the GBA

Several key factors have contributed to the success of the Resident Evil franchise on the GameBoy Advance:

• Portability: The GBA's portability allowed players to enjoy Resident Evil's signature survival horror experience on the go. This was a particularly appealing feature for fans of the series who were unable to dedicate hours to the more in-depth console experiences.
• Accessibility: The GBA's controls were well-suited to the Resident Evil gameplay style, making the games accessible to a wider audience. Even players who were new to the series could easily pick up and play the GBA titles.
• Replayability: The GBA Resident Evil games offered a high degree of replayability, thanks to their multiple endings and unlockable content. Players could revisit the games again and again to discover new secrets and explore different storylines.

The Future of Resident Evil on the GBA

While the GameBoy Advance is no longer in production, the Resident Evil franchise continues to thrive on Nintendo's portable consoles. The Nintendo DS and 3DS have both received their own Resident Evil titles, with the latter console hosting the critically acclaimed Resident Evil Revelations. It is likely that Capcom will continue to develop Resident Evil games for Nintendo's handheld platforms, offering fans of the series new ways to experience the horrors of Raccoon City and beyond.

Conclusion

The GameBoy Advance has played a significant role in the history of the Resident Evil franchise, offering players a unique and portable way to experience the series' signature survival horror gameplay. With four main installments and a spin-off title, the GBA has proven to be a successful platform for the series, and it is likely that Capcom will continue to develop Resident Evil games for Nintendo's handheld consoles in the future.