The Resident Evil franchise has spanned decades, from its first Resident Evil video game in 1996 to a blockbuster film series starring Milla Jovovich. Known for blending viral outbreak horror with tactical survival, it’s one of the most recognizable video game series in the world. The Resident Evil series has inspired spinoffs, mobile adaptations, and even a Japanese novelization of the first film. It has also achieved Guinness World Records for best-selling survival horror video games and one of the most successful game-to-film adaptations in box office history.
Now, the franchise is taking its game series into uncharted territory with Resident Evil: Survival Unit—a mobile main game spinoff set before Resident Evil 4, blending real-time strategy with survival horror.
The first Resident Evil video game, released in 1996, is set in and around the mysterious Spencer Mansion near Raccoon City. Players control members of the S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) team — notably Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield — sent to investigate bizarre murders linked to a viral outbreak caused by the Umbrella Corporation’s bioweapons research. The mansion is filled with zombies, mutated creatures, and deadly traps, all tied to genetic engineering experiments. The game’s claustrophobic setting, puzzle-solving, and limited resources defined the survival horror genre for decades.
Survival Unit transports players to the outskirts of New Raccoon City, in the shadow of the Umbrella Corporation’s umbrella research facility. Here, a group of survivors—including veterans like Chris Redfield, Ada Wong, Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, and rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy—battle bio-engineered threats unleashed through genetic engineering experiments.
Players command Special Tactics and Rescue Service squads (S.T.A.R.S.) in missions inspired by operations like the infamous Operation Raccoon City, where a nuclear missile was launched to contain the outbreak.
Beyond franchise staples, the game introduces at least one original character created specifically for this storyline. These fresh personalities will fight alongside icons like Barry Burton, Ethan Winters from Resident Evil Village, and perhaps even confront classic antagonists like Albert Wesker or the AI Red Queen.
Fans of the movies may spot nods to cinematic characters like Michelle Rodriguez, as Capcom has been known to blur lines between film series lore and the game series.
Capcom debuted a cinematic trailer for Survival Unit in late July, backed by a theme song from Japanese band Queen Bee. The footage showcased S.T.A.R.S. units battling hordes of infected in real-time skirmishes, hinting at story arcs involving the Umbrella Corporation and a possible link to Resident Evil Requiem, the rumored continuation of the film series.
The music’s haunting quality aligns with the franchise’s atmospheric tradition, echoing past moments from Resident Evil: The Final Chapter and other adaptations that have captivated both gaming and cinema audiences.
Before its official release date (still set for later in 2025 in the United States, North America, and globally), Survival Unit has already surpassed one million pre-registrations. Players signing up early will receive exclusive in-game rewards like rare weapons, base skins, and resources—an incentive structure reminiscent of past mobile tie-ins for the franchise.
This milestone reflects both the game series’ loyal fanbase and the growing appeal of mobile tactical titles. It’s a sign that even after decades—and occasional negative reviews for certain adaptations—the Resident Evil brand remains powerful.
While the gameplay is new, its DNA is unmistakably Resident Evil:
Umbrella Corporation remains the central antagonist, continuing its role from both the video game series and film series.
Narrative threads recall early S.T.A.R.S. missions from the first Resident Evil, the battle against bio-weapons in Resident Evil Village, and movie plotlines involving the Red Queen.
The viral outbreak setting taps into the same apocalyptic tone that made the franchise’s box office adaptations hits.
By doing so, Capcom ensures Survival Unit appeals to veterans while offering newcomers a first time experience in a more accessible, mobile format.
Resident Evil’s reach extends beyond consoles and theaters. The film series has grossed hundreds of millions according to Box Office Mojo, while online horror outlets like Bloody Disgusting keep the brand alive through coverage and reviews. Over the years, the franchise has introduced memorable settings, from the umbrella research facility to the streets of New Raccoon City, and unforgettable missions like Operation Raccoon City.
Even characters from spin-offs and side stories—such as Ethan Winters—have earned their place in the canon, reinforcing Capcom’s ability to merge old and new elements across the game series.
The Resident Evil franchise is famous for unforgettable boss encounters, including:
Tyrant (T-002) – Resident Evil (1996)
Nemesis – Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and the 2020 remake
Albert Wesker – Appears as a boss in multiple entries, including Resident Evil 5
William Birkin (G-Virus mutations) – Resident Evil 2 (1998 and 2019)
Del Lago – The giant lake monster in Resident Evil 4
Jack Baker – The relentless antagonist of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Lady Dimitrescu – A towering vampire-like foe from Resident Evil Village
Many of these bosses also appear in spin-offs, adaptations, or have alternate versions in side stories like Operation Raccoon City.
The Resident Evil movies and TV adaptations are available across multiple streaming platforms. The film series starring Milla Jovovich can often be found on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google TV for rent or purchase, with some entries periodically included in Netflix’s or Hulu’s libraries. The live-action Resident Evil Netflix series (Resident Evil, 2022) and animated features such as Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness are available exclusively on Netflix in most regions, including North America. Availability can vary, so checking local streaming catalogs is recommended.
Genre Shift – The pivot from third-person shooter to strategy mirrors trends in mobile gaming, offering deeper tactical play.
Lore Integration – Survival Unit taps into decades of history, referencing events from the first Resident Evil to The Final Chapter.
Cross-Media Appeal – The Queen Bee trailer evokes cinematic flair, potentially attracting fans of the film series as much as the video games.
Global Reach – With the release date promising simultaneous rollout in Japan, North America, and beyond, its audience is already primed.
Fans can follow Resident Evil updates through official Capcom channels, including the franchise’s website, YouTube, and social media accounts. For community discussions, the Resident Evil series has active subreddits (like r/residentevil), fan forums, and Discord servers dedicated to both the video game series and film series. Gaming news outlets such as IGN, Bloody Disgusting, and GamesRadar regularly post updates, while Box Office Mojo and Netflix news sources track the performance of movie and TV adaptations. Following these channels ensures you won’t miss announcements about upcoming games like Resident Evil: Survival Unit.
Resident Evil: Survival Unit proves the Resident Evil series can evolve without losing its soul. By merging tactical strategy with the iconic atmosphere of viral outbreak horror, it continues the long tradition of keeping fans on edge—whether they first discovered the series through video games, the film series, or even the Japanese novelization of the first film.
From rookie police officers to special tactics veterans, from original characters to returning legends like Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield, Survival Unit looks poised to add another memorable chapter to the ever-expanding Resident Evil saga. And with the release date closing in, the wait for the next mission in the Resident Evil franchise is nearly over.
Miles Hollen · Editor
Editor
