I’ve been doing some research into the first Resident Evil game and the 2002 remake, and I’ve discovered a crazy number of connections to older horror and thriller movies. I was looking for cinematic influences on the game and found a magazine in Japanese released 2 days before Resident Evil 2 came out in the 90’s called “Biohazard 2 – Prologue to Terror”. I had someone translate the titles in the section about the monsters from the first game and the links blew my mind. Did anyone else know about these? Cerberus/Zombie Dog
Movie: Cujo (1983)
Movie: Pet Sematary (1989), had a dog that a character brought back to life by burying him in the cursed burial ground Big Crows
Movie: The Birds (1963) Big Spiders
Movie: Arachnophobia (1990)
Movie: The Spider (1958) Wasps
Movie: The Savage Bees (1976)
Movie: The Swarm (1978) Adder (snakes) / Yawn (giant snake)
Movie: Rattlers (1976)
Movie: Humans vs Big Snakes (1982) Note: My translator couldn’t really figure this one out and apparently it’s a movie made in Taiwan and Bangladesh, so I dunno on this one.
Movie: Tremors (1989) Neptune/Sharks
Movie: Jaws (1975) Hunter
Movie: Gremlins (1984)
Comic: Wolverine Chimera
Movie: The Fly (1958)
TV Drama: Masked Rider Tyrant
Movie: Nosferatu (1922, Germany)
Movie: Future-Kill (1984) Note: Look up the poster for this one and you'll immediately see the inspiration. Plant 42 might have been inspired by Little Shop of Horrors (1986) and an old British movie called The Day of the Triffids (1962), but I can't actually confirm this as they may have inspired Plant 43 from Resident Evil 2. The magazine was a bit unclear with this one.
RE7 is an overlooked masterpiece. I've played RE2, RE4, and RE7 and am getting the Origins Collection soon. I can't wait. With that said, I feel like RE7 is an instant classic because it's a well-done homage to camp horror the way MGS3 was an homage to 60s spy thrillers. RE7 is the most memorable game I've played probably, partly thanks to Jack's goofy over-the-top lines. "Zoe, get yo ass back to the house. I will deal with you later," as he's turned into this giant monstrosity - as if he's going to give Zoe a talking to in that form. How ridiculous yet oh so awesome.
I thought RE2 was a bit too thin on story, but otherwise a decent game. Looking back, RE4 couldn't decide if it was horror or action.
RE7 - 10/10 RE2 - 8/10 RE4 - 9/10
Camden Jackson
I'm not saying you're wrong about the Alien bit though, I've definitely heard that before. The Thing seems really plausible given the grotesque meaty design.
Also, see pic related for confirmation of The Blob being an influence.
I haven't played 7 yet, but I'm planning to in a bit. I'm excited to as I've heard it is a true return to survival horror.
What you said about 4 echoes the complaints of the masses, though it was very popular. 4 was where the games really started to move away from horror and toward action.
Liam Perez
That's what Evie looks like when she melts at the end. "Damn you! Damn you all to hell!"
Leo Bailey
The problem with RE7 is that it's only good in the first half.
Dominic Perez
Good catch.
Come to think of it the crocodile in the opening scene of the Day of the Dead might have had some influence on the alligator in RE2 but that's stretching it.
It's a game whose faults i overlook because the quality is there. The tanker part might be weak, but it's necessary for the twist ending. There's something about 7 that, to me, makes it as good and memorable a game as the best games ever made. At the end when you've got the volume up and the orchestra hits as you take down the final boss. It's really satisfying. I could go on and on about the game.
Grayson Watson
That's the plan
Aiden Hall
Was going to say this. Monster gator in the sewer and everything. This scene scared me as a kid. youtube.com/watch?v=2XtAkQJWXHU
You'll enjoy it, but as you get to the latter portion of the game you'll be wondering what the point of it is and possibly feel like it's dragging. But press on and you'll find the best story-driven game in a long time.
