Top Resident Evil Games On Nintendo Switch Ranked
Hey guys! If you're a fan of survival horror and own a Nintendo Switch, you're in for a treat. The Switch has become a fantastic platform for playing some of the best Resident Evil titles. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, there's something for everyone. Let's dive into the top Resident Evil games you can play on your Nintendo Switch, ranked and discussed in detail.
1. Resident Evil 4
When discussing the best Resident Evil games, it’s almost impossible not to start with Resident Evil 4. Originally released in 2005, this game redefined the series with its over-the-shoulder perspective and action-oriented gameplay. On the Nintendo Switch, Resident Evil 4 shines with its smooth performance and portability, making it a must-have title for any horror aficionado.
Why Resident Evil 4 is a Must-Play
Resident Evil 4 follows Leon S. Kennedy, now a seasoned government agent, as he's tasked with rescuing the President's daughter, Ashley Graham. His mission takes him to a rural village in Spain, where he encounters hordes of infected villagers controlled by a parasitic entity known as Las Plagas. The shift from the series' traditional fixed camera angles to an over-the-shoulder view was revolutionary, offering players a more immersive and action-packed experience.
The gameplay is intense and strategic. You have to manage your resources carefully, aiming for headshots to conserve ammo and using melee attacks to create space. The variety of enemies, from the relentless Ganados to the terrifying Regenerators, keeps you on your toes. Each encounter requires a different approach, ensuring that the gameplay remains fresh and engaging throughout the entire story.
Moreover, the storyline is captivating, filled with twists, memorable characters, and iconic moments. From the initial village assault to the castle siege and the island facility, each location is meticulously designed and brimming with suspense. The boss battles are epic and challenging, requiring you to utilize all your skills and resources to emerge victorious. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the sense of isolation and desperation is palpable, making Resident Evil 4 a truly unforgettable experience.
Portability and Performance on Switch
The Nintendo Switch version of Resident Evil 4 is particularly appealing due to its portability. You can experience this classic game on the go, whether you're commuting, traveling, or simply relaxing in another room. The game runs smoothly on the Switch, maintaining a consistent frame rate that ensures a fluid and responsive gameplay experience. The graphics are also well-optimized for the Switch's screen, preserving the visual fidelity of the original game while taking advantage of the console's capabilities.
In addition to the main story, the Switch version includes all the bonus content from previous releases, such as the Separate Ways campaign, which offers a different perspective on the events of the game through the eyes of Ada Wong. This adds significant replay value, allowing you to delve deeper into the world of Resident Evil 4 and uncover new secrets and challenges.
2. Resident Evil 5
Next up, we have Resident Evil 5. While it may not be as universally praised as Resident Evil 4, it offers a unique co-op experience that can be incredibly fun on the Nintendo Switch. Playing with a friend through the entire campaign enhances the game significantly.
Cooperative Gameplay
Resident Evil 5 distinguishes itself with its focus on cooperative gameplay. You play as Chris Redfield, joined by Sheva Alomar, as they investigate a bioterrorism threat in Africa. The game is designed with co-op in mind, requiring players to work together to solve puzzles, manage resources, and take down enemies. This cooperative element adds a layer of strategy and communication that sets it apart from other entries in the series.
Playing with a friend transforms the experience. You can strategize on how to approach different encounters, cover each other's backs, and share resources. The game's difficulty is balanced around the cooperative aspect, making it more challenging but also more rewarding when you succeed as a team. The camaraderie and teamwork involved in overcoming the game's obstacles create a unique and memorable experience.
Action-Oriented Horror
While Resident Evil 5 retains some horror elements, it leans more towards action. The game features intense firefights, explosive set pieces, and a wide variety of weapons to use against the infected hordes. The action is relentless, and you'll constantly be on the move, dodging attacks and taking down enemies. This action-oriented approach may not appeal to everyone, but it provides a different kind of thrill compared to the slower, more methodical gameplay of earlier Resident Evil games.
The storyline is engaging, delving into the origins of the T-virus and the conspiracies surrounding Umbrella Corporation. The characters are well-developed, and the interactions between Chris and Sheva add depth to the narrative. The game also introduces new enemies, such as the Majini, who are more intelligent and dangerous than the zombies of previous games. The boss battles are epic and challenging, requiring you to utilize teamwork and strategy to emerge victorious.
Visuals and Performance on Switch
The Nintendo Switch version of Resident Evil 5 holds up well visually, with detailed environments and character models. The game runs smoothly, maintaining a consistent frame rate that ensures a fluid and responsive gameplay experience. The portability of the Switch allows you to enjoy the game on the go, whether you're playing solo or with a friend via online or local multiplayer.
3. Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil 6 is ambitious in scope, offering multiple interwoven campaigns with different characters and storylines. While it received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it provides a substantial amount of content and a variety of gameplay styles.
Multiple Campaigns
One of the defining features of Resident Evil 6 is its multiple campaigns, each with its own storyline, characters, and gameplay style. You can play as Leon S. Kennedy and Helena Harper, Chris Redfield and Piers Nivans, Jake Muller and Sherry Birkin, or Ada Wong in her own solo campaign. Each campaign offers a unique perspective on the events of the game, and the storylines eventually converge, providing a comprehensive narrative.
Leon's campaign focuses on traditional horror elements, with a darker atmosphere and more emphasis on puzzle-solving. Chris's campaign is action-oriented, with intense firefights and explosive set pieces. Jake's campaign blends action with stealth, as he and Sherry evade pursuit while uncovering the secrets of his lineage. Ada's campaign is a mix of stealth, puzzle-solving, and combat, offering a more enigmatic and mysterious experience.
The variety of gameplay styles across the different campaigns ensures that the game remains fresh and engaging throughout its substantial length. You can switch between campaigns at any time, allowing you to experience the different perspectives and storylines in any order you choose. This adds replay value, as you can revisit the game multiple times to explore each campaign in detail.
Action-Packed Gameplay
Resident Evil 6 is primarily an action game, with a heavy emphasis on combat and set pieces. The game features a wide variety of weapons, enemies, and environments, ensuring that the action remains intense and varied. You'll be constantly on the move, dodging attacks, taking cover, and unleashing a barrage of bullets on the infected hordes.
The game also introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as sliding, rolling, and quick-time events, which add to the dynamism of the combat. The enemies are more intelligent and aggressive than in previous Resident Evil games, requiring you to utilize all your skills and resources to survive. The boss battles are epic and challenging, requiring you to strategize and coordinate your attacks to emerge victorious.
Visuals and Performance on Switch
The Nintendo Switch version of Resident Evil 6 is a solid port, with detailed environments and character models. The game runs smoothly, maintaining a consistent frame rate that ensures a fluid and responsive gameplay experience. The portability of the Switch allows you to enjoy the game on the go, whether you're playing solo or with a friend via online or local multiplayer.
4. Resident Evil Revelations 1 & 2
The Resident Evil Revelations games offer a blend of classic survival horror elements with modern action, making them a great addition to the Switch library. These titles emphasize atmosphere, exploration, and resource management.
Resident Evil Revelations
Resident Evil Revelations takes place between the events of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, featuring Jill Valentine and Parker Luciani as they investigate a derelict cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea. The game returns to the series' roots, with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the sense of isolation and vulnerability is palpable.
The storyline is engaging, delving into the conspiracies surrounding the Veltro organization and their involvement in bioterrorism. The characters are well-developed, and the interactions between Jill and Parker add depth to the narrative. The game also introduces new enemies, such as the Ooze, who are grotesque and deadly. The boss battles are challenging, requiring you to utilize all your skills and resources to emerge victorious.
Resident Evil Revelations 2
Resident Evil Revelations 2 features two interwoven storylines, with Claire Redfield and Moira Burton, and Barry Burton and Natalia Korda. The game is set on a remote island, where the characters must survive against hordes of infected creatures and uncover the secrets of the island's sinister experiments. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as Moira's flashlight and Natalia's ability to sense enemies, which add to the strategic depth of the gameplay.
The storyline is gripping, exploring themes of fear, survival, and redemption. The characters are well-developed, and the interactions between Claire and Moira, and Barry and Natalia, add emotional resonance to the narrative. The game also introduces new enemies, such as the Afflicted, who are relentless and deadly. The boss battles are intense, requiring you to utilize teamwork and strategy to emerge victorious.
Portability and Performance
Both Resident Evil Revelations games run well on the Nintendo Switch, with smooth performance and optimized graphics. The portability of the Switch allows you to enjoy these games on the go, whether you're playing solo or with a friend via online or local multiplayer. The games also include all the bonus content from previous releases, such as additional characters, weapons, and costumes, adding to the replay value.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic platform for playing Resident Evil games, offering a mix of classic and modern titles that cater to different tastes. Whether you prefer the action-oriented gameplay of Resident Evil 5 and 6, or the survival horror elements of Resident Evil Revelations, there's something for everyone. And, of course, Resident Evil 4 remains a timeless classic that everyone should experience. So grab your Switch, dim the lights, and get ready for some terrifyingly good times!