Coming up with a baseline for a zombie story can be tough. Often, the starting point is a person’s home, like The Last Of Us, but sometimes creators can surprise us with something as iconic as the Resident Evil Spencer Mansion. In the case of Resident Evil: Survival Unit, however, we’ll be starting inside a cliché.
Due out on November 18 on iOS and Android, this free-to-play game allows players to experience the world of Resident Evil through the eyes of a new protagonist with the help of allies from past games. There’s just one problem right from the start.
Resident Evil Survival Unit Starts In A Hospital
Hopefully, It Gets More Original
Odds are you’ve seen a piece of zombie media where the protagonist wakes up in a hospital, and slowly figures out that they’re smack-dab in the middle of an apocalyptic situation. The Walking Dead is a prime example, but there’s also 28 Days Later andResident Evil: Apocalypse, where RE movie protagonist Alice wakes up in a hospital.
It can be an effective tool for showcasing the sheer terror and panic of someone who is completely vulnerable, being thrust into a horrific situation. That said, Resident Evil could do better, and I would have preferred almost any other setting. I’m also cautious about the idea of waking up in such a vulnerable state, especially if the progression is slow and the tutorial is lengthy.
Here’s the full background on the hospital opening from the game’s official site:
“The game opens with the protagonist awakening in a mysterious hospital, having been used as a test subject by the Umbrella Corporation. As you uncover the truth and attempt to escape, the story unfolds into a parallel world where familiar characters from the original series return, uncovering details of a chilling, new narrative. Face new dangers and forge alliances as the fight for survival begins anew.”
In other words, it’s a very mobile game premise. Opening up the parallel world Pandora’s Box allows the game to add in an “all-star” fan-favorite cast, while not directly messing with canon. It’ll be interesting to see how this all unfolds over the course of the game.
The Jury Is Out On Resident Evil Survival Unit
In Any Case, Requiem is Just Around The Corner
We’re still unsure how Resident Evil Survival Unit will turn out, but given that it’s a mobile game, I’m cautious. Although the idea of bringing together classic characters sounds fun, the series has effectively already done that time and time again with various Mercenaries modes and side games. There is no shortage of fan service and nostalgia when it comes to the Resident Evil series.
In any case, we’re getting a new Resident Evil game in the form of Requiem, which is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. If fans can’t get what they need out of Survival Unit, they only need to wait a few more months for the next mainline Resident Evil, which will no doubt bring back classic characters and propel the narrative into a new era.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
