Resident Evil DS box art

Nintendo DS · Horror

Resident Evil

Certified classic

SystemNintendo DS
GenreHorror
DeveloperCapcom
PublisherCapcom
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
SeriesResident Evil
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 11

Developed by Capcom, Resident Evil arrived on the Nintendo DS as a horror game. This DS release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1996.

It is part of the Resident Evil series. The series also appears on other systems with Resident Evil (PS1) and Resident Evil 2 (N64). Capcom also made Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit, Mega Man Star Force and Ōkamiden for the DS.

Resident Evil is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to be spooked
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you want to experience one of the DS's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you scare easily or dislike scarce resources
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Resident Evil is like

Horror games build dread through atmosphere, limited resources and enemies you would rather avoid than fight. Survival horror in particular makes every bullet count.

Tip for newcomers: Conserve ammunition and healing items, explore carefully, and play with the lights off for the full effect.

Resident Evil gameplay screenshot on DS
In-game screenshot (DS)

Resident Evil walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Resident Evil.

If you like Resident Evil, the Matrix also picks…

Playing DS games today

Many DS games rely on the touchscreen and stylus, so they play best on original hardware, a 3DS, or an emulator with mouse or touch input such as Rec0m88. The library is enormous, which makes a recommendation engine especially handy.

Resident Evil FAQ

Who made Resident Evil?

It was developed by Capcom.

Is Resident Evil multiplayer?

No. Resident Evil is a single-player game.

How long does Resident Evil take to play?

As a horror game, Resident Evil typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Resident Evil on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you