All Endings Explained
Resident Evil (1996) features multiple endings, primarily determined by your choices and survival status throughout the game. The fate of the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team and the overall outcome of the Raccoon City incident hinge on your ability to escape the Spencer Mansion and its surrounding horrors.
There are essentially two main ending categories: the "Good" ending and the "Bad" ending. The distinction lies in whether key characters survive and the extent to which the truth about Umbrella Corporation's experiments is exposed.
The "Bad" Ending:
This ending occurs if you fail to meet certain survival criteria. Typically, this involves not rescuing all available allies or succumbing to the mansion's dangers. In this scenario, only a few S.T.A.R.S. members manage to escape the island, and the full extent of Umbrella's biological weapons program remains largely hidden. The narrative implies that the incident will be covered up, and Umbrella will continue its nefarious activities unchecked.
The "Good" Ending:
To achieve the "Good" ending, you must ensure the survival of specific characters and successfully defeat the final boss. The exact requirements can vary slightly depending on which character you are playing as (Chris or Jill), but generally involve:
- Rescuing Richard Aiken (if he survives his encounter with the Yawn).
- Ensuring Barry Burton's survival.
- Completing the game with a sufficient number of survivors.
In the "Good" ending, a greater number of S.T.A.R.S. members escape the island, and the evidence of Umbrella's illegal research is brought to light. This sets the stage for future investigations and the eventual downfall of the corporation. The final cutscene will depict the survivors escaping via helicopter, with the mansion engulfed in flames.
Character-Specific Nuances:
While the core "Good" and "Bad" endings remain, playing as Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield can lead to slightly different dialogue and cutscenes within these categories. For instance, Jill's playthrough often involves more direct interaction with Barry Burton, and his survival is a more prominent factor in her "Good" ending.
The True "Best" Ending (Implied):
While not explicitly a separate ending in the original game's mechanics, the most satisfying outcome for players is achieving the "Good" ending with the maximum number of survivors. This sifies a successful mission where the S.T.A.R.S. team has not only survived but also gathered crucial intelligence to combat Umbrella.