Barry Burton's Role (Jill Only)

Barry Burton's Role (Jill Only)

Playing as Jill Valentine offers a distinct narrative and gameplay experience compared to Chris Redfield's playthrough, largely due to the recurring presence and assistance of Barry Burton. Barry acts as a crucial ally, providing both story exposition and tangible aid, which can significantly influence your survival and the game's ending. Understanding his interventions and how to maximize them is key to a successful Jill playthrough in the original Resident Evil (1996).

Key Interactions and Item Hand-offs

Barry's appearances are often tied to critical moments, where he provides essential items or saves Jill from immediate danger. Pay close attention to these encounters to ensure you receive all possible benefits.

• Mansion Dining Room (First Encounter):
  • Location: After entering the Dining Room from the Main Hall and encountering the first zombie.
  • Event: As Jill, you'll witness the first zombie feasting on Kenneth. Upon its discovery, the zombie will turn its attention to you. Before it can attack, Barry will burst through the door, saving Jill by dispatching the zombie with his powerful .44 Magnum.
  • Outcome: Barry will then accompany Jill back to the Main Hall, offering some initial exposition and concern. He does not give Jill any items at this specific point.
  • Strategy Tip: This encounter is scripted and unavoidable. It serves to establish Barry as a protective figure early in the game.
• Mansion West Wing, First Floor Corridor (After Yawn Fight):
  • Location: After defeating the giant snake, Yawn, for the first time in the attic of the West Wing (accessible via the Armor Key).
  • Event: Following your escape from the attic, as you traverse the corridor back towards the Dining Room, Barry will appear, visibly concerned about Jill's well-being.
  • Item Hand-off: Barry will give Jill the .44 Magnum. This powerful revolver is an excellent weapon for boss encounters or tough enemies, though its ammunition is scarce.
  • Strategy Tip: Conserve the .44 Magnum ammunition for critical situations. It's particularly effective against Hunters or the Tyrant.
• Residence, Plant 42 Room (After Defeat):
  • Location: Inside the Residence, after successfully defeating Plant 42.
  • Event: Once Plant 42 is defeated, Barry will enter the room, relieved to find Jill safe. He will express his concern and offer to help.
  • Item Hand-off: Barry will give Jill the Flamethrower. This weapon is crucial for solving a specific puzzle later in the game and is also effective against certain enemies.
  • Strategy Tip: The Flamethrower is primarily used to burn webs blocking a path in the underground caverns. While it can damage enemies, its fuel is limited, so use it judiciously.
• Underground Laboratory, Control Room (Before Tyrant):
  • Location: In the underground laboratory, after activating the self-destruct sequence.
  • Event: As Jill attempts to escape, Barry will appear in the control room, having made his way through the facility. He will join Jill for the final escape.
  • Outcome: Barry will accompany Jill to the helipad. His presence here is vital for achieving the best ending.

Barry's "Betrayal" and Endings (Original 1996 Game)

In the original Resident Evil (1996), Barry's actions are less about an explicit "betrayal" in the sense of a direct confrontation or a note revealing his motives, and more about his forced cooperation with Wesker under duress (Wesker threatening his family). Jill discovers evidence of this manipulation indirectly, and her actions can influence Barry's ultimate fate.

There are two primary endings concerning Barry in Jill's scenario:

1. Good Ending (Barry Survives):
   • Requirement: You must ensure Barry survives the events of the game. This primarily involves reaching the helipad with him.
   • How to Achieve:
     1. Do not leave the Mansion without Barry: After the Plant 42 encounter, Barry will accompany you. Ensure he is with you when you proceed to the underground laboratory.
     2. Reach the Helipad Together: After activating the self-destruct sequence in the laboratory, Barry will join you in the control room. Proceed to the helipad with him.
     3. Tyrant Fight Assistance: On the helipad, when the Tyrant attacks, Barry will actively assist Jill, firing at the Tyrant and drawing its attention. This makes the fight significantly easier.
   • Outcome: Barry escapes with Jill and Chris (if Chris was also saved), providing a more hopeful conclusion for the characters.
2. Bad Ending (Barry Dies):
   • Requirement: If Barry is not with Jill when she reaches the helipad, or if he is killed by Wesker.
   • How it Happens:
     1. Leaving Barry Behind: If, for any reason, you proceed too far without Barry after he joins you (e.g., in the underground lab), he may not make it to the helipad.
     2. Wesker's Intervention: During the final confrontation with Wesker in the laboratory, if Barry is present, Wesker will attempt to kill him. If Jill does not intervene or is unable to prevent this, Barry will die.
   • Outcome: Jill escapes alone or with only Chris (if saved), and Barry's fate is tragic. The Tyrant fight on the helipad will be more challenging without his assistance.

Summary of Barry's Contributions (Jill's Scenario)

Barry Burton is an invaluable asset in Jill's playthrough, providing crucial firepower and emotional support. Ensuring his survival is not only beneficial for the narrative but also makes the final encounters significantly more manageable.

Always prioritize keeping Barry alive and with you when possible. His presence is a clear indicator of being on the path to the best possible ending for Jill Valentine.