Highlights
Chris Redfield has appeared in more main series Resident Evil titles than any other character, making him a popular and prolific character in the franchise.
Playing a crucial role in linking the recent titles to the overall story and providing a sense of grounding for Redfield in reality, his presence as a playable protagonist in Resident Evil 7 and Village is significant. Although heavily criticized for the now-infamous boulder punch scene in Resident Evil 5, it ultimately transcends into an enjoyable and iconic moment, adding to the franchise's enduring charm.
Chris Redfield holds the esteemed record of being featured in more main series Resident Evil games than any other character. As a result, he provides a greater amount of material for comparison and contrast, particularly when compared to other Resident Evil protagonists such as Leon Kennedy and Jill Valentine.
The rating of Chris Redfield's appearances in Resident Evil largely depends on the importance of his character to the storyline, as well as other aspects like his character growth and even the number of boulders he gets to punch during gameplay. Nonetheless, Chris undeniably stands as one of the franchise's more beloved and impactful characters.
S Tier
Resident Evil Revelations is often regarded as a revitalization of the franchise, particularly for fans who associate it more with Jill Valentine than Chris Redfield. However, it stands out as one of the best stories that brings together the original protagonists from the first Resident Evil game, offering a nostalgic experience for devoted fans.
The original Resident Evil game marked the debut of this renowned horror series, and it remains the only classic title in which Redfield assumes a leading role. While its age and the success of its remake may be subject to scrutiny, this game established the groundwork for all of Chris Redfield's subsequent endeavors.
A Tier
B Tier
Redfield's presence as a playable protagonist in both Resident Evil 7 and Village distinguishes him as the sole legacy character to have appeared since the early 2010s in the main series of Resident Evil. This not only serves to link the recent installments with the overall narrative but also succeeds in firmly reestablishing Redfield's foothold in reality, effectively rectifying any missteps from Resident Evil 5 and 6.Resident Evil 5: Some may argue that Chris Redfield's appearance in Resident Evil 5 deserves to be placed in the lowest tier, mainly because of the infamous moment where he punches a boulder while jumping over a shark. However, Chris' transformation from a mere man to a legendary figure goes beyond what some might perceive as "bad" and enters the realm of campiness. Admittedly, this sequence is completely out of sync with the established tone of the franchise before RE5, yet it remains one of the most unforgettable moments.
C Tier
Content
Resident Evil 6: Redfield, one of RE6's playable protagonists, exemplifies the game's narrative issues. While it appeals to fans of action-packed Resident Evil, those who crave horror may find it disorganized.
Resident Evil CODE Veronica: Considered the true third installment in the series, this entry has sparked controversy. Despite the initial acclaim it received on Dreamcast, over time, it has faced increasing negative attention. The game's storyline, including Chris and Claire Redfield's involvement, is widely regarded as convoluted.
Re:Verse/Revelations 2/Mercenaries: Below are all instances where Chris Redfield can be played as a character in multiplayer or side games across the Resident Evil series. While these appearances offer enjoyable fan service and hidden gems, they do not offer much depth for further exploration.
D Tier
Both Umbrella Chronicles and Darkside Chronicles feature Chris in their on-rail shooters, where they provide enhanced versions of the Resident Evil game narratives by offering additional details and bridging gaps in character development. However, Chris does not particularly benefit from these supplementary insights.
Redfield, in Marvel vs. Capcom 3/Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite, is not considered to be among the strongest fighters in the game. Apart from being categorized as a lower-tier fighter, his kit lacks excitement and fails to enhance the character. With generic moves and a fighting style, he simply becomes a "Generic Guy with Gun" for players unaware of his source material.