In 1996, the world of video gaming was forever changed by the release of Capcom’s “survival horror” masterwork “Resident Evil” on the Sony PlayStation. In fact, the term “survival horror”, now a common-place name for a subgenre of horror gaming, was originated by “Resident Evil”.

Survival horror itself can be defined as a genre of video games with a focus on surviving in a threatening, often supernatural or disturbing environment, with an emphasis on a more vulnerable central character, tension, limited resources and combat as a last resort.

Sound like a vast number of great horror games that have come since the original “Resident Evil”?

Whether it’s the steeped in atmospheric dread of the “Silent Hill” franchise, the cosmic Lovecraftian terror of the “Dead Space” games, the nerve-frying corridors of the “Amnesia” series or the Stephen King-esque small town horror of “Alan Wake” and its sequel, the influence of “Resident Evil” has played a pivotal role in forming horror gaming.

In this episode I am joined by the stars of the most recent “Resident Evil” games. They have taken the three most iconic characters of the franchise and not only made them their own, but also brought real gravity and psychological complexity that has helped redefine the series and what we thought we could expect from it.

Welcome Nicole Tompkins who plays Jill Valentine in the “Resident Evil 3” reimaging and the animated film “Resident Evil: Death Island” as well as Daniela Dimitrescu and Elena in “Resident Evil Village”, Jeff Schine who plays Carlos in the “Resident Evil 3” reimagining and Chris Redfield in “Resident Evil Village” and Nick Apostolides who plays Leon Kennedy in the reimagining’s of “Resident Evil 2” and “Resident Evil 4” as well as the TV mini-series “Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness”.

We discuss their approaches to adapting these legacy characters, the indelible imprint of the franchise, how it’s not as different from film acting as some may think, as well as their most requested line readings.

Let’s explore the dangers of Raccoon City and beyond, survive a world of endless zombies and undead Doberman's, expose shadowy secret evil organizations and visit a village of crazed occultist with Nicole Tompkins, Jeff Schine and Nick Apostolides!