Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Start with the original Resident Evil 2 (1998). It is the closest follow-up to the first game’s fixed-camera exploration, locked-room puzzles, scarce resources and zombie outbreak, while expanding the setting from a mansion to Raccoon City. If you want a different emphasis, choose Resident Evil 3: Nemesis for pursuit-driven urgency, Outbreak for cooperative scenarios, Dino Crisis for the same structure with dinosaurs, Parasite Eve for an RPG hybrid, Silent Hill for psychological horror, or The House of the Dead for arcade shooting.
This list treats “retro” as the original-era releases, not automatically their later remakes or re-releases. The comparison assumes that the 1990s classic in question is the original Resident Evil (called Biohazard in Japan), released for PlayStation in 1996.
Why the original Resident Evil is the baseline
The first Resident Evil established a particular survival-horror rhythm: explore a confined space, learn how rooms connect, solve environmental puzzles, decide which items are worth carrying, and survive enemies that make every detour costly. PlayStation’s introduction to the series describes a maze-like mansion, flesh-eating zombies, zombie dogs that burst through windows and a wider menagerie of Bio Organic Weapons (B.O.W.s). That combination brought survival horror into the mainstream in 1996.
For a follow-up to feel genuinely similar, it needs more than zombies. It should preserve several of the following:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Layered exploration: rooms, keys, shortcuts and locked routes that become meaningful as you learn the map.
- Puzzle-driven progress: objects and clues matter as much as firepower.
- Resource decisions: ammunition, healing items and inventory space force trade-offs.
- Controlled tension: danger comes from uncertainty and limited options, not just enemy hit points.
- A setting with history: the location itself should explain why you are searching, backtracking and taking risks.
The games below match those qualities to different degrees. The table is a quick way to identify the right branch before the detailed recommendations.
At-a-glance comparison
| Game | Zombie or undead focus | Exploration and puzzles | Combat pace | Best match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 2 (1998) | High | High | Medium | Closest overall follow-up |
| Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) | High | Medium | Medium-high | Urgent sequel tension |
| Resident Evil Outbreak (2003) | High | Medium | Medium | Co-op retro survival |
| Dino Crisis (1999) | None; dinosaurs | High | Medium | Same-era structure with a science-fiction threat |
| Parasite Eve (1998) | Mutant and biological horror | Medium | Medium | Horror combined with RPG systems |
| Silent Hill (1999) | Low | Medium | Low-medium | Psychological horror and oppressive atmosphere |
| The House of the Dead (1996) | High | Low | Very high | Arcade and light-gun action |
1. Resident Evil 2 (1998): the closest next game
Why it is the default recommendation
Resident Evil 2 is the most direct continuation of the first game’s formula. Capcom’s series history places Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield and other survivors inside the same Raccoon City zombie crisis, so the outbreak is not an unrelated anthology premise. The Steam product listing identifies the current product with the tags “Zombies,” “Survival Horror,” “Puzzle” and “Classic,” which neatly describes why it belongs at the top of this list.
Its progression still depends on examining rooms, finding keys and tools, opening routes, managing a limited inventory and deciding when combat is worthwhile. The setting is more sprawling than the original mansion, and the larger area can make the game feel more action-forward, but puzzles and resource decisions remain central rather than decorative.
What changes from the first game
The mansion’s compact maze gives way to a broader urban incident. That change affects pacing: you spend more time moving between connected locations and dealing with a crisis that is already spreading. The result is a bigger adventure rather than a simple repeat of the first game. Expect more forward momentum and a wider cast, while retaining the deliberate search-and-unlock loop that defines classic Resident Evil.
Which version to choose
The 1998 release is the retro choice and the one that most directly represents the PlayStation-era design. A modern remake is also available, but it is a separate interpretation with contemporary presentation and design decisions. Do not treat a remake, a classic re-release and the original disc as interchangeable when you are seeking a specific period experience. Platform, edition and regional availability vary, so confirm the exact product listing before buying.
Who should play it first
Choose this game if you want familiar systems with a larger setting, if you want the clearest continuation of the Raccoon City story, or if you are unsure which direction to take after the first Resident Evil. It is the safest recommendation for someone asking for “the game most like classic Resident Evil.”
2. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): the urgent sequel
Why it belongs next
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis completes the immediate Raccoon City context begun in Resident Evil 2. Capcom treats the two games as parts of the same incident, with Jill Valentine and other civilians fighting through the zombie scourge. Playing them in release order gives the outbreak a clear continuity and lets you see how the series pushed its established formula toward greater urgency.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →How its tension differs
The first game often lets you choose when to enter a dangerous room. Nemesis is more interested in pressure and pursuit. Its identity comes from making the player feel that the outbreak is moving and that danger can interrupt an otherwise careful plan. Combat is generally more prominent, and the overall rhythm is less leisurely than the original’s exploration-heavy mansion crawl.
That does not make it a pure action game. The Raccoon City setting still uses exploration, item management and problem solving, but the balance leans toward movement and confrontation. If you enjoyed the first game’s puzzles but found its slow tempo frustrating, this is a useful next step. If your favorite part was uninterrupted, low-ammunition room-by-room mapping, play Resident Evil 2 before it.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Best reason to choose it
Pick Nemesis when you want recognizable series continuity with a stronger sense of pursuit. It is particularly suitable after Resident Evil 2, because the paired Raccoon City setting makes the two games feel like different perspectives on one disaster rather than disconnected sequels.
3. Resident Evil Outbreak (2003): scenario-based survival with co-op roots
What makes it different
Resident Evil Outbreak is later than the core 1990s entries, but its presentation and scenarios are rooted in retro survival horror. PlayStation Blog describes the series as a homage to cooperative retro survival titles and has documented a physical Outbreak collection release through Limited Run Games.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Instead of following one carefully authored hero through a single linear campaign, the game is organized around scenarios and a group of survivors. That structure changes how you think about progress: cooperation, role selection and adapting to a particular situation become as important as simply conserving ammunition.
Why it can feel less like the original
The first Resident Evil is fundamentally solitary. Its silence, fixed-camera reveals and inventory choices are designed around one person being responsible for every decision. Outbreak’s network and co-op orientation necessarily changes that feeling. Coordination can make survival more manageable, while communication and scenario objectives replace some of the lonely puzzle-box tension.
Who should choose it
Choose Outbreak if playing with others is the priority or if you want short, scenario-based runs rather than one mansion-style campaign. Choose a numbered classic entry instead if your main goal is solitary exploration and a tightly controlled story. Because the original network context and current physical or re-release options differ by edition and region, verify how the version you are considering is intended to be played.
4. Dino Crisis (1999): Resident Evil’s structure with dinosaurs
The structural match
Dino Crisis is the strongest non-zombie alternative for someone who loves the mechanics of 1990s Resident Evil. Genre histories place it among the notable survival-horror games of the same era, and its appeal comes from using a familiar fixed-camera, exploration and resource-management framework with a science-fiction dinosaur threat.
Replacing zombies with dinosaurs changes the type of danger without discarding the design language. You still investigate an enclosed environment, solve obstacles, manage supplies and decide whether a confrontation is worth the cost. That makes it a structural match rather than a literal undead game.
What the trade-off means
Dinosaur enemies do not create the same slow, outbreak-driven mood as zombies. The threat is more biological and predatory, and the science-fiction setting shifts the tone away from gothic mansion horror. If the enemy fantasy is non-negotiable, stay with Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3 or Outbreak. If the thing you really want is a map full of locked doors, scarce resources and dangerous returns, Dino Crisis is a strong choice.
Best player profile
Play it after the original Resident Evil when you want another PlayStation-era fixed-camera game but are ready for a different threat and a more overtly science-fiction identity.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
5. Parasite Eve (1998): horror filtered through RPG systems
Why it is adjacent rather than identical
Parasite Eve is identified in genre references as a Resident Evil-era survival-horror-adjacent game that combines horror with RPG play. Its value is not that it reproduces the first game’s mechanics exactly; it is that it asks what a horror adventure looks like when character progression and role-playing systems are part of the design.
You should expect story and combat systems to carry more weight than they do in a straightforward classic Resident Evil campaign. The result is a hybrid: horror atmosphere and biological menace are present, but the game’s identity is shaped by RPG-style decisions and real-time combat rather than only by keys, doors and ammunition.
What you gain and lose
- You gain: a stronger progression layer and a different approach to combat and character development.
- You give up: some of the mechanical directness and pure inventory-puzzle focus that make the original Resident Evil distinctive.
When to pick it
Choose Parasite Eve if you enjoy horror but want the game to reward investment in an RPG-like system. It is a poor substitute only if your definition of “like Resident Evil” means zombies, fixed-camera mansion exploration and classic key-item puzzles with minimal character-building.
6. Silent Hill (1999): psychological horror instead of an outbreak thriller
Its central appeal
Silent Hill is a defining late-1990s survival-horror counterpart. It belongs on this list because it preserves exploration, danger and environmental problem solving while redirecting the genre toward psychological horror, oppressive atmosphere and symbolic storytelling.
The distinction matters. In Resident Evil, the zombie and B.O.W. outbreak is an explicit external crisis. Silent Hill is less dependent on a conventional undead premise and more concerned with uncertainty, disturbing imagery and the meaning of the spaces you traverse. The tension comes from what the setting suggests as much as from what attacks you.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How its pacing feels
Its combat is generally less dominant than in the Raccoon City games, and its horror is slower and more atmospheric. Exploration remains important, but you are not simply searching a mansion for the next emblem or key. The game asks you to interpret an unsettling world and tolerate ambiguity.
Who should play it
Pick Silent Hill when mood, psychological unease and symbolic storytelling matter more to you than a literal zombie outbreak. It is the best recommendation here for someone who wants to broaden their definition of survival horror after finishing the original Resident Evil.
7. The House of the Dead (1996): fast arcade zombie shooting
The immediate attraction
The House of the Dead offers the most direct zombie fantasy on the list, but not the same kind of game. Zombie-game references describe it as an arcade title associated with fast-running zombies. Its defining experience is rapid light-gun shooting through an arcade-style route.
That means the combat pace is very high and the emphasis is on reflexes, target priority and keeping the run moving. It can provide a satisfying burst of zombie action after a slow survival-horror campaign, especially for players who want immediate feedback rather than another inventory puzzle.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What it does not replicate
Arcade shooting has little of Resident Evil’s inventory management, room-by-room exploration or puzzle depth. You do not choose it because it is mechanically similar; you choose it because it delivers a different kind of retro undead tension. Think of it as a palate cleanser or a companion game, not a replacement for the mansion formula.
Best use in a play plan
Play it when you want a short, action-heavy session, when you have access to a suitable light-gun setup, or when your favorite part of zombie games is the act of shooting rather than searching and conserving supplies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose without guessing
If you want the closest overall follow-up
Choose the original Resident Evil 2. It keeps the series’ zombie outbreak, survival-horror and puzzle identity while expanding the setting and story.
If you want more pressure
Choose Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. It stays in the same Raccoon City crisis but shifts the balance toward urgency, pursuit and more frequent action.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If you want to play with other people
Choose Resident Evil Outbreak. Its scenario structure and co-op orientation are the reason to select it, even though they make it less solitary than the 1996 game.
If zombies are optional but the structure is not
Choose Dino Crisis. It preserves the fixed-camera, resource-management shape while changing the threat to dinosaurs.
If you want an RPG layer
Choose Parasite Eve. Its horror works alongside role-playing systems and real-time combat rather than reproducing the original’s design exactly.
If atmosphere matters most
Choose Silent Hill. It offers psychological horror and symbolic storytelling instead of making a zombie outbreak the central explanation for every threat.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf you want pure arcade momentum
Choose The House of the Dead. It is the fastest and least exploratory option.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
A sensible playing order
- Resident Evil 2 (1998): establish the most direct continuation of the original formula.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): continue through the Raccoon City incident with a more urgent pace.
- Dino Crisis (1999): test whether the structure, rather than the zombies, is what you enjoy.
- Silent Hill (1999): experience the late-1990s shift toward psychological horror.
- Parasite Eve (1998): add an RPG-oriented interpretation of horror and biological threat.
- Resident Evil Outbreak (2003): move into cooperative, scenario-based survival once you want a social format.
- The House of the Dead (1996): finish with fast arcade shooting when you want contrast rather than another long exploration campaign.
This order is not a chronology requirement. It starts with the closest mechanical and narrative match, then widens the definition of retro survival horror one step at a time.
Original releases, remakes and re-releases
“Retro” can describe the design, the original release or the way a game is currently sold. Keep those meanings separate when choosing a version.
- Original release: the 1990s game as designed for its period, including its presentation, controls and pacing.
- Remake: a newer interpretation that may change camera work, combat, level layout, story emphasis or difficulty. A remake can be an excellent way to revisit the premise, but it is not the same historical experience.
- Classic re-release: the older game presented on newer hardware or through a modern storefront. Confirm whether it is the original code, an emulated version or a compilation.
- Physical collection: a disc or cartridge package whose contents and regional compatibility should be checked before purchase.
For Resident Evil 2, the original 1998 game and the modern remake should be treated as separate recommendations. The original is the relevant choice when the goal is a PlayStation-era follow-up to the 1996 classic; the remake is a contemporary alternative for readers who prefer modern presentation.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11What the available sales figures do—and do not—tell you
Capcom reported that the Resident Evil 2 remake sold 3 million units worldwide in its first week in 2019 and that its 1-Shot Demo had been downloaded more than 4.7 million times at the time of that report. Capcom later reported more than 10 million units sold worldwide for Resident Evil 2 in 2022. Those figures describe commercial milestones for the remake or the cumulative product milestone specified by Capcom; they are not a review score, a guarantee that every player will prefer the remake, or evidence that the original version is unavailable.
The figures are useful context for recognizing the series’ continuing reach, but the recommendation here is based on setting, genre and mechanics. No current price, stock level, platform list or regional availability should be inferred from those historical milestones.
Practical expectations before you start
Expect period design
Original-era survival horror often communicates through fixed camera angles, deliberate movement, limited inventory space and backtracking. Those choices create tension but can feel less convenient than modern controls. Allow time to learn a map instead of treating every return trip as wasted time.
Decide whether you want solitude or company
If the appeal is the original game’s lonely puzzle-box atmosphere, begin with Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Dino Crisis or Silent Hill. If conversation and shared problem solving sound better, Outbreak is the purposeful exception.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesMatch the threat to your tolerance for change
Zombie continuity is strongest in the numbered Resident Evil entries and Outbreak. Dinosaurs, mutants and psychological manifestations offer different kinds of fear. Choosing based on the threat you actually want prevents the common disappointment of selecting a mechanically similar game whose atmosphere is wrong for you.
Verify the edition before paying
Listings can combine an original release, a remake, a compilation and a regional edition under similar names. Check the exact title, release version, supported platform, language options and whether multiplayer or a light-gun accessory is required. Current prices and availability change, so they should be confirmed at the point of purchase rather than assumed from historical references.
Final recommendation
For one answer, play the original Resident Evil 2. It carries forward the first game’s zombie outbreak, exploration, puzzles and resource decisions while giving you a larger Raccoon City setting. Follow it with Resident Evil 3: Nemesis if you want more urgency, then branch to Outbreak, Dino Crisis, Parasite Eve, Silent Hill or The House of the Dead according to whether you value co-op, structural similarity, RPG systems, psychological atmosphere or arcade speed.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
