It all started way back in 1996. In a darkened room - back to the wall, shotgun in hand - we realised we'd fallen ammo-over-heels in love with the most horrifying game we'd ever experienced: Resident Evil.
A staggering 18 years on, the series has continued to provide top-draw brain-spraying action. But it's not the zombies that keep the ShortList.com team coming back for more - it's the characters. Witty, rugged and insightful, they never fail to entertain.
We've collected together our favourite words of wisdom from the series, from Wesker's chilling put-downs to Redfields' irrepressible optimism. Let us know in the comments below if we missed any gems.
Albert Wesker (Resident Evil)
"Don’t be a hard dog to keep under the porch..."
Bleak, condescending and mildly threatening. Not unlike Wesker himself...
Ada Wong (Resident Evil 6)
"The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Except fashion. And over-ripe cheese
Jill Valentine (Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles)
"Abandon hope."
Particularly relevant headed into the summer's World Cup...
Chris Redfield (Resident Evil: Revelations)
"You should've worn your thermal underwear."
Chris is also available for formal wear advice and tailoring features
HUNK (Resident Evil: Revelations)
"Another day, another dollar."
Whatever gets you through to Friday
Jack Krauser (Resident Evil 4)
"You may be able to prolong your life, but it's not like you can escape your inevitable death, is it?"
So don't go putting your faith in that latest miracle cream, okay?
Leon Scott Kennedy (Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles)
"Let's take a break. Because it looks like it's going to be a long night."
Leon always struck us as a KitKat kind of guy
Sheva Alomar (Resident Evil 5)
"There's only so much one person can do."
Even a superhero like Chris. Which is why you should play co-op
Albert Wesker (Umbrella Chronicles)
"The only thing that can defeat power, is more power."
If that doesn't work, try pulling the plug out
Chris Redfield (Resident Evil)
"See? Just relax and play."
Relevant for a variety of scenarios, from kicking back with Resident Evil or a significant other
Albert Wesker (Resident Evil)
"Don't open that door!"
Sound advice for those who find themselves in infested mansions, changing rooms or aircraft
Jake Muller (Resident Evil 6)
"It's always something with women!"
Jake's never been a ladies' man. He seems to have a closer affinity with knives
Chris Redfield (Resident Evil: Revelations)
"Trust is built through actions, not words."
And Chris is a man you can trust. Particularly in zombie-filled scenarios
Jill Valentine (Resident Evil 3)
"It's true that once the wheels of justice begin to turn, nothing can stop them. Nothing."
Best make sure you stay on the right side of the terrifying juggernaut that is the judicial process
Chris Redfield (Resident Evil 5)
"I'm just a realist - it's a capitalist society. Not everyone's cut out for that kind of constant pressure. Sure there are opportunities to be had, but at what price? You gain, someone else looses."
Chris exposes his socialist leanings
Ada Wong (Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles)
"It is important to remain calm and collected, even in the most extreme situations."
And remember, the spider is more scared of you than you are of it
Jack Krauser (Resident Evil 4)
"You don't seriously think a conservative mind can chart a new course for the world, do you?"
Well, do you?
Leon Scott Kennedy (Resident Evil 4)
"Better try a new trick 'cause that one's getting old!"
Never let yourself become predictable. Particularly if you've set your sights on world domination
Sherry Birkin (Resident Evil 6)
"You can blame your father all you want, but at some point, you need to take responsibility for your own actions."
Birkin puts the sins of our fathers to rest once and for all
Chris Redfield (Resident Evil 5)
"That's the thing about us Americans, we're all different."
But all of them are averse to zombies
Chris Redfield (Resident Evil 6)
"You can't run forever..."
Whether you're fleeing your problems or a pack of flesh-eaters, you'll tire eventually
Albert Wesker (Resident Evil 5)
"Has it never occurred to you that this planet is overpopulated? Only a handful of humans truly matter. Everyone else is just so much chaff."
Wesker imparts his wisdom on the increasing threat of an over-populated world
Ada Wong (Resident Evil 4)
"There are some things in the world better off not knowing."
Like the finer points of your parents' romantic life and what lurks in the darker corners of the internet
Jake Muller (Resident Evil 6)
"Dying on a blade is the last way you wanna go. It's a bitch."
Muller - always straight to the point
HUNK (Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles)
"The Death cannot die."
He's not wrong
