Watch Cult Classic That Inspired Resident Evil Free

The cult classic horror film "Sweet Home," which influenced the creation of the acclaimed video game series "Resident Evil," is now available to stream online for free in 4K quality with English subtitles. Directed by renowned Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the 1989 film features a story about a film crew exploring a haunted mansion. Complementing the film's release, an RPG video game developed by Capcom, directed by Shinji Mikami and produced by Tokuro Fujiwara, was also issued for the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). This game, sharing the movie's haunted mansion theme, served as a foundation for what would later become "Resident Evil." Interestingly, "Sweet Home" the game integrated storytelling elements such as diary logs, a method that preceded other games like "BioShock" in narrative delivery.

Yes, Sweet Home is now available to stream online in 4K with English subtitles for free, courtesy of film preservation group Kineko Video.

"Sweet Home" is considered a foundational piece in the horror genre of video games, with the NES title offering a combination of RPG elements and a horror narrative. The mechanics and storytelling approach of the game were innovative for their time and served as a precursor to features that would become standard in later horror and adventure titles.

Notably, "Resident Evil" emerged from the concept of remaking the "Sweet Home" game, with Shinji Mikami as director, who would go on to be recognized as an influential figure in the horror gaming scene. Under the guidance of producer Tokuro Fujiwara, "Resident Evil" evolved into a franchise celebrated for its suspenseful gameplay, unforgettable characters, and intricate plots, carving out a permanent place in video game history.