Resident Evil 4 Remake Producer Addresses Questions Around Darkside Chronicles’ Canon Status

As the first anniversary of Resident Evil 4 Remake approaches, the game’s producer has addressed lingering questions regarding The Darkside Chronicles, clarifying whether or not a certain chapter in the 2009 on-rails shooter is considered canon to the current main story of Resident Evil.

In an email interview with IGN, Resident Evil 4 Remake producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi clarified whether or not Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is considered canon to the Resident Evil universe. Specifically, the in-game scenario titled “Operation Javier” focuses on Leon Kennedy and his first mission as an agent for the United States government with his partner, Jack Krauser.

Warning: Potential spoiler for the end of the Resident Evil 4 remake below:

Resident Evil fans are likely familiar with Operation Javier as the events of that mission played a key role in Jack Krauser and his disdain for both Leon and the U.S. government. While the mission was not directly mentioned in the original Resident Evil 4, the 2023 remake references Operation Javier towards the end.

When asked about Darkside Chronicles’ status as a canonical entry in the Resident Evil lore, Hirabayashi clarified that while Operation Javier itself is canon to the Resident Evil universe, the events depicted in Darkside Chronicles are not exactly the same as those depicted in the remake.

“The fact that ‘Operation Javier’ occurred is in fact part of the current Resident Evil main story. However, as to what that mission was, it’s not exactly the same as the events portrayed in Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles,” Hirabayashi told IGN. “I can’t share the details, but you will find that the relationship between Leon and Krauser, as well as their conversations, give you some idea!”

For years, Resident Evil fans often discussed whether or not the on-rails spin-off games the Umbrella and Darkside Chronicles are considered canon to the Resident Evil lore. Both games released in 2007 and 2009 as exclusives on the Wii before getting ported onto the PS3, provide retellings of some of the mainline Resident Evil games, such as Resident Evil 0 and Code Veronica. Both games also had original scenarios not found in other Resident Evil games, such as Operation Javier.

In our review of Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, we said: “The rail shooter genre will never be the true Resident Evil experience, but Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles shows that the franchise can be spun out into different, successful styles of gameplay. Even with my complaints about the bouncy camera, I believe this follow-up is a significantly better experience than the original Umbrella Chronicles and one fun ride from start to finish.”

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.