Tyrant (Resident Evil)
Encyclopedia
The Tyrant is the code name of a series of boss characters
in the Resident Evil video game series. Tyrants, biologically engineered
supersoldier
s created and used by the sinister Umbrella Corporation, make appearances as boss characters in most of Resident Evil games and the desire to create an obedient bioweapon lies at the core of the series' storyline.
(BOW) that is both powerful and capable of following orders. Prior to the events of Resident Evil Zero, Umbrella used the Progenitor virus to create the Tyrant virus (T-virus), which they believe can be used to manufacture powerful organisms. A problem with the virus’ compatibility with humans set the project back, as only humans with a very rare genetic makeup are capable of mutating into potent and manageable life forms. Umbrella eventually overcame this setback by resorting to using clones of Sergei Vladimir, one of their executives who happens to be genetically compatible. The events of Resident Evil Zero and Resident Evil
chronicle the Umbrella Corporation's development of the Tyrant prototypes, the T-001 and T-002. Though the early Tyrants are defeated in their first encounters, Umbrella manages to use the battle data from those defeats to produce other, more efficient Tyrants in the later installments of Resident Evil. Numerous Tyrants have been created throughout the story line, each with its own defining characteristics. A revamped version of Tyrant also existed in Resident Evil 5
during the game's development, but not in the finished product.
Outside of the Resident Evil series, there is a Tyrant card in the NDS
version of SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash
. A prototype Tyrant appears in the background of the Tricell Laboratory stage in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
; Tyrant was considered for addition as a playable character, but was rejected over concerns about the game's ESRB rating. The Nemesis T-Type
was later added as a playable character in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
.
and the Nemesis T-Type in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
are shown to possess some intelligence and the ability to carry out specific instructions. The weapons used by Tyrants have also varied. While most Tyrants in the Resident Evil series rely on sheer physical force to subdue opponents, Nemesis is able to use a shoulder-fired handheld rocket launcher, T-ALOS (Tyrant-Armored Lethal Organic System, in Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles
) has a shoulder-mounted multiple rocket launcher, and the mutated Morpheus D. Duvall (Resident Evil: Dead Aim
) has even bio-electric
abilities.
A Tyrant monster also appears in the third Resident Evil movie, Resident Evil: Extinction
. After being bitten by an enhanced zombie, Dr. Sam Isaacs tries to subdue his mutation; however, he's shot for insurbodination and immediately revives as a Tyrant. Compared to the Tyrants from the games, Isaacs retains his mental faculties and personality even after his mutation.
s were released by various manfucturers, including these by Toy Biz
in 1998 (T-002 and Mr. X), Moby Dick Toys in 2001 (four T-103 Tyrants), Palisades Toys
in 2001 (Mr. X) and 2002 (T-002), and NECA
in 2007 (T-002). A 1:6 scale (35 cm) resin
figure of T-002 in Umbrella Chronicles was also released by Gaya Entertainment and a PVC
stauette was released by Organic, both in 2008.
ranked the Tyrants as the tenth best video game villain, with a comment: "When a game boss is first introduced with a line like, 'All people deserve to be eaten,' you know you're in trouble." In 2009, the Tyrants were included in the IGN
's lists of the best Resident Evil bosses, the series' best villains (readers' choice), and the 12 characters and creatures that the staff of IGN would like see to return in Resident Evil 6, with a comment: "Almost as much a hallmark of the RE franchise as the zombie
, the Tyrant is a recurring favorite. (...) Resident Evil is supposed to be a terrifying experience, and much of the terror stems from pitting players against foes who completely outmatch them. That's the Tyrant in a nutshell." In 2010, IGN also included an "any type of Tyrant" in their dream roster of Marvel vs. Capcom 3. In 2011, Empire ranked Mr. X (Tyrant T-103) as the 39th greatest video game character, adding that "Nemesis never quite captured the silent dread of Mr. X".
Character (arts)
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
in the Resident Evil video game series. Tyrants, biologically engineered
Biological engineering
Biological engineering, biotechnological engineering or bioengineering is the application of concepts and methods of biology to solve problems in life sciences, using engineering's own analytical and synthetic methodologies and also its traditional...
supersoldier
Supersoldier
Supersoldier is a term often used to describe a soldier that operates beyond normal human limits or abilities. Supersoldiers are common in science fiction literature, films, TV programs, computer, conspiracy theories, and video games, but have also made appearances in other related genres, such as...
s created and used by the sinister Umbrella Corporation, make appearances as boss characters in most of Resident Evil games and the desire to create an obedient bioweapon lies at the core of the series' storyline.
In video games
The game series features many types of Tyrants as the result of several different experiments. Following the discovery of the Progenitor virus, the Umbrella corporation’s founders become eager to create a Bio-Organic WeaponBiological warfare
Biological warfare is the use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi with intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war...
(BOW) that is both powerful and capable of following orders. Prior to the events of Resident Evil Zero, Umbrella used the Progenitor virus to create the Tyrant virus (T-virus), which they believe can be used to manufacture powerful organisms. A problem with the virus’ compatibility with humans set the project back, as only humans with a very rare genetic makeup are capable of mutating into potent and manageable life forms. Umbrella eventually overcame this setback by resorting to using clones of Sergei Vladimir, one of their executives who happens to be genetically compatible. The events of Resident Evil Zero and Resident Evil
Resident Evil (video game)
Resident Evil, known as in Japan, is a survival horror video game by Capcom. The first installment in the Resident Evil series, it was originally released in 1996 for the PlayStation and was subsequently ported to the Sega Saturn and PC. In 2002, a remake of the game was released for the Nintendo...
chronicle the Umbrella Corporation's development of the Tyrant prototypes, the T-001 and T-002. Though the early Tyrants are defeated in their first encounters, Umbrella manages to use the battle data from those defeats to produce other, more efficient Tyrants in the later installments of Resident Evil. Numerous Tyrants have been created throughout the story line, each with its own defining characteristics. A revamped version of Tyrant also existed in Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5, known in Japan as , is a survival horror third-person shooter video game developed and published by Capcom. The game is the seventh installment in the Resident Evil survival horror series, and was released on March 5, 2009 in Japan and on March 13, 2009 in North America and Europe...
during the game's development, but not in the finished product.
Outside of the Resident Evil series, there is a Tyrant card in the NDS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
version of SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash
SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash
SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash is a series of SNK Playmore games between 1999 and 2006 for hand-held consoles.This game has a CCG theme, spun off from the popular series of fighting games by SNK and Capcom, and also including references to many other kinds of games from both companies. The...
. A prototype Tyrant appears in the background of the Tricell Laboratory stage in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds
is a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom. It features Capcom's own characters and characters from American comic book company Marvel Comics. It is the fifth installment of the Marvel vs...
; Tyrant was considered for addition as a playable character, but was rejected over concerns about the game's ESRB rating. The Nemesis T-Type
Nemesis (Resident Evil)
Nemesis, also called the Pursuer or , is a fictional character in Capcom's Resident Evil franchise. It first appears in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, before later emerging in other titles and cameo roles. It is also featured on various merchandise and in the 2004 film Resident Evil: Apocalypse...
was later added as a playable character in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
is a crossover fighting game developed by Capcom. It is an updated version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. After the events of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami disrupted the development schedule for downloadable content for the original game, the additional content was made into a...
.
Design
The games' creators have consistently depicted Tyrants as brutal, grotesque, and violent creatures. Additionally, the intelligence of Tyrants has varied. The first two Tyrants in Resident Evil Zero and Resident Evil are depicted as unintelligent, while the T-103 (more popularily known as "Mr. X" and sometimes also as "Trenchcoat") in Resident Evil 2Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2, known as in Japan, is a survival horror video game originally released for the PlayStation in 1998. Developed by Capcom as the second installment in the Resident Evil series, its story takes place two months after the events of the first game, Resident Evil...
and the Nemesis T-Type in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, released in Japan as is a survival horror video game and the sequel to Resident Evil 2, developed and published by Capcom. The game was released for the PlayStation, and was subsequently ported to the Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows and Nintendo GameCube...
are shown to possess some intelligence and the ability to carry out specific instructions. The weapons used by Tyrants have also varied. While most Tyrants in the Resident Evil series rely on sheer physical force to subdue opponents, Nemesis is able to use a shoulder-fired handheld rocket launcher, T-ALOS (Tyrant-Armored Lethal Organic System, in Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles
Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, known as in Japan, is a rail shooting video game co-developed by Capcom and Cavia. The game was released on November 13, 2007 in North America, November 15 in Japan, and on November 30 in Europe, excluding Germany, where the game is not available due to the...
) has a shoulder-mounted multiple rocket launcher, and the mutated Morpheus D. Duvall (Resident Evil: Dead Aim
Resident Evil: Dead Aim
Resident Evil: Dead Aim, known as in Japan, is the fourth release in a series of light gun shooter video games by Capcom. It is also the first in the franchise to feature first-person shooting alongside the third-person movement seen in its predecessors in the Resident Evil series...
) has even bio-electric
Bioelectromagnetism
Bioelectromagnetism refers to the electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic fields produced by living cells, tissues or organisms. Examples include the cell membrane potential and the electric currents that flow in nerves and muscles, as a result of action potentials...
abilities.
In other media
Tyrant creatures also appear in the Resident Evil novels and comics.A Tyrant monster also appears in the third Resident Evil movie, Resident Evil: Extinction
Resident Evil: Extinction
Resident Evil: Extinction is a Canadian-British 2007 science fiction action horror film also categorized as a doomsday and zombie film, and is the third installment in the Resident Evil film series, which is based on the Capcom survival horror series Resident Evil...
. After being bitten by an enhanced zombie, Dr. Sam Isaacs tries to subdue his mutation; however, he's shot for insurbodination and immediately revives as a Tyrant. Compared to the Tyrants from the games, Isaacs retains his mental faculties and personality even after his mutation.
In merchandising
Several Tyrant action figureAction figure
An action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, video game, or television program. These action figures are usually marketed towards boys and male collectors...
s were released by various manfucturers, including these by Toy Biz
Marvel Toys
Marvel Toys is the toy division of Marvel Entertainment, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company....
in 1998 (T-002 and Mr. X), Moby Dick Toys in 2001 (four T-103 Tyrants), Palisades Toys
Palisades Toys
Palisades Entertainment, LLC, better known as Palisades Toys, was a manufacturing and distributing toy & collectibles company geared toward the adult collector market...
in 2001 (Mr. X) and 2002 (T-002), and NECA
National Entertainment Collectibles Association
The National Entertainment Collectibles Association or NECA is an American manufacturer of collectibles typically licensed from films, video-games, sports, music, and television based in New Jersey...
in 2007 (T-002). A 1:6 scale (35 cm) resin
Resin
Resin in the most specific use of the term is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees. Resins are valued for their chemical properties and associated uses, such as the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents; as an important source of raw materials...
figure of T-002 in Umbrella Chronicles was also released by Gaya Entertainment and a PVC
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride is a plastic.PVC may also refer to:*Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor*Peripheral venous catheter, a small, flexible tube placed into a peripheral vein in order to administer medication or fluids...
stauette was released by Organic, both in 2008.
Reception
Since their debut in 1996, the Tyrants became the most recognisable and popular creatures of the Resident Evil series and even the gaming in general. In 2000, GameSpotGameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
ranked the Tyrants as the tenth best video game villain, with a comment: "When a game boss is first introduced with a line like, 'All people deserve to be eaten,' you know you're in trouble." In 2009, the Tyrants were included in the IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
's lists of the best Resident Evil bosses, the series' best villains (readers' choice), and the 12 characters and creatures that the staff of IGN would like see to return in Resident Evil 6, with a comment: "Almost as much a hallmark of the RE franchise as the zombie
Zombie
Zombie is a term used to denote an animated corpse brought back to life by mystical means such as witchcraft. The term is often figuratively applied to describe a hypnotized person bereft of consciousness and self-awareness, yet ambulant and able to respond to surrounding stimuli...
, the Tyrant is a recurring favorite. (...) Resident Evil is supposed to be a terrifying experience, and much of the terror stems from pitting players against foes who completely outmatch them. That's the Tyrant in a nutshell." In 2010, IGN also included an "any type of Tyrant" in their dream roster of Marvel vs. Capcom 3. In 2011, Empire ranked Mr. X (Tyrant T-103) as the 39th greatest video game character, adding that "Nemesis never quite captured the silent dread of Mr. X".
External links
- Tyrant at the Resident Evil Wiki
- Tyrant (Resident Evil) at IGNIGNIGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...