Rare Resident Evil Mobile Game ‘Biohazard: The Episodes’ Preserved by Game Preservationist

In a significant development for video game preservation, a copy of 'Biohazard: The Episodes'—a rare Resident Evil spin-off originally released for Japanese feature phones in 2007—has been successfully preserved by the dedicated game preservationist Yuvi.

Produced by industry giant Capcom, 'Biohazard: The Episodes' is a lesser-known entry in the storied Resident Evil (known as Biohazard in Japan) franchise and was once believed to be lost due to its exclusive distribution on now-obsolete Japanese mobile platforms. The late 2000s saw a surge in mobile gaming across Japan, particularly on feature phones—pre-smartphone mobile devices tailored for local gaming services.

Capcom, seizing the opportunity, adapted its world-renowned Resident Evil IP to these platforms.

Several scenario-driven Biohazard games were developed for Japanese keitai (feature phones); these include 'Biohazard: The Missions,' 'Biohazard: The Stories,' 'Biohazard: The Episodes,' and 'Biohazard: The Operations.' Of these, only 'Biohazard: The Missions' reached audiences outside Japan, being ported to compatible Java phones before its distribution ceased and the game was eventually archived online. However, the rest of these feature phone titles remained locked to the original hardware, becoming nearly inaccessible following the closure of distribution channels like Capcom Park.

For many years, these games sat in obscurity until grassroots efforts by preservationists sought to recover them.

A small community of Japanese feature phone enthusiasts leveraged their technical expertise to extract game data from discontinued devices, methodically restoring the legacy of these digital rarities.

Prior to Yuvi’s breakthrough, only partial versions of 'Biohazard: The Stories' and 'Biohazard: The Operations' had been preserved online, offering only incomplete glimpses into Capcom’s mobile portfolio. Yuvi’s latest achievement changes the landscape: 'Biohazard: The Episodes' is now available in its entirety, save for the unlockable additional characters, via Yuvi’s Keitai World Launcher.

The game is notable for featuring Jill Valentine as the lead protagonist and delivering an impressive 3D experience reminiscent of the PlayStation classic 'Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.' Originally intended for i-mode compatible feature phones, 'The Episodes' was distributed exclusively through Capcom Park, which has since ceased operations. In response to the preservation effort, Yuvi emphasized the significance of rescuing video games from obscurity, stating through digital channels that restoring these lost products ensures the legacy and cultural impact of pioneering titles continues.

"Recovering games like 'Biohazard: The Episodes' gives both historians and fans an opportunity to rediscover an important chapter in mobile gaming history," Yuvi explained in paraphrased form.

The preservation of this title underscores the growing importance of archiving all facets of video game development—including short-lived platforms and region-exclusive releases—so that future generations can experience the diversity and innovation that shaped the industry. Gamers and preservation enthusiasts interested in exploring 'Biohazard: The Episodes' can experience the title via the Keitai World Launcher.

This milestone demonstrates the enduring relevance of preservation efforts as integral to maintaining the vibrant legacy of franchises such as Capcom’s Resident Evil, especially as digital storefronts, hardware, and content become increasingly ephemeral.

Capcom Rare Resident Evil Mobile Biohazard The Episodes Yuvi Keitai World Launcher Capcom Park