Summary

• Resident Evil remakes have been successful, but overdoing them risks franchise fatigue and stifles innovation.
• Capcom should focus future remakes on diverse experiences and impactful entries, not just mainline games.
• RE should prioritize titles with the potential for improveent in visuals, controls, and storytelling.

Resident Evil has cemented its position as a cornerstone of the survival horror genre. The recent remade versions have successfully reintroduced classic stories to a new generation, offering enhanced visuals and refined gameplay mechanics. However, focusing on remaking past entries carries risks. Choosing which games to remake requires careful consideration of their impact and potential for improvement.

According to a recent leak, Capcom is reportedly developing five new Resident Evil games, including the highly anticipated Resident Evil 9. While this news indicates the hopefully continued success of the series, there are reasons for fans to be cautious, particularly concerning the potential focus on remakes. While popular remake titles like Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 have met critical and commercial success, the franchise may be neglecting the development of entirely new experiences by revisiting past entries.

Resident Evil 5 & RE6 Don't Deserve Remakes

While nostalgia might make the prospect of remaking Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 tempting, it's important to the context of these games within the franchise's history. Resident Evil established itself with a focus on exploration, resource management, and a tense atmosphere. However, RE5 and RE6 marked a significant shift towards action-heavy gameplay, complete with quick-time events and elements that strayed from the series' core identity. This dramatic change in direction alienated a significant portion of the fan base, leading to a decline in critical and commercial reception compared to previous entries.

A remake wouldn't inherently fix the fundamental issues that plagued RE5 and RE6. While a graphical overhaul and potential gameplay tweaks might be implemented, the core design choices and narrative elements that turned many fans away would likely remain. These games represent a period where the series lost its way, and revisiting them through a remake wouldn't necessarily recapture the magic of the earlier entries or offer a compelling experience for those who disliked the originals.

There Are Better Resident Evil Games That Need A Remake

While some might advocate for remakes of Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6, the franchise boasts a treasure trove of other titles far more deserving of the remake treatment. Games like Resident Evil: Revelations and its sequel, spin-offs from the main series, offer a unique blend of ship exploration, survival horror, and even episodic storytelling, providing a distinct experience not readily found in the mainline entries.

Furthermore, the Outbreak spin-off series presents a cooperative experience more compelling than that of RE5 and RE6, allowing players to team up and tackle challenges as iconic characters from the RE universe. A modern Outbreak remake could revitalize this concept, catering to the growing popularity of online co-op experiences while offering a fresh take on the established lore and characters.

Additionally, Code: Veronica, a critically acclaimed spin-off, stands out with its thrilling narrative, memorable characters like Claire Redfield, and a unique island prison setting. Its pre-rendered backgrounds, while charming, could benefit greatly from a modern remake, infusing the game with stunning visuals while preserving its core identity.

Capcom Needs To Avoid Its Own Mistakes With Future RE Remakes

As Capcom navigates the future of Resident Evil remakes, it's crucial to learn from the past. While the RE2, 3, and 4 remakes have been successful, focusing solely on the mainline entries in the same style carries the risk of repetition, causing the series to become too formulaic. To avoid this pitfall, Capcom should consider prioritizing diverse experiences and focusing on impactful entries.

Instead of simply revisiting familiar numbered entries, it could explore remaking titles that offer unique gameplay mechanics, settings, or narratives. Games like Code: Veronica, with its island prison setting and emphasis on exploration, or Revelations, with its episodic storytelling and ship exploration, could benefit from a modern remake while offering a distinct flavor compared to the mainline entries.

Not all past titles warrant a remake. Choosing games that hold significant weight within the franchise's lore or gameplay evolution, and prioritizing those with potential for improvement in areas like visuals, controls, or storytelling could have far more success. Remaking critically panned entries like RE5 and 6 might not yield the desired results, as their core design choices and narrative elements could alienate a portion of the fan base regardless of a remake's technical improvements.

Capcom Has Other Horror Games In Need Of Remakes

While Resident Evil holds a strong position in the horror genre, Capcom also possesses other dormant horror franchises ripe for a revival through remakes. Haunting Ground, released in 2002, offered a unique survival horror experience where players take control of Fiona Belli, a young woman accompanied by a loyal canine companion named Hewie. The game's emphasis on puzzle-solving, resource management, and the unique bond between Fiona and Hewie distinguished it from other titles in the genre. A modern remake could not only revitalize this forgotten gem but also introduce its innovative mechanics and captivating story to a new generation of players.

Dino Crisis, another Capcom horror franchise, debuted in 1999, offering a thrilling blend of action-adventure and survival horror elements. Players assume the role of a member of a special ops team tasked with capturing escaped dinosaurs on a remote island. The game's blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, set against the backdrop of a prehistoric world teeming with danger, resonated with many players. A remake could not only update the game's visuals and mechanics but also potentially expand upon the narrative and world-building, offering a fresh and exciting experience for both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.

Dino Crisis received multiple sequels, but has been a dormant series after the release of Dino Crisis 3 in 2003.

The Way Forward For Resident Evil

While past Resident Evil remakes have been successful, it's crucial to find a balance between honoring the past and innovating for the future. Exploring alternative avenues like new main entries and spin-off revivals alongside carefully choosing which games to revamp can ensure a healthy and diverse future for the Resident Evil franchise. Ultimately, remaking the RE games can be successful, but focusing too heavily on bringing back mainline entries will hinder Capcom's potential for innovation and expansion. Exploring diverse possibilities, including new entries, and spin-offs, is the only way to ensure a vibrant future for the beloved horror series.

The overemphasis on releasing similar games risks alienating segments of the fan base eager for fresh content and narrative direction. While revisiting iconic titles like Resident Evil 2 and 4 can be nostalgic and lucrative, it runs the risk of stagnation. A constant barrage of remakes may lead to franchise fatigue, diminishing the excitement surrounding each release. Diversifying Resident Evil with new narratives, characters, and gameplay mechanics not only revitalizes interest but also attracts a broader audience beyond die-hard fans.