Capcom’s decision to continue remaking its Resident Evil games reflects a strategic move to increase its appeal among the younger audiences while honoring the legacy of the iconic series. This announcement comes from Yasuhiro Anpo, the director of the highly successful Resident Evil 4 remake, during a PlayStation event. Anpo emphasized the positive reception of the recent remakes – Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 – as a significant factor in Capcom’s commitment to revisiting more titles from the series.
The Resident Evil franchise has a storied history of remakes, dating back to 2002 with the original game’s remake for the Nintendo GameCube. These remakes have not only preserved the essence of the classic survival horror games but also introduced more innovative gameplay, modern graphics, and revised narratives, allowing the games to cater to newer and veteran players.
The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 set a high bar by revamping the game with a contemporary camera perspective and redesigned maps, a successful formula that was replicated in the subsequent remakes of Resident Evil 3 and, most recently, Resident Evil 4.
While Anpo didn’t specify which titles are next in line for the remake treatment, Capcom isn’t short of options. Resident Evil: Code Veronica, a fan favorite released in 2000, stands out as a likely candidate, given its significance in the series’ overall narrative and the opportunity to modernize its unique gameplay and story elements. Alternatives such as the OG Resident Evil, Resident Evil 0, or even the more action-oriented Resident Evil 5, which is iconic for its boulder-punching scene, are also potential contenders for remakes.
The process of remaking these classic titles involves more than just updating graphics and gameplay. Anpo highlighted the importance of considering player feedback and the existing fan base, which aids in fine-tuning these remakes to be more up to par with contemporary standards while retaining the core elements that made the originals popular. This is a player-centric approach that has been a crucial component in the success of the recent remakes, as it ensures the games resonate with both new and long-time fans of the series.
Capcom’s use of its proprietary RE Engine for these remakes further signifies the company’s commitment to quality. The RE Engine has proven effective in enhancing the visual fidelity and performance of the remakes, ensuring a seamless as well as genre-defining gaming experience across various platforms. This technology has become a cornerstone in the development process of Capcom, suggesting that future remakes will continue to leverage this engine’s capabilities, especially with an upgrade coming soon.
The success of the recent Resident Evil remakes is also reflected in their sales figures. For instance, the Resident Evil 2 remake has become Capcom’s third best-selling game ever, illustrating the enduring appeal of the series. The remakes have also introduced the franchise to a broader audience, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the Resident Evil brand.
However, the decision to focus on remakes does raise questions about the direction of the series. While revisiting classic titles can bring nostalgia and introduce these games to new players, there’s a risk of oversaturating the market with the remakes at the expense of new and original content. Capcom will need to strike a balance between honoring its legacy and innovating for the future to keep the series fresh and engaging.
Nevertheless, Capcom has deserved the benefit of the doubt with how it has juggled new entries with remakes. Fingers crossed, we’ll find out more about the next entry in the Resident Evil franchise followed by what we’re hoping is another potentially award-winning remake.
Capcom has been killing it with Resident Evil lately. After Resident Evil Village earned a GOTY nomination at The Game Awards 2021, it’s now Resident Evil 4’s turn to try and take home the bacon.
