Resident Evil Games That Changed The Franchise The Most

by

Summary

  • The Resident Evil franchise thrives on reinvention & evolution for continued success & longevity.
  • Resident Evil 7 returned to its horror roots with a first-person perspective, focusing on white-knuckle horror.
  • Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the franchise with an over-the-shoulder perspective, influencing the series for years.

Over an extended period like that of “Resident Evil”, it’s natural for the series to undergo transformations and adaptations. Few franchises, though, have undergone as many dramatic shifts throughout their lifespan as “Resident Evil” has, with Capcom’s survival horror epic consistently reinventing itself in terms of perspectives and artistic styles.

Capcom has been open to making major transformations in the Resident Evil series, whether that’s revising its gameplay formula or adjusting its design philosophy. This flexibility is one of the reasons behind its enduring popularity and lasting impact. By allowing the series to evolve and reshape itself over time, Capcom ensures that Resident Evil stays relevant and fresh. For instance, Resident Evil 4 revolutionized action games with its new perspective, while later titles dared to adopt a chilling first-person viewpoint. These changes left lasting impacts on the franchise for years.

1. Resident Evil 6

Sixth Mainline Entry Expands Scope To Global Outbreak

In the events of “Nemesis”, it’s clear that Resident Evil was already planning to broaden the scale of the outbreak. This is evident by the destruction of Raccoon City. The emergence of bio-organic weapons, or BOWs, was noticed during Leon Kennedy’s journey to Spain, eventually leading to the global adventure depicted in “Resident Evil 6”. With a grand total of four campaigns and multiple playable characters, “Resident Evil 6” showcases the outbreak at its most devastating, having broken free from Raccoon City and spreading across the world.

The evolution was organic since Resident Evil 2 had begun broadening its horizons by unveiling more terrifying creatures born from Umbrella, with zombies losing their menace towards the protagonists. The emphasis on extensive action over conventional horror in RE6 did not resonate well with most fans, causing Capcom to pause the series for five consecutive years. This change of direction was significant as it compelled Capcom to rethink their approach and seek a fresh path for the franchise, eventually resulting in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.

2. Resident Evil 2 Remake

Remake Of Iconic PS1 Game Sets The Stage For Future Of The Franchise

Prior to the release of the Resident Evil 2 remake in 2018, the Resident Evil franchise found itself in an unusual predicament. Previous installments such as RE5 and 6 had placed the series in a difficult situation, necessitating a change, a new path that would steer the series back on its intended trajectory. While Resident Evil 7: Biohazard managed to rekindle the franchise’s horror essence, the Resident Evil 2 remake was ready to guide the series towards even more familiar ground.

Utilizing the powerful RE Engine, Resident Evil 2 heralded a remarkable new chapter for the series by emphasizing compelling narrative and lifelike facial expressions. Now more than ever, Resident Evil felt like an immersive horror film, boasting genuine emotion and convincing acting. This exceptional game laid the groundwork for the subsequent era of Resident Evil, extending into the remake of Nemesis and RE4, a transition solidified by a reinstatement of the over-the-shoulder perspective.

3. Resident Evil CODE:Veronica

First Fully 3D Resident Evil Game

In contrast to earlier Resident Evil games that used 3D polygonal characters against pre-rendered backdrops, they were essentially two-dimensional experiences. Despite their immersive nature, these limitations hampered Capcom’s ability to keep up with other horror game franchises. However, the landscape shifted with Resident Evil CODE:Veronica, released on Dreamcast in March 2000, marking the series’ transition to full 3D gameplay.

In this game, the entire setting and characters were built using 3D geometry, yet the camera maintained traditional fixed angles. The innovative camera movements harmonized beautifully with cutting-edge hardware, offering stunning real-time detail instead of the static 2D backdrops. This game served as a glimpse into the future of the series, as many franchises struggled during their transition to 3D, but Capcom managed it exceptionally well. CODE:Veronica left a lasting impact on the series, marking the final time Umbrella Corporation took center stage, as they ceased operations shortly afterward.

4. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

First-Person Horror Returns The Franchise To Its Roots

After the underwhelming response to Resident Evil 6, which emphasized action and chaos, Capcom wisely decided to give their survival horror brand a break for some time. It took about five years for Resident Evil to resurface, and when it did, Capcom went all out. They stripped away everything unnecessary, distilling the franchise back to its core elements, and refocused on what originally made the series so appealing.

The chilling adventure of Ethan Winters in search of his lost girlfriend Mia, navigating the ominous Baker Farmhouse, remains one of the most petrifying horror experiences ever crafted within the genre. Biohazard masterfully re-established Resident Evil on its dark origins, emphasizing nail-biting terror and unsettling suspense blended with B-movie atmosphere. The transition to a first-person perspective was an audacious move, as it discarded the longstanding tradition of viewing the player character in Resident Evil. This soft reboot successfully brought the series back into prominence, and whispers of a ninth Resident Evil game set to bid farewell to the original cast would be an ideal opportunity to further integrate the new characters within the main narrative.

5. Resident Evil 4

A New Over-The-Shoulder Perspective Defined The Franchise Moving Forward

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible impact that the first three installments of Resident Evil had on the gaming world. Yet, it was clear that the franchise needed to adapt and leverage new technology to stay relevant amidst the growing array of survival horror games.

Initially, Capcom envisioned a high-octane action game, but the seeds for Devil May Cry were sown when they repurposed the concept and assets from a Spanish trip into something entirely different. After that, it took them a couple of years to dive back into Resident Evil, which ultimately resulted in Resident Evil 4.

The wait was worth it, as this groundbreaking survival horror release not only provided a thrilling experience but also redefined the future of Resident Evil for decades to come.

In an innovative move, Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the franchise with its unique over-the-shoulder viewpoint, setting a trend in the gaming industry. This game, characterized by exhilarating combat, paved the way for numerous changes within the series. Capcom attempted to recapture the magic for years, and while they came close on multiple occasions, they never quite reached the mark set by Resident Evil 4. The remake from 2023 was exceptional, but it’s the game’s captivating aesthetics and outrageous narrative that would become integral to the series’ core. No other game has had as significant an impact on the franchise as RE4, demonstrating its enduring and timeless appeal as a classic.

Read More

2025-01-06 07:04