Resident Evil May Have a Hard Pill to Swallow Regarding Zombies

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Resident Evil May Have a Hard Pill to Swallow Regarding Zombies

Highlights

  • Resident Evil‘s gameplay has evolved from traditional zombies to more dynamic enemies over 30 entries.
  • The shift to Las Plagas in Resident Evil 4 made combat more challenging with modern controls and open environments.
  • A return to classic zombies in future games could bring a refreshing focus back to the franchise’s roots.

As a longtime fan of the Resident Evil franchise, I’ve seen it all. From the slow-moving, groan-inducing zombies of the original games to the agile, mutated monstrosities of more recent entries, Resident Evil has always kept me on the edge of my seat. But with 30 entries under its belt, the series seems to have lost sight of what made it great in the first place: classic zombies.

The Resident Evil series has made significant advancements over the years. Originally known for its horror-infused adventure games with clunky tank controls and intricate riddles, the franchise has transformed into thrilling third-person action titles with a cinematic feel. More recently, it has ventured into first-person horror experiences. Alongside these gameplay developments, the T-virus and its offshoots have continued to mutate across Resident Evil’s 30 installments. The series has moved beyond traditional zombies and now features increasingly disturbing enemy creatures.

From 1997 to 1999, the initial three instalments of Resident Evil, released for PlayStation, were dominated by hordes of zombies. Although each game boasted unique and eerie creatures such as lickers, chimera, mutant arachnids, and colossal serpents, the T-virus infected undead formed the primary threat in the opening stages. These zombies became the symbol of the franchise and took center stage in the live-action Resident Evil movies.

Resident Evil’s Gameplay Has Evolved In Tandem With the Industry

Starting in 2005, the focus of the Resident Evil series shifted with the launch of RE4. In reaction to RE4’s innovative viewpoint and control scheme, Capcom chose to swap out the franchise’s initial zombies for more menacing and unpredictable creatures. The primary antagonists in RE4 were determined to be Spanish peasants infected by Las Plagas – a parasitic infection that triggers its carriers to transform into various forms of insectoid mutants, tentacle-headed monsters, and colossal fleshy orchids over time.

From a fan’s perspective, I can understand why Capcom chose to explore new directions beyond zombies in their games. The ease of landing headshots and the sluggish movement of the undead make modern gameplay quite different from the original horror experience. With advanced maneuverability and expansive environments at our disposal, it seems that combat with the shambling hordes could become more of a skippable distraction than an engaging challenge. Given these developments, it’s no surprise that Capcom opted for a new threat in Las Plagas to keep things fresh and maintain the tension.

The Resident Evil Remakes Combine Classic Zombies With Modern Controls

As a dedicated gamer of the Resident Evil franchise, I was thrilled when they announced the remakes of RE2 and RE3. However, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of apprehension as I witnessed the clash between the classic and modern design philosophies. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded.

Resident Evil 2 Remake‘s design features narrow corridors where a few zombies lurking in the shadows can startle players and halt their advance. The game’s layout compels players to engage with numerous small zombie groups directly. Although modern controls provide more evasion choices, Resident Evil 2 Remake‘s commitment to replicating the original PS1 version’s intricate puzzles implies that some areas can’t simply be rushed through; instead, players must complete them thoroughly to explore and uncover how to proceed further.

Resident Evil is at a Crossroads

In more current Resident Evil games, there’s been a shift towards science fiction, grindhouse, and Gothic horror elements, departing significantly from the classic zombie-focused adventure game feel of the initial titles. With the upcoming release of the Resident Evil 4 Remake and rumors of a Resident Evil 5 remake, there’s a possibility that Resident Evil might be distancing itself from its zombie roots. Capcom faces a crucial decision: is this the future of the franchise, and if so, does it mean completely abandoning Resident Evil’s past?

Going Back May Be The Best Way For Resident Evil To Move Forward

As a huge fan of the Resident Evil series, I’m excited at the prospect of a new game that brings back the horror and suspense of the original games by focusing more on zombies. Capcom has an opportunity to revitalize the franchise with this fresh approach. Maybe they could even draw inspiration from the rumors swirling around about a Code Veronica remake, which could serve as a solid foundation for an exciting new game filled with shambling undead. With the recent surge of interest in classic PlayStation games, it feels like the ideal moment to delve into what made Resident Evil such an iconic franchise all those years ago.

In light of new horror games influenced by “Resident Evil,” such as “Nightmare of Decay,” being successful in the first-person perspective, it could now be an ideal moment for Capcom to revisit the franchise’s original roots. Otherwise, fans of the series may need to acknowledge that “Resident Evil” might have moved away from its zombie-centric origins.

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2024-07-22 21:03