Resident Evil: The Mercenaries Makes the Case for Another Type of Spin-Off

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The Resident Evil series boasts a wide variety of spinoff titles. Ranging from light-gun shooters such as Resident Evil: Survivor and Darkside Chronicles, to multiplayer games like Resident Evil: Outbreak and Operation Raccoon City, the series offers a rich tapestry of experiences.

The offshoots from the “Resident Evil” series weren’t consistently top-notch, but they did bring a lot of diversity to the franchise, offering an exciting twist between the mainline games focused on survival horror. However, apart from some multiplayer modes that didn’t sit well with fans, the “Resident Evil” universe has seen fewer spinoffs in the past decade. It would be intriguing to see more, and the Mercenaries mode of “Resident Evil” might serve as a blueprint for an exceptionally distinctive spinoff in the series.

Mercenaries Paves The Way for a Villain-Focused Resident Evil Spinoff

Resident Evil’s Mercenaries Mode Lays The Foundations for a Villain-Focused Game

From the inception of the Mercenaries mode in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis back in 1999, gamers have been granted the chance to assume roles traditionally occupied by the series’ antagonists. In RE3, players could step into Nikolai Zinoviev’s combat boots, Resident Evil 4 and 5 allowed for Albert Wesker control, and Resident Evil Village provided Karl Heisenberg’s hammer and Lady Dimitrescu’s claws to wield.

In every round or level, the adversaries from the Resident Evil series arrive armed with their distinct collection of weapons and special abilities, which are specifically designed based on their combat styles against the game’s main characters. Players who have mastered all the Mercenaries modes in Resident Evil should be familiar with the feel of controlling these villains.

Over time, Capcom has carefully calculated and refined aspects such as the agility of their actions, the power behind their assaults, and minor details like their size compared to other adversaries in the Resident Evil series. By introducing these playable antagonists throughout the decades, Capcom has established a robust base for a possible villain-centric Resident Evil spinoff.

Capcom has spent years perfecting factors like an enemy’s weight during movements, the intensity of their attacks, and even subtle differences such as height compared to other foes in the Resident Evil universe. By introducing playable antagonists across the decades, Capcom has built a solid foundation for potential spinoff games centered around the villains of Resident Evil.

A Villain-Focused Resident Evil Spinoff Has No Shortage of Possibilities

Considering it may initially appear unconventional, developing a spinoff of the Resident Evil franchise where players take on the roles of its infamous antagonists could inject freshness and prevent the mainline entries and remakes from feeling repetitive. Capcom has numerous directions they could take with this basic concept.

One possible spinoff focusing on a villain character could allow players to assume control of Albert Wesker during the timeline of the original “Resident Evil” series. An independent adventure starring Wesker set between “RE1” and “RE5” might produce exciting outcomes, as players would have the chance to develop his Prototype Virus abilities throughout the gameplay.

Instead, Capcom might choose to explore a more humorous or unconventional angle for the Resident Evil franchise by launching a spin-off game. In this game, players would control the series’ antagonists in an alternate universe where the villains emerge victorious. This game could delve into some of Resident Evil’s most iconic boss battles, but with a twist: players would step into the villain’s shoes, providing them the unique chance to confront favorite characters like Leon Kennedy, Jill Valentine, and Chris Redfield.

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2025-05-31 18:33