The Most Controversial Moments In The Resident Evil Series

Summary

Resident Evil games can be outlandish, with memorable moments like Salazar’s statue coming to life.
Piers’ death in Resident Evil 6 divided fans, with some considering it a waste of a potential character.
Chris punching a boulder in Resident Evil 5 was a controversial and absurd gameplay segment.

It’s well-known among those who have played the Resident Evil series that its stories often become quite unconventional, leading to numerous surprises and unexpected plot twists. This pattern extends to the gameplay as well, where a game might unexpectedly introduce a new adversary or mechanism, resulting in some rather odd gameplay segments. While many of these surprising moments are cherished by fans, others have elicited mixed reactions, with some finding them entertaining, while others wonder if they were truly essential additions to the games.

In various ways, this cherished survival horror franchise has generated many scenes, plot twists, and unexplained lore elements that have sparked differing opinions among fans, ranging from sudden character deaths to over-the-top action or humor sequences.

This list contains spoilers!

8. Salazar’s Statue Comes To Life

The Series Arguably Reached Its Peak Of Absurdity With This Chase Sequence

In a unique and undeniable fashion, Resident Evil 4 stands out. As Leon embarks on his harrowing journey to rescue Ashley from the Los Illuminados, one of the most extraordinary events he encounters is fleeing from a colossal statue that inexplicably comes to life. This exhilarating gameplay sequence occurs not too far after Leon and Ashley seek shelter within Salazar’s castle, where players are unexpectedly thrust into a fast-paced Quick Time Event (QTE) as a massive, spooky representation of Salazar lumbers towards Leon.

Fans who appreciate the dynamic gameplay style introduced in Resident Evil 4 often enjoy this part, as it is among several QTE sections that offer intense and visually impressive presentation. However, those expecting a game that more closely resembles the original survival horror genre of Resident Evil weren’t as keen on it. This seems to be something Capcom took into account when creating the Resident Evil 4 Remake, as they left the statue’s legs unmoving.

7. Piers’ Death

The Potential New Blood Of The Series Was Sadly Killed In Action

As Resident Evil 6 came out, there were growing talks about whether it might be suitable to bring in new main characters to add some excitement to the series. This was prior to Ethan’s introduction into the plot, so Leon, Chris, and Claire had already been through numerous adventures. Although these characters remain important figures in the games, it seemed like Resident Evil 6 presented a chance to introduce some new characters to keep things interesting.

In the game, Piers – a brave and youthful BSAA soldier who often guides Chris and keeps him from straying, is a character with potential to star in future titles. However, tragically, he perishes at the conclusion of his debut game. Following an injection to delay the HAOS B.O.W, Piers sadly succumbs to his injuries in a submerged facility. This has left some fans expressing disappointment over the loss of such a promising character, while others acknowledge the emotional resonance it brings to the narrative’s development.

6. Chris Punching The Boulder

An Absurd Gameplay Segment That Was A Step Too Far For Some Players

While Resident Evil 4 hinted at the series moving towards action elements, its fifth mainline installment further embraced this shift by incorporating numerous action-packed sequences and an abundance of melee combat skills. Yet, it retained a sense of horror with its gloomy ambiance and intricate plot, which made the climactic scene where Chris is required to punch a massive boulder to leap over lava particularly divisive among players.

Currently, it’s widely seen as just another amusingly absurd moment from the series, one of its most iconic memes. However, when the game was initially launched, some fans were apprehensive about where the series was going and found this moment to be a bit too outlandish. Regardless, Capcom has frequently referenced it, such as in Heisenberg’s boss fight in “Village“.

5. Queen Leech Reveal

The Opera Singing Madman Turned Out To Be…A Very Smart Leech?

In the Resident Evil series, some villains are truly outrageous, but the Queen Leech might be the most extraordinary among them. At certain junctures in Resident Evil 0’s narrative, characters like Rebecca and Billy encounter a suspicious man cloaked in robes who clearly has malicious intentions, yet it isn’t until the game’s final zone that players discover the true identity of this enigmatic figure.

As it transpired, the portrayal of James Marcus revealed itself to be an advanced leech that had personally observed his own murder at Umbrella’s hands. Driven by a desire for vengeance, the leech assumed the guise of Marcus, but was eventually thwarted by Rebecca and Billy. The question of whether this twist was too far-fetched or merely an oddly fascinating revelation has remained a topic of discussion since the game’s release in 2002.

4. Switching To Chris

There Are Mixed Opinions On The Decision To Jump Over To Chris In Code Veronica

Although Chris is depicted on the cover of Code Veronica, suggesting he’s a key character from the start, it’s quite possible to overlook his role due to his absence during the early stages of the game. After investing several hours playing as Claire and becoming deeply involved in the narrative, the game abruptly switches your perspective, making Chris the central figure for the remainder of the game with no prior notice.

For some players, this decision wasn’t an issue as they had already placed all their items in the box as instructed by Claire. However, others disliked it because their unplaced items wouldn’t be accessible for Chris to use. Well-prepared and organized players found this change acceptable, but it was undoubtedly a disappointment for those less prepared, given how drastic a shift in character behavior it represented.

3. Chris Shooting Mia

Chris’ Portrayal In The Intro To Village Was A Bold Move From Capcom

In simpler terms, “Resident Evil Village” starts off with quite an intense scene. Chris, who unexpectedly bursts into Ethan’s home and shoots his wife dead, then kidnaps Ethan’s daughter, Rose. Chris keeps his reasons hidden throughout this incident, which is one of the most striking openings in the series. However, many players found it hard to decide if it was a good choice, as Chris appears rather foolish when looking back on the situation.

Due to Chris hardly speaking a word to Ethan throughout this interaction, even though he later confesses that he should have shared everything with him, the situation seems somewhat amusing. Yet, it doesn’t diminish the scene’s power and surprise factor, as it effectively hooks players into the story from the get-go by portraying one of the series’ legendary heroes transforming seemingly into a villain.

2. Rose Inherits Special Powers

Resident Evil Hints At A New Protagonist With Supenatural Powers

Throughout the Resident Evil series, there have been a few instances where the storyline deviates, but generally, these games are grounded in real-world events, often revolving around mishaps with scientific experiments rather than occult or supernatural elements. Discussions about introducing extraterrestrial threats and extraordinary abilities into the narrative weren’t widespread – at least not until the release of Village.

In the extra scene after the credits roll, an older Rose (apparently under the protection of a hidden group) is seen displaying extraordinary abilities not typically found in humans due to her past connection with the Mold. These powers will be further explored in the Shadows of Rose DLC, allowing players to utilize them at will against foes; a welcome change for some fans but a contentious move for others.

1. “Umbrella’s Stock Crashed…”

Was Umbrella Taken Out Of The Story Too Early, Or Was It The Right Time?

As a diehard Resident Evil fan, I can’t help but share my thoughts on why that one line at the start of Resident Evil 4 has sparked so much debate among us. To fully grasp the controversy, it’s crucial to consider the narrative arc established in the games preceding this one. In almost every Resident Evil title, our heroes vowed to annihilate Umbrella as retribution for their heinous deeds. Except for that bonus story in Umbrella Chronicles, we fans were never granted the satisfaction of witnessing this climactic showdown.

When Leon announced that the corporation had collapsed because their stocks plummeted, it sparked a range of reactions. On one side, abandoning this storyline so carelessly was a hard blow for dedicated fans who were eager to discover what would happen next. However, on the other hand, this move provided an opportunity for the series to move past Umbrella and delve into fresh groups and factions. It’s worth noting that many viewers appreciate the independence of Resident Evil 4, but the way Umbrella was eliminated in this scenario is still a contentious issue, with discussions about it continuing even now.

2025-03-30 07:05