It is no secret that video game remakes have recently grown in popularity. Often, video game remakes make the most sense when it is done to an already iconic game trapped in an old platform, which is whyResident Evilremakes are so popular. It is worth noting that most entries inResident Evil’s classic era were released for the PlayStation. While these games were revolutionary, they no longer hold up to today’s standards.
While some criticize remakes as a way for developers to milk an old game for profits, others see them as a way to revisit an old favorite with better graphics, improved gameplay, and an overall fresh experience. But, of course, while the success of video game remakes varies, one can’t deny thatCapcom’s remakes of itsResident Evilgameshave set the standard when it comes to what makes a good remake.
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Resident Evil Sets The Standard of What a Faithful Remake Should Be
In 1996, Capcom released the firstResident Evil, which is widely considered then to be the culmination of video game technology. However, it is worth noting that whileResident Evilwas a smash hit, it was an experimental game for Capcom. Due to the limitations of the PlayStation,Resident Evilcreator Shinji Mikamiadmitted that compromises were made, especially since the team was basically inventing the techniques used to develop the game.
Five years later, Capcom decided to remakeResident Evil, allowing Mikami and his team to develop the game the way they wanted to. One crucial thing the remake ofResident Eviladdressed first is to fix existing issues such as the clunky controls, voice acting, dialogue, and graphics. While most developers would stop after addressing glaring issues, Capcom took the remake to a new level by adding cut storylines, enemies such asLisa Trevor, and locations, offering veteran players a fresh experience of the classic game. However, what made theResident EvilRemakegood is its faithfulness to the source material. Despite the changes,Resident Evil Remakeis essentially the same game but much better.
Resident Evil 2 Shows That Re-Imaginings Aren’t Necessarily Bad
It would take Capcom 18 years before it developed a remake of a mainlineResident Evilgame from scratch. However, while the long wait may have been painful forResident Evilfans, in many ways, it turned out to be for the better. Enter 2019’sResident Evil 2 Remake, which Capcom approached differently thanResident Evil Remake. Instead of doing a shot-for-shot recreation ofResident Evil 2,Capcom introduced significant changes in theResident Evil 2 Remakeby expanding the roles of other characters such as Robert Kendo and Marvin Branagh.
In addition, while the layout of the iconic Raccoon Police Department resembles the original, other areas were reworked from the ground up. Despite not being 100% faithful to the original game,reception forResident Evil 2 Remakewas positive, especially since the changes Capcom implemented resulted in players having a fresh experience of the game.
Resident Evil 3 is a Perfect Example of What Not To Do in a Remake
Of course, no video game developer is perfect. While Capcom was able to successfully remake the first twoResident Evilgames, its streak was broken by theResident Evil 3 Remake. It is worth noting that similar to theResident Evil 2 Remake, the remake ofResident Evil 3is also considered a re-imagining, given that it is not a shot-for-shot recreation of the original. Unfortunately, instead of adding new elements similar toResident EvilandResident Evil 2,Capcom cut iconic locations and moments inResident Evil 3 Remake, such as the Clock Tower and Brad’s death under the hands of Nemesis.
Speaking of Nemesis,Resident Evilfans weren’t happy with how the iconic monster was programmed, especially afterthe warm reception received byResident Evil 2’sMr. X. Instead, encounters with Nemesis were mostly scripted, taking away the element of surprise that made him an iconic villain in the originalResident Evil 3. However, despite the heavy criticism, Capcom claims thatResident Evil 3 Remakestill exceeded the studio’s sales expectations.
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What’s In Store for Resident Evil 4?
After years of waiting, Capcom finally confirmedthe remake ofResident Evil 4last June. However, it remains to be seen whetherResident Evil 4would take the pathResident Evillaid out by being faithful to the source material or if it would follow inResident Evil 2’sfootsteps. Looking at the teaser trailer alone, it appears that Capcom will be making significant changes toResident Evil 4, given the darker tone prevalent in the teaser.
It is worth noting that whileResident Evil 4is a beloved game, it was the game that startedResident Evil’spath to veering away from survival horror in favor of more action-oriented gameplay. Hopefully, the studio will implement what madeResident EvilandResident Evil 2Remakes a success inResident Evil 4, with the company also being sure to avoid the pitfalls suffered byResident Evil 3. In the end, while Capcom may have misread fan expectations withResident Evil 3,one can’t deny how the studio was able to set the gold standards that make video game remakes worthwhile.
