Summary
Resident Evilis one of the most iconic action-horror series of all time. The original games popularized tank controls and scared players out of their wits as they managed limited saves and took out zombies with limited resources. Many people considerResident Evil 4to be a turning point for the series. Its focus on action and a campy charm made it one of the most influential and celebrated games in the genre. It takes something special to pioneer the over-the-shoulder third-person shooting combat that has become the norm, and the fourth mainline entry features that.
Many fans argue that the series peaked here, with later entries attracting more of a polarized reception as both fans and critics questioned the direction of this series. After a much-needed hiatus,Resident Evilhas regained its mojo and continues to wow players. Its technical excellence, riveting gameplay,and nightmarish atmospheremake these games more immersive than ever before. Given how mainstream this series is, it’s easy to see why so many passionate fans have varying opinions about the quality of each game in the series.
The first twoResident Evilgames are a source of great joy for fans who loved the focus on horror and resource management. The term “survival horror” was more prevalent than ever before during this time, and it’s easy to see whyso manyResident Evilclonestried to emulate the genre-defining success of these titles. So, it’s only a given for fans to be disappointed byResident Evil 3for a shorter length compared to the first two games. The lack of innovation in the title didn’t help.
However, if one keeps the high standards set by previous games out of the picture, thenResident Evil 3is just as iconic as the first two games. Jill Valentine is one of the most recognizable protagonists in gaming, and the threat of the Nemesis sends chills down the spines of many fans to this day. It’s a great game, but the faults are more apparent in this title, making it fitting that the remake of Jill Valentine’s adventure was criticized for the same issues.
Resident Evil 4is one of the greatest video games ever made, and most people expected that the franchise would reach greater heights with the next title in the series. However, some aspects ofResident Evil 5continue to puzzle fans to this day. The toned-down horror elements andfocus on co-op actionwere quite puzzling. It’s easy to see why fans ofResident Evil’s classic elements were disappointed by what this game brought to the table.
Despite these issues, it’s hard to deny the trappings ofResident Evil 5’s action-packed gameplay. With a friend, this game turns into a memorable experience that fans will love if they give it a chance. It may not live up to the high standards set by its predecessor, but players who want a fun, stimulating co-op action game will love what this title offers.
The mixed reception toResident Evil 5was clear for everyone to see. Punching a boulder and engaging in numerous action set pieces wasn’t what manyResident Evilfans wanted, so it’s easy to see whyResident Evil 6angered fans even more. The horror elements were non-existent, the story became convoluted, and the ridiculousness was dialed up to eleven. The game cemented the fact that Capcom was trying to commercialize the series and capitalize on current trends instead of strengthening the elements that made the franchise iconic in the first place.
Again, this is a case of fan expectations leading to an overall sentiment of disappointment.Resident Evil 6may have done a poor job of appealing to existing fans, but players who are seeking out a game full of over-the-top action, fun gameplay, and co-op elements will have a blast with this title. The game is polished and features a unique campaign structure.Four major characters get their time to shineas they blast through anything and everything standing in their way.
Many consideredResident Evil 7a return to form for the series. Capitalizing on the popularity ofPT, Capcom decided to shift the perspective of the series to a first-person viewpoint and introduced a new protagonist on the hunt for his wife, who was abducted by the Baker family. Once again, fans expected Capcom to lean heavily towards this style of gameplay, only forResident Evil Villagetoadopt more of an action-heavy focusand rely on engaging set-pieces and shocking moments.
No one can deny thatResident Evil Villageis a great game. The heart-wrenching level where a giant deformed baby hunts players shows that the game is more than capable of channeling its horror roots when required. Some aspects of the game may disappoint long-time fans, but the spectacle and polish of this title will keep players going until the very end, especially if they resonate with the story.
Resident Evil 4’s 2023 remake is considered one of the best games released that year. It was a tall order to modernize a title widely seen as perfect and revolutionary, but the remake is an excellent way for new fans to check out Leon Kennedy’s iconic adventure through a village in rural Spain ravaged by Las Plagas. The technical polish and new gameplay additions tomodernizeResident Evil 4were appreciated by the masses. However, whether it lives up to the legacy of the original is an entirely different discussion.
Long-time fans ofResident Evil 4loved the campy nature of the story, which is completely lost in the remake. This is understandable given the modern advancements that storytelling in games have taken since 2005, but this also extends to the gameplay side of things.Resident Evil 4was a pioneer when it came to third-person shooter mechanics. In contrast, the remake’s gameplay is more cookie-cutter than most people would have liked, without a lot of innovation to speak of. Parrying a chainsaw may feel great, but it’s far from the revolutionary gameplay mechanics that madeResident Evil 4a classic in the first place.
