Should Capcom revive a Resident Evil cult classic in Code: Veronica or should they go with the game-changer? Resident Evil 4 completely revolutionized the RE series and is currently rumored to be the next remake. Leon Kennedy's romp through rural Spain brought the brand back to mainstream relevancy. Meanwhile, Dreamcast's 2000 release of Resident Evil Code: Veronica was met with critical acclaim. The rumors regarding the supposed 2022 RE4 remake has caused an uproar among upset Code: Veronica fans on Twitter.
Both RE titles are definitive classics in their own right, but which one will be chosen as the next Resident Evil remake. Should it be RE4 that redefined the series entirely? Or should the next RE remake stick with strictly survival horror with Code: Veronica?
10 Remake RE4:Â Give One Of The Best Games Of All Time A Face Lift
Resident Evil 4 is a critically-acclaimed masterpiece that some believe to be the greatest game of all time. A next-gen remake, using the RE engine, has incredible potential to recreate magic. And considering that many fans and critics alike hail the series as something extraordinary, the hype would be through the roof.
The original RE4 was definitely great, but with modern graphics, Capcom has the chance to build a better mouse trap. Both casual and hardcore fans alike will more than likely be telling Capcom, "shut up and take my money."
9 Remake Code Veronica: Twitter Has Spoken
After rumors of the RE4 remake made the rounds on Sunday, many fans were disappointed that Code Veronica wasn't getting the nod instead. The outcry was so significant that Code: Veronica began trending on Twitter despite there being no recent rumors regarding a potential remake. Despite this Dreamcast classic being overshadowed by the hype and success of RE4, the game still has its passionate fanbase. And these fans are very vocal.
There's a good chance that Capcom is paying close attention to this outcry and may met demands sooner than later. But who knows how long that will take? Fans of the series were asking for a RE2 remake for years before finally getting their wish. And even if Code: Veronica isn't the very next remake, the idea will likely still be on the table for the future. In other words, there is still hope!
8 Remake RE4:Â It's Known To Be A Better Selling Game
In the world of business, it's all about the money. This rings true with video games, too! Although Code: Veronica was able to deliver within the 3 million unit range, it still doesn't compare to the financial success of RE4. But in all fairness, Resident Evil 4 was ported to too many devices to count on hand. Although estimates may vary, the number of units RE4 sold could fall somewhere within the 8-to-9 million range, if we include the downsized mobile ports, the latest Switch port, and the PC versions along with the earlier console versions.
Considering RE4 is known to sell better than Code: Veronica, it's more than likely Capcom will go with the money. The game was even able to sell roughly 1.6 million units for their 2016 re-release on Xbox One and PS4. And that was just another remaster. When profits come first, Code: Veronica will need to take a back seat.
7 Remake Code Veronica: Stick To Survival Horror
If Capcom wants to get to the root of what initially made the RE series special, they should stick along the survival horror route. The recent remake of Resident Evil 3 already brings fans into a horror/action-adventure hybrid. With a RE4 remake, Capcom would be venturing even further away from the survival horror set-up.
Code: Veronica embodies the survival horror franchise in ways RE4 never will. Beginning with Resident Evil 7, Capcom has shown a survival horror resurgence with main title RE games. But, of course, the action-adventure RE games have also sold provably well.
However, many fans are loyal to the brand just because of the survival horror aesthetic. Not saying they would turn their back on Capcom if they don't meet their demands. They would just adore the company even more with a Code: Veronica remake.
6 Remake RE4: Stick To Numerical Order
Considering that the most recent remake in the series is 2020's Resident Evil 3, it'd make sense that the following remake should be the next numbered title in the series. There's no need to confuse casuals with a non-numerical cult classic, especially when they can dive into something easily recognizable with proven commercial and critical success.
After playing through the RE2 and RE3 remakes, it could potentially confuse or turn away some new fans if Capcom goes with Code: Veronica over RE4. Of course, older RE fans may say otherwise. But it's prudent to aim for the broader general market to optimize profit, especially when you can sense that remaking RE4 over Code: Veronica will gain more fans than lose.
5 Remake Code Veronica: It's Been 20 Years
Code: Veronica originally released on the Sega Dreamcast in February 2000. This game is about five years older than RE4 which shows with the game's much more dated graphics. Meanwhile, RE4 has gotten remaster after remaster since its 2005 release. At the same time, Code: Veronica hasn't seen any graphical improvements since the HD re-release in 2011.
The graphics of RE4 holds up better to modern standards relative to Code: Veronica. Aesthetically-wise, a Code: Veronica remake would make better sense over RE4. While RE4 would definitely benefit from a reboot, it would benefit Code: Veronica even more. Capcom could just remaster RE4 on next-gen consoles once again with improved textures and frame rate, and that would still likely sell decently-well. But for Code Veronica to sell well in the modern era, it'll need to be redone from the ground-up.
4 Remake RE4: Resident Evil 4 Was A Game Changer For Video Games
Without a doubt, Resident Evil 4 was an absolute game changer for third-person shooters. The game introduced the "over the shoulder" perspective that has since become a staple of the genre. Not only did the game revolutionize third-person shooters, RE4 has also been a source of inspiration to various video games franchises such as God of War, Gears of War, Grand Theft Auto, Fallout, and more! The game also influenced survival horror titles to become more in tune with action-adventure such as The Last of Us and the Dead Space trilogy.
3 Remake Code Veronica: Zombies Are Still Oddly Fresh
The 2010s saw a resurgence in zombie popularity, largely due to AMC's hit series The Walking Dead. In 2020, zombies are still a highly relevant antagonist in pop culture, whether it's TV or video games. Zombies definitely aren't going away anytime soon when it comes to the entertainment industry, so why should they go away in the next RE remake?
Why go with the Ganados when zombies are so much more recognizable to the average consumer?
2 Remake RE4: Behind The Times When It Comes To Third-Person Shooters
One feature that is lacking from Resident Evil 4 is the ability to run and shoot at the same time. This feature was later introduced in RE6, while RE4 relied on a "stop and pop" mechanic rather than "run and gun."
Although, at its time, Resident Evil 4 was certainly revolutionary when it came to third-person shooters. But in 2020, the game stands out as a product of the past that doesn't live up to current shooter standards. Adding a "run and gun" dynamic to the game would definitely appeal to casual gamers and bring RE4 up to speed.
The tank controls would also have to go!
1 Remake Code Veronica: Don't Skip A Cult Classic
Resident Evil Code: Veronica is one of the top selling and best reviewed games on the Dreamcast. In 2020, its cult following is strong enough to make Code Veronica a top trending topic on Twitter. When rumors suggested that RE4 was next in line for a reboot, fans of the famed Dreamcast game voiced their frustrations and got the attention of the gaming press. The Cult of Code Veronica will not be silenced!
Code: Veronica appears to have a very loyal consumer base. Capcom should take note of this cult following when they decide on the next RE remake.