Highlights

  • The remakes of previous Resident Evil games have successfully improved the characterization of their characters, making them more likable and memorable.
  • Carlos and Luis from previous remakes were given more depth and development, enhancing their relationships and adding layers to their personalities.
  • A potential remake of Resident Evil 5 should focus on improving Sheva's AI, as her frustrating behavior has been a major complaint among players, while also expanding her backstory and giving her more impactful character moments.

Although it hasn't been officially announced, it seems fairly likely that gaming audiences will get a Resident Evil 5 remake at some point in the future. With Capcom's recent slate of remakes revitalizing many forgotten Resident Evil characters, an RE5 remake should take steps to improve upon one of the franchise's most promising, yet controversial, cast members: Sheva Alomar.

The remakes of the second, third, and fourth Resident Evil games managed to revamp the classic survival-horror titles for contemporary players, many of whom have become accustomed to more cinematic, polished gaming experiences. Thus, aside from the major graphical overhauls and more fluid movement and shooting mechanics, some of the clearest improvements these remakes make over the original releases are in the realm of characterization. From iconic heroes to one-off side NPCs, the three remakes have aimed to make their characters more likable, plausible, and memorable, and the eventual remake of Resident Evil 5 should follow suit.

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Why & How the Resident Evil 5 Remake Should Improve Sheva

Resident Evil's History with Reworking Characters

Through the remakes, even Resident Evil's most crucial stars have seen some significant changes. Leon Kennedy, for instance, is far more grounded and relatable in the newer games, standing in stark contrast to the action hero persona players were presented with in the originals. More minor characters have also been improved, with notable examples being Carlos from Resident Evil 3 and Luis from Resident Evil 4.

In the case of Carlos, Resident Evil 3's remake made him a more three-dimensional character, elevating his relationship with Jill by allowing him some more self-reflection regarding his connection with Umbrella. Like most characters from the older Resident Evil games, Carlos was a bit static and bland in the original Resident Evil 3, and while the remake of the game certainly has its issues, the changes made to Carlos aren't among them.

Resident Evil 4's Luis, while always being considered a charismatic and likable character, was similarly one-dimensional in the original Resident Evil 4. The remake retains his devil-may-care attitude and sense of humor, but fleshes out key elements of his character, such as his guilt and sense of responsibility, given his role in the outbreak. This makes certain plot beats hit much harder and improves the game's narrative as a whole.

Applying Improvements to Sheva in a Resident Evil 5 Remake

Sheva, a newcomer to the franchise, had a lot to prove upon her introduction in Resident Evil 5. Although she certainly has her detractors, many fans consider her to be an underrated character, as she has a unique, intriguing backstory, and is one of Resident Evil's strongest heroines. At the same time, she could certainly benefit from the Luis and Carlos treatment, with a remake of RE5 fleshing out her backstory and giving her more impactful character moments. More importantly, the remake could fix how she functions during gameplay.

Indeed, it seems that most of the flak Sheva catches from Resident Evil fans has less to do with her actual character and more to do with her AI. Sheva has a reputation as one of the most frustrating video game companions ever designed, as she seems determined to clash with the player at any given moment, standing in their line of fire, lagging behind, or rushing headlong into the fray of combat. With a remake of Resident Evil 5 likely implementing improvements across the board, enhancing Sheva's AI would go a long way towards improving her image among fans.

Games are an interactive medium, after all, so it shouldn't be surprising that players will turn on an NPC that exhibits annoying and impractical behavior, no matter how well they are written. Giving Sheva a bit more to do and expanding her backstory, alongside making her a better in-game partner, would benefit the Resident Evil 5 remake while breathing new life into a mostly forgotten character.