Capcom has been on a roll lately when it comes to the Resident Evil franchise. After a lukewarm reception to prior entries veering too far into blockbuster action, the series came back in a big way with 2017's Resident Evil 7 and has been releasing hit after hit ever since. With Resident Evil 4 Remake being the most recent outstanding reimagining of a classic entry, all eyes are on the chances of Resident Evil 5 being next in line for the same treatment (though many will also argue for a Resident Evil: Code Veronica remake).
While it received a positive enough reception at the time of release, Resident Evil 5 has been subject to some criticism over the years, especially when compared to the landmark title that had just preceded it. If Capcom examines all aspects of how Resident Evil 4 Remake was developed and applies those same lessons to a possible new version of Resident Evil 5, then it could have another homerun on its hands.
Incorporate The Modern Resident Evil Tone
Something that the recent Resident Evil remakes have been nailing lately is a chilling, consistent tone that seems to sum up everything that makes the series so entertaining. Just the right amount of horror, pulse-pounding action, and cheeky humor all blend together perfectly, with no element overshadowing one another too much. This is in contrast to what the series was like no more than a decade ago, with Resident Evil 5 being guilty of leaning into excessive action and excessively goofy moments (like the boulder punch QTE).
The Resident Evil 4 Remake brought the game into the modern day, toning down the over-the-top 80s action movie vibe for something more human at its core, all while still blowing the heads off of all things grotesque. If a new Resident Evil 5 can achieve the same effect, it would make for an even more enthralling experience. Perhaps flesh out the relationship between Chris and Sheva even further, making their bond over the course of the journey feel even stronger. Even more emphasis on environmental storytelling and subtle details for players to pick up on to heighten the story and connect to the Resident Evil universe at large would be another nice touch.
Include Resident Evil 5's DLC At Launch
As excellent as the Resident Evil 4 Remake was, it isn't perfect and there are a few missteps that Resident Evil 5 can learn from in the future. While as of this writing, it is unclear if original RE4 side stories such as "Separate Ways" will be remade as well and added to the base game. Even if this is added into the game in the future, it is arguably something that should have been included at launch, both as a nice bonus and to add more context to Ada as a character and her place in the overall storyline.
Resident Evil 5 had its share of side content in the form of DLCs named "Lost in Nightmares" and "Desperate Escape." While including these from the get-go would already be advisable, an extra treat would be to integrate them into the main game. "Lost in Nightmares" in particular served as a prequel to the events of the main game and serves as the springboard for Chris Redfield's personal journey throughout the rest of the adventure. This can help make Resident Evil 5 feel more complete from the start and give players a more fleshed-out and rewarding experience to enjoy.
A remake for Resident Evil 5 or any other past entry that has yet to receive the same treatment from Capcom is yet to be confirmed; however, if it happens and it follows in the same footsteps as recent titles, then fans are in for even more action horror goodness. With a few minor tweaks and additions, the series can raise the bar even higher than it already is.
Resident Evil 5 is available on PC, PS4, PS3, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox 360.