Highlights
- Resident Evil 's successful remakes of its classic titles have recaptured the appeal for modern audiences, starting with the original game in 2002 and continuing with the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3 .
- The successful remake of Resident Evil 4 raises the question of where the series will go next. The announcement of Resident Evil 9 is expected soon, but rumors suggest more remakes are also in the works.
- Code: Veronica and Resident Evil 5 are both viable options for remakes, as they can reintroduce classic characters and improve upon their original versions. Announcing both remakes simultaneously and with a clear release order would settle debates and give fans something to look forward to.
Resident Evil's efforts in remaking its classic titles have been a huge success. First accomplished with the original Resident Evil in 2002, the idea was picked up again in 2019 with a Resident Evil 2 remake. This was so successful that it spawned Resident Evil 3, which, while unable to reach the same lofty heights, served alongside Resident Evil 8 as concept-testing grounds for the remade Resident Evil 4. Considering how legendary Resident Evil 1 through 4 are, it's impressive how Capcom recaptured their appeal for modern audiences.
However, that begs the question of where Resident Evil will go from here. Resident Evil 4 is the highlight of the series for many, and now that it has been remade, it almost feels like there's no point remaking anything else. It's unclear what Resident Evil 9 will be apart from the first chapter after Ethan Winters' arc, though its announcement is still expected relatively soon. Rumors suggest that more remakes are on the way as well, but they would have the awkward task of tackling entries with more mixed reputations. All signs are pointing to either Resident Evil Code: Veronica or Resident Evil 5 remakes, but there is a path Capcom can take here to please all parties.
Code: Veronica and RE5 Are Both Viable Resident Evil Remakes
When it comes to moving the story forward in the remake side of Resident Evil, the options are either Code: Veronica, a survival horror title starring Claire and Chris Redfield released in 2000, or the 2009 co-op shooter Resident Evil 5 with Chris and Sheva Alomar. Neither are particularly maligned Resident Evil titles, but they could do with remakes, especially if Capcom intends to have Chris Redfield or Albert Wesker star in new mainline entries. While nothing is confirmed, many suspect that the next arc of Resident Evil will concern the classic hero and villain duo, so it would make sense to have them reintroduced ahead of time.
This raises the issue of these games' release order, assuming both are coming. With the last RE game having been a remake, many are looking forward to RE9 next. After that, however, things could vary. Code: Veronica could use a remake to bring its tone, lore, and design in line with modern Resident Evil. Meanwhile, Resident Evil 5 offers an engaging co-op experience, but is weighed down by poor AI in singleplayer, racially insensitive content, and a thin plot meant to facilitate more action. Remakes would benefit both games, so Capcom shouldn't hesitate in publicly confirming both.
Resident Evil's Immediate Future Should Be Laid Bare
To quickly settle any debates about Resident Evil's upcoming releases, Resident Evil Code: Veronica and Resident Evil 5's remakes should be announced simultaneously and with a clear release order. It could even be framed like the 2015 announcement of the Resident Evil 2 remake, simply confirming its existence long before anything was ready to be shown. This way, Capcom can settle debates on the franchise's direction, and most likely give Code: Veronica some time to shine first.
Either title would put Chris Redfield back into the main protagonist's seat, but Code: Veronica would both conclude Claire's story from the Resident Evil 2 remake and properly establish Wesker as a major villain. This would lead into a remade Resident Evil 5, which would explain what Chris was doing before RE7, as well as sow the seeds for Albert Wesker's revival in a new game. After being absent for so long, Wesker's inclusion in the RE4 remake felt devoid of context, so he needs both of these games to set his character back up. By confirming Code: Veronica and Resident Evil 5 remakes, Capcom could move forward confidently while fans rest easy knowing that plenty of Resident Evil is coming.