Resident Evil is one of the most prominent series in gaming history. It helped define a generation of survival horror games, releasing for the Sony PlayStation in 1996. During this time, 3D textures were emerging, and Resident Evil was one of the hottest IPs around. Playing the original Resident Evil today, one might wonder what happened to its classic gameplay?
Recent Resident Evil games maintain a similar inventory management system and horrific zombie themes. The Umbrella Corporation still exists in Resident Evil lore, but the overarching story and gameplay have changed. Has this horror series changed for the better or worse?
10 Spin-Off Games (Way It's Worse)
Although not as well-known as the main series games, spin-off entries can be highly enjoyable. Resident Evil spin-offs add to the overarching story of the series. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica released for the Sega Dreamcast in 2000. It has been ported numerous times, and it's an excellent example of a spin-off game. The game expands on Claire Redfield's story after Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Mostly, Resident Evil spin-offs appeal to Resident Evil fans and less to series newcomers.
9 More Horror (Way It's Better)
When the Resident Evil series first released, it was one of the scariest games on the market. The teams at Capcom have acknowledged this and continue to release games as horrific or more than the originals. Of course, game creators and filmmakers alike are finding new ways to scare audiences.
Much about Resident Evil Village has been kept under wraps. The upcoming Resident Evil Village should follow suit by adding more horror than the game before it.
8 Playthrough Lengths (Way It's Worse)
The playthrough lengths of the Resident Evil games are typical for any game series. At 21.6 hours for completion, according to howlongtobeat.com, the series peaked in length when Resident Evil 6 was released. Since then, Capcom has released several Resident Evil remakes to capture the essence of the original games.
It makes more sense for players to pay full price for a longer game. Hopefully, the series' creators continue to increase the length of games—and not follow the runaway train headed towards shorter Resident Evil games.
7 Inventory Management (Way It's Better)
Depending on the Resident Evil game you play, inventory management can be a chore. The game that introduced the series, Resident Evil, proves that games in the series slowly age. However, it would be a stretch to say Resident Evil plays just as well as its launch date. The inventory spaces are limited in size, depending on your character. The new Resident Evil games have superior item management systems and more weapon diversity, which add to the overall experience.
6 Identity Crisis (Way It's Worse)
The Resident Evil series is having trouble identifying itself. The games are now spread across various genres like action-adventure, survival, and horror. Resident Evil is one of the longest standing game franchises in history. However, it's becoming more of an action game series than a survival horror series like the original. If it maintains its roots and doesn't make any more unexpected changes, the series should be okay.
5 The Main Series Games (Way It's Better)
The main series is still in recovery since the release of Resident Evil 6. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was a step forward in the right direction, even if it didn't cover all its predecessors' shortcomings. Like many of the most well-known game franchises, the Resident Evil main series contains hit or miss entries. Story-wise, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard nailed it. Capcom listened to the frustration of players, making it less of an action-oriented game.
4 Gameplay (Way It's Worse)
Recent Resident Evil games are a step down from Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. The main series arguably hit its peak with Resident Evil 4's survival horror gameplay. Capcom is continually trying to switch up the formula with new gameplay. The series already contains flawless games, so why try to reinvent the wheel? At the same time, Resident Evil Village is a blank slate that looks promising.
3 The Series Relies On Remakes (Way It's Better)
This one is a toss-up, but given that the Resident Evil remakes had excellent reception, they have to be viewed positively. Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident 3 all had phenomenal launches. However, looking strictly at the main series, Resident Evil needs work.
Capcom accomplished what a remake should. A video game remake should re-build a game from the ground-up while paying homage to the original. The Resident Evil 4 remake will be a blockbuster, and we're waiting to hear any developments.
2 Too Much Action (Way It's Worse)
Resident Evil 6 was Capcom trying to reinvent itself. The resulting video game was not quite the blockbuster title we hoped for, but at least Capcom learned from past mistakes. One possible reason why critics negatively received this game was that it strayed too far from the series norms. It adopted more of an action-oriented focus rather than a survival horror one. The series was originally a survival horror game. Hopefully, Resident Evil Village goes back to the series's roots.
1 Graphics (Way It's Better)
There is a lot more to come than this possible Resident Evil Village screenshot. According to pcgamesn.com, "the dev's shared in its live showcase that the upcoming PC game's got 'a lot more freedom' and room to experiment than its predecessor, Resident Evil 7." This could mean that Resident Evil Village will be less linear than its predecessor. From an art direction standpoint, Resident Evil Village is shaping up to be a masterpiece in visual design.