Given the remarkable success of previous remakes in the series, it seems inevitable that Resident Evil 5 will receive its own remake. If executed well, this remake could offer a pinnacle experience for the franchise, drawing from successful predecessors while staying true to the original foundation.
While some fans perceive Resident Evil as having a consistent gameplay style, the series has undergone several transitions, remixes, and refreshes in movement and combat. There's a noticeable leap from the original Resident Evil 3 to Resident Evil 4, and another significant shift with Resident Evil 6. The recent remakes, particularly Resident Evil 7 and the collection of remakes, have brought about the most substantial gameplay changes. Last year's Resident Evil 4 remake arguably represents the pinnacle of the series' combat. Building on these improvements, Capcom has the potential to elevate the experience even further with a Resident Evil 5 remake.
Perfecting Chris Redfield in a Resident Evil 5 Remake
As a prominent figure in Resident Evil, Chris Redfield has been a consistent and formidable presence throughout the franchise. Despite this, players haven't had a full game centered around him since the original Resident Evil 5 in 2009. His absence from the forefront is particularly striking in Resident Evil Village, where he is overshadowed by the relatively plain character, Ethan Winters, leaving many questioning why Redfield wasn't more prominently featured.
A game featuring Resident Evil's modern survival horror combat, refined to perfection in the third-person remakes, would be an ideal match for Chris Redfield. Fans experienced the plethora of improvements brought to Leon's gameplay in the Resident Evil 4 remake, and there's no reason why this couldn't be replicated with Resident Evil 5.
Recapturing Leon Kennedy's Combat Success in a Resident Evil 5 Remake
The Resident Evil 4 remake was the result of a perfect storm, a combination of the narrative circumstances in the Resident Evil universe and the advancements in Capcom's gaming technology and design. At the time of RE4 in the series' timeline, Leon Kennedy has undergone extensive training, evident in his enhanced control, increased fluidity, and expanded skill set. Coupled with the seamless and gratifying third-person shooting perfected by Capcom in the previous two RE remakes, players experienced a version of Leon Kennedy that was more enjoyable to control than ever before.
This blend of game design and narrative premise could greatly benefit Chris in an RE5 remake. In RE5, Chris has grown stronger and more skilled, transitioning from STARS to the BSAA, accumulating years of experience. His training, combined with his seemingly superhuman strength and athleticism, could make controlling him a delight, while offering a refreshing alternative to Leon's slick, versatile gameplay. Capcom doesn't have to have Chris constantly engaging in physically daunting tasks, but his weight and raw power would be incredibly satisfying in Resident Evil's revamped combat system.
Resident Evil 4 successfully recaptured the essence of the original's gameplay while introducing new, fluid, and thrilling elements. The result is arguably one of the most exceptional combat and movement systems in any survival horror game. If Capcom can replicate a similar feat in a Resident Evil 5 remake, the series stands to benefit enormously from it.