The Resident Evil franchise has the potential to find a perfect equilibrium with the upcoming releases of Resident Evil 9 and a potential Resident Evil 5 remake. While a remake of Resident Evil 5 has not been officially confirmed, the success of previous remakes in the series makes it seem almost inevitable, much like Resident Evil 9. Both games offer a chance to uphold the franchise's legacy, each for distinct reasons.
Resident Evil has always navigated between horror and action, with varying degrees of success. The initial titles in the series leaned heavily towards horror, focusing on slow pacing, tension, atmosphere, and mystery. As technology evolved, the franchise shifted towards action-horror, culminating in Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6, which drew criticism for moving away from the series' horror origins. Capcom later returned to its roots with Resident Evil 7, reintroducing fear as a central element. This back-and-forth evolution may find a stable balance through Capcom's current release strategy.
Striking a Balance: Horror in Resident Evil 9, Action in Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 9: Embracing Horror
If Resident Evil 9 follows the design principles of RE7 and Village, it will likely emphasize horror over action. The first-person perspective in these newer RE games heightens tension by immersing players and restricting their field of vision, increasing the fear factor. This perspective, along with a slower pace, emphasis on exploration, limited resources, and a chilling narrative, could elevate Resident Evil 9 to a truly terrifying experience, reminiscent of the classic Silent Hill series.
By reducing the action elements seen in Village, Resident Evil 9 could surpass the fear-inducing design of Resident Evil 7. This game has the potential to offer a genuine horror adventure, featuring subtle combat, a darker narrative tone, and a cerebral storyline.
Resident Evil 5: Honing Action
Despite mixed reviews due to its departure from horror, Resident Evil 5 possesses strong elements that a remake could refine without compromising the essence of the original. Enhancements to combat mechanics, modernizing gameplay akin to the Resident Evil 4 remake, alongside improved visuals, cinematics, and quality-of-life features, could elevate the remake.
While Resident Evil 5 may have leaned too heavily into action upon its initial release, it remains a well-executed and enjoyable game. Offering a polished horror-focused alternative like Resident Evil 9 could cater to a broader audience and complement the action-oriented RE5 remake.