With a legacy spanning nearly three decades, the Resident Evil series has introduced numerous iconic adversaries, many of which have enjoyed substantial limelight. While Nemesis and Albert Wesker stand out as the most iconic villains in the franchise, the Resident Evil universe is also teeming with beloved regular enemy types, each characterized by striking visual designs and unique gameplay elements.

Among these adversaries, the Licker emerges as a standout, deserving a resurgence in the Resident Evil spotlight.

The Resurgence of Resident Evil's Lickers

Lickers: A Pinnacle of Resident Evil Enemy Types

Debuting in 1998's Resident Evil 2, Lickers represent one of the most iconic non-boss enemy types in the entire franchise. Their terrifying visual design and distinctive gameplay mechanics have solidified their status. Evolved from infected creatures, Lickers are instantly identifiable by their exposed brains and lack of skin, sporting external muscles and body tissue, giving them a chilling dark red appearance.

Throughout their appearances, particularly in Resident Evil 2 and subsequent iterations, Lickers rely on their acute sense of hearing due to their blindness. Using their elongated tongues to navigate and detect prey, Lickers can inflict severe lacerations and even decapitate their victims with the barbs on their tongues.

Having made multiple appearances in mainline Resident Evil entries and spinoffs, Lickers left a lasting impression in the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes, haunting the Raccoon City Police Department with an even more horrifying presence.

Reimagining Lickers in the Next Resident Evil Installment

While various iterations of Lickers have emerged over the years, such as the Progenitor-infected Beta Variant in Resident Evil 5, their gameplay largely remains unchanged. Introducing fresh tactics, new attacks, and alternative AI behavior in the upcoming iteration could breathe new life into the Licker's character, invigorating the Resident Evil franchise.