Resident Evil has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence since 2017's Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, consistently delivering experiences that resonate with fans. This streak includes both new installments like Resident Evil Village and faithful remakes of classics such as Resident Evil 4. However, a growing reliance on past successes and familiar themes may be leading the series into a creative rut.
Resident Evil: Requiem, despite its high polish and compelling moments, reportedly leans heavily on nostalgia. Segments featuring Grace Ashcroft are praised for their survival-horror tension, feeling like a natural progression from earlier titles. In contrast, Leon S. Kennedy's sections, which revisit locations from the original Raccoon City, are criticized for feeling repetitive and overlong. The narrative itself echoes past plots, focusing on themes like a city-wide sickness, secret Umbrella scientists, and the legacy of Oswell Spencer, contributing to a sense of déjà vu.
This tendency extends to Capcom's remake strategy. Following the announcement of Resident Evil: Veronica, a reimagining of the original Code: Veronica, the series will now feature five remakes. Since Resident Evil 7's comeback in 2017, more than half of the seven released titles have been remakes, raising concerns about the franchise's willingness to innovate.
The series has a history of bold risks that have defined genres and gameplay. The original Resident Evil is credited with popularizing survival horror, Resident Evil 4 refined over-the-shoulder third-person action, Resident Evil 5 introduced co-op to that formula, and Resident Evil 7 brought first-person perspective and VR support to the forefront. These landmark titles highlight how Resident Evil thrives when it embraces new directions.
As the franchise continues to release high-quality installments and remakes, there is a growing sentiment that a significant shake-up is needed. A consistent reliance on past glories could lead to stagnation, a fate that has befallen other major franchises. For the sake of horror gaming, Resident Evil's continued evolution may depend on its ability to forge new paths rather than solely revisiting old ones.