Resident Evil 5 Turns 16: Where’s the Remake?

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16 years have passed since I last witnessed Chris delivering punches to a boulder and overpowering Wesker alongside his partner, Sheva Alomar, in an epic battle. However, it seems that the creators of the Resident Evil remakes have yet to reveal any plans for Resident Evil 5.

Perhaps I’m jumping the gun here. Before I inquire about the RE5 remake from Capcom, I find myself wondering, “What approach would they take to remake it?” This question stems from the challenges inherent in Resident Evil 5, despite being an excellent action co-op game. It rarely felt like a classic Resident Evil experience, which is something I believe needs consideration.

Action or Survival Horror?

The main point of discussion is: Which direction would be optimal for a remake of Resident Evil 5? Should it maintain its action-oriented foundation, featuring Chris and Sheva battling hordes of zombies in the Kijuju Autonomous Zone? Or should it focus more on survival horror elements, incorporating narrow passages, sudden scares, and strategic enemy placement?

As for RE5’s future, only Capcom seems to know at this point, and given the speculation surrounding the upcoming launch of the much-anticipated Resident Evil 9, it might be that they are currently focused on that project instead.

Co-Op or Single-Player?

One distinctive feature of Resident Evil 5 is that it was the initial game in the series to fully incorporate cooperative play, although its split-screen mode might not have been as polished as Hazelight’s Split Fiction. Nevertheless, it functioned adequately for two players to enjoy obliterating zombies with no worries at all. I remember playing RE5 alongside my 12-year-old nephew years ago, and we had a fantastic time defeating Plagas as Chris and Sheva.

Instead of keeping the co-op mode, suppose Capcom decides to focus on a single-player experience. They could adapt the narrative by employing a dual perspective, mirroring Resident Evil 2’s approach with Leon and Claire. In this scenario, Sheva could represent one storyline (Story A), while Chris would embody another (Story B).

Instead, they might choose to emulate the Resident Evil 3 remake style, where Jill and Carlos have distinct sections within the game. In this setup, Chris and Sheva would find themselves apart during the narrative, experiencing unique situations in each chapter. While it may seem like a dream scenario, I personally find this approach more appealing.

Remake or Reboot?

As a die-hard Resident Evil fan, here’s my take on it: Should Capcom decide to revive Resident Evil 5, should they go for a remake or a full reboot?

From where I stand (in front of my gaming console), I think a well-crafted remake could bring back the nostalgia and polish the game mechanics, while still maintaining the essence of the original. However, a complete reboot could offer a fresh take on the story, characters, and gameplay, potentially attracting new fans and keeping the series feeling modern and relevant. It’s a tough call, but I believe both options have their merits.

Taking into account the numerous problems with the current game, it might be wiser to opt for a remake instead. Capcom could begin anew, focusing on Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as the primary characters while keeping Albert Wesker as the main antagonist. They could also enhance Jill Valentine’s role or, more effectively, Wesker’s conclusion to the storyline.

Of course, it’s only fair to acknowledge that Capcom, given the scope of the Resident Evil universe, has room for creative freedom. If they decide to revisit Resident Evil 6 in the future, we might witness a new direction; however, let’s save that discussion for another time.

A Cautionary Tale or a New Success?

It’s possible that Capcom might reconsider the notion of a remake or restart if all other options prove unsuccessful. However, I find that unlikely. Despite the fact that not every Resident Evil fan adored Resident Evil 5, it has managed to sell an impressive 15.3 million copies since its launch. It seems that even those who aren’t deeply invested in the Resident Evil storyline found enjoyment in it.

There are numerous ways Capcom might approach this remake, making it either a lesson learned or another triumph, much like Resident Evil 4. Eagerly anticipating combat with Wesker using Capcom’s latest engine, I sincerely hope to witness its realization in the years ahead.

Why worry about it now? It seems more likely we’ll see a Code Veronica remake or Resident Evil 9 before there’s a chance to smash boulders with Chris Redfield in the RE Engine.

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2025-03-14 15:42