In 2005, Capcom went on to help once again redefine the survival horror genre withResident Evil 4. This game solidified theResident Evilfranchise as legendary and inspired many copycats. It almost feels too good to be improved upon, which contributes to the current discussion.
RELATED:Biohazard: 5 Reasons Code Veronica Should Be The Next Resident Evil Remake (& 5 Reasons It Should Be RE4)
Rumors are flying that Capcom is planning to update this title with a remake. The popularity and reception ofResident Evil 2and3, as well asResident Evil 7,has brought this on. Should they go ahead with it, or is this one not even worth touching? Check out our reasons for why this move makes sense, and also whyResident Evil 4should be left alone.
10Why It’s Needed - To Put The Spotlight Back On The Umbrella Corporation
ForResident Evil 2 and 3, you are put right in the middle of the corruption of Racoon City and the Umbrella Corporation. They haven’t done right by their people, and Leon (inResident Evil 2) and Jill (Resident Evil 3) are there to get to the bottom of what’s going on.
Resident Evil 4rips you right out of the narrative to save the President’s daughter. This switch can feel disjointed, and a remake could cleverly bring the corrupt corporation back into the story.
9Why It Isn’t Needed - We Aren’t That Far Removed
When you look at the originalRE2andRE3, the gameplay, as well as the graphics, haven’t held up well. While this may be part of their charm, it also makes an update make more sense.
ForRE4, even though the graphics aren’t as sharp as today’s, it still relatively holds up. The characters are easy to make out, and the settings aren’t terrible. It also just received a 2016 HD remaster. Does this game really need the polish?
8Why It Is Needed - The Original Was A Departure From Survival Horror
Yes, there are parts in the game that are startling and downright creepy. But whether it was the fact that fixed camera angles were gone or the horde of parasite-infested visitors, thisRE4game moved forward on what started withRE3—a greater reliance on the action-oriented play and mowing down enemies.
RELATED:The 10 Best Zombie Games Ever Made (According To Metacritic)
Much of thesurvival horrorwas gone from this title. A remake could better blend these two elements together and make it scary once again.
7Why It Isn’t Needed - Brand Fatigue
Brand fatigue is what it sounds like. It is when you have seen a brand’s messaging or product so much that you become tired of that company.
Well, Capcom could be in danger with this if they are not careful. In the last four years, we have seen a newResident Evil game, two remakes, and rumors of another new title. TheRE2remake felt special becauseRE7was a comeback. Another remake could feel like overkill.
6Why It’s Needed - Ashley’s Role
WithGod of War’sreboot, gamers finally saw an exciting way to include a more vulnerable character as a competent sidekick.
Back whenRE4’sreleased, additional characters that needed to be occasionally saved were annoying and a downright drain on enjoyment. An update could see developers do more with Ashley while making her more of a teammate and less of a burden.
5Why It Isn’t Needed - Nostalgia Fades
Let’s just be real here. While theRE2andRE3remakes are well-done and are an improvement on the originals, one of the reasons they are highly regarded does have to do with nostalgia. The feeling you get when you play a game from long ago can make you have strong feelings for it.
RELATED:10 Hidden Details Everyone Missed In Resident Evil 3 Remake
However, as many other franchises have discovered, you cannot just depend on this feeling.RE2andRE3remakes made sense from a functional standpoint, butRE4may not be necessary beyond feelings of nostalgia.
4Why It’s Needed - The People Who Are Involved
Well, if you are going to have a remake, you want it to be by people who know what they are doing. The word on the street is that the development team, M-Two, is taking onRE4.
This teamcontributed to the developmentofRE3and is made up of developers that have worked for Capcom in the past. Meanwhile, Shinji Mikami, the director of the original game, has been reported to give his blessing on this title. If Mikami is comfortable with who is at the helm, then it must mean they have some great ideas.
3Why It Isn’t Needed - RE3’s Performance
While the jury is still out about how the public at large has perceivedRE3, in Europe,RE3’slaunch saleswere a third ofRE2.RE3received a lot of critical acclaim and positive reviews.
However, it looks like this game franchise could be a victim of attrition and “falling interest.” It’s the same reason why the movie sequel always seems not to do as well. If the numbers are low forRE3, the chances are high that the same will happen to anRE4remake.
2Why It’s Needed - 2005’s AI Verus 2020’s AI
The parasite-infected villagers in the 2005 title had some robust AI, even for 2005. However, think about all the advancements we have made regarding AI in the last 15 years.
RELATED:Resident Evil: 5 Video Game Enemies That Are Scarier Than Nemesis (& 5 That Aren’t)
When you look at what was possible with Mr. X and Nemesis, it is pretty cool to think about how stellar the AI would be in a newRE4game that also heavily depends on sinister and relatively intelligent enemies.
1Why It Isn’t Needed - Taking Away RE8’s Shine
If the rumors are true, wecould be seeing anRE8game—and follow-up toRE7—in 2021. This is earlier than what was initially predicted or discussed. Considering that the new consoles are set to hit next year as well, ifRE4was to come out for those systems as well, then it could take attention away from Capcom’s newest Resident Evilstories.
While the retreads are nice, Capcom’s future depends on how well they can innovate new ideas. The last thing they want is to battle themselves and lose the war entirely.
NEXT:5 Things We Want In Resident Evil 8 (& 5 We Don’t)
