Resident Evil: Awaiting Its Own Defining Moment ala The Last of Us 2
Resident Evil must create its own game-changing moment like Joel's demise in The Last of Us Part 2, pushing boundaries and redefining the franchise's narrative direction
Warning: Major Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us 2.The Resident Evil franchise appears to have hit its stride recently. Since the release of Resident Evil 7 in 2017, the franchise has experienced a resurgence in popularity. While the game took a daring new direction, long-time fans yearned for a return to the classic third-person Resident Evil style. Their wishes were granted with the 2019 release of the Resident Evil 2 Remake. Since then, the franchise has been on a roll, churning out remakes and new entries in rapid succession to satisfy all types of audiences.
However, this successful formula will eventually reach its limit for the Resident Evil franchise. There are only so many classic Resident Evil games that Capcom can remake. When that time comes, the franchise will need to venture into new territory to reignite its fanbase. For inspiration, it might want to turn to The Last of Us Part 2.
Resident Evil Needs its Own Joel Death Moment
The Last of Us Part 2 features a moment that has divided the gaming community. Joel's death at the beginning of the sequel in 2020 sent shockwaves through fans, who were saddened by the loss of a beloved character. Despite the initial upset, Naughty Dog's decision to kill off Joel early on was essential for the story and character development. This pivotal moment not only makes sense within the narrative, but also drives the entire game forward, affecting the plot, character dynamics, and player engagement.
While Joel's death was shocking, it was not entirely unexpected considering the dark and gritty tone of the series. In contrast, the Resident Evil franchise has traditionally embraced a campy atmosphere, characterized by humorous voice lines, exaggerated action sequences, and protagonists who feel invincible. However, a noticeable tonal dissonance is starting to emerge in the series.
Resident Evil 7 and Village have a more serious tone compared to previous games, despite occasional campiness. The new Resident Evil games feature grounded gore and realistic antagonists, creating a scarier atmosphere. However, the lack of immediate consequences for the protagonist, Ethan Winters, contradicts the serious tone of the games.
To maintain a serious and grounded tone in future Resident Evil games, they should draw inspiration from other realistic horror franchises, such as The Last of Us Part 2. The next Resident Evil game could learn from The Last of Us Part 2's shocking moments and consider starting with the death of a beloved character like Chris Redfield or Leon Kennedy. This would instantly establish the game's tone and convey that anything is possible in the Resident Evil universe. While risky, this approach would inject freshness into the franchise when it becomes stagnant again.
