The Resident Evil Franchise Has Reached its Thrilling Apex!

Highlights

Resident Evil has successfully reinvented itself over the years, experimenting with different genres and gameplay styles to appeal to changing fan interests.

Resident Evil 4 caused a divide among the series' fan base due to its shift towards a more action-focused direction. Nevertheless, the subsequent release of Resident Evil 7 and the success of the Resident Evil 2 Remake managed to bring fans together and revive the franchise's survival horror essence.

Now, with the recent launch of Resident Evil 4 Remake, the franchise has struck a perfect balance by incorporating elements of horror, action gameplay, captivating cinematic cutscenes, and intriguing characters. As a result, it remains highly popular and future installments are eagerly awaited by both longstanding and newly gained fans.

1998, a year forever etched in our memories. More specifically, in 1996, Resident Evil was unleashed upon the world, marking the beginning of a franchise that would create its own genre of "survival horror" and spawn numerous sequels and remakes. Initially conceived as a solo, immersive horror experience, the Resident Evil series has continually evolved and experimented throughout the years. While not every installment has resonated with all players, the recent releases indicate that the franchise may have finally discovered its perfect formula.

Periodically, the Resident Evil series has undergone transformations in genre, gameplay, design, and presentation, aiming to rejuvenate the franchise and cater to the evolving interests of fans. From venturing into light gun games, squad-based shooters, and tactical shooters, to exploring asymmetric multiplayer horror games and beyond, Resident Evil has consistently reinvented itself during its impressive 27-year run. Despite its ability to consistently deliver fresh content, not every entry in the series has won over every fan. In fact, there has always been a division between those who adore the original style games and those who favor the games from RE4 onwards.

The Resident Evil Franchise's Newest Take on Survival Horror

The release of the original Resident Evil 4 in 2005 marked a significant turning point for the Resident Evil series, with fans divided in their opinions. Shinji Mikami, returning to the franchise, successfully reinvented it at a time of uncertainty, ultimately defining the modern third-person shooter genre. Building on the success of RE4, subsequent releases like RE5 and RE6 further embraced action, until fan interest underwent another shift and necessitated a fresh start.

Following the release of Resident Evil 6 in 2012, the series reached its lowest point, with both fans of the original games and the new direction feeling that the series had lost its essence. Criticism was targeted at the series' lack of scares, leading Capcom to take notice and develop Resident Evil 7. Acting almost like a soft reboot, RE7 returned to its roots of serious survival horror, reestablishing the franchise as a game deserving of serious attention. This set the stage perfectly for the next release, one that would achieve what no other Resident Evil game had been able to do.

The 2019 release of Resident Evil 2 Remake achieved overwhelming critical and commercial success, effectively blending elements from previous Resident Evil titles and introducing new features. This revitalized the franchise and garnered widespread appeal among fans of various gaming genres. The subsequent release of RE3 Remake, RE Village, and the most recent Resident Evil 4 Remake further solidified the franchise's position in the limelight.

The Resident Evil series has now struck the perfect balance between horror elements, action gameplay, cinematic cutscenes, and compelling characters. Capcom has masterfully captured everything that fans adore about the franchise in a cohesive package that pays homage to its legacy while also embracing innovation for the modern era. With its current peak of popularity, the future of Resident Evil remains uncertain. Nonetheless, recent games indicate that upcoming installments will undoubtedly be worth the attention of both new and longtime fans.