Capcom's recent success can largely be attributed to the revitalization of the Resident Evil franchise. The latest installment, Resident Evil Village, has upheld the legacy of its renowned RE Engine and remains a prominent figure in the modern horror genre. Building upon the foundation of the earlier games, the game maintains its intimate, character-driven narrative through a first-person perspective.
One of the key factors contributing to the ongoing success of Resident Evil Village is its focus on iconic characters. Capcom has introduced a mostly new cast, placing them at the forefront of protagonist Ethan Winters' struggles. While some characters have achieved legendary status, others have not received the same level of recognition.
S Tier
In Resident Evil Village, Lady Dimitrescu has emerged as the undeniable icon of the game. Originally intended as a minor antagonist, she has surpassed all expectations and become a prominent figure in popular culture. Despite her limited appearance in the early stages of the game, this vampiric giantess has made a lasting impression.
On the other hand, Chris Redfield, a character deeply rooted in the original Resident Evil, has undergone extensive character development throughout the entire series. In his latest iteration, he embodies a hardened and experienced version of himself, adding complexity and intrigue to his persona.
A Tier
Rose Winters - The daughter of the protagonist Ethan Winters from Resident Evil 7 and Village, Rose takes center stage in Shadows of Rose, where she finally gets the opportunity to tell her own story. Her complex nature and enigmatic abilities, granted by the Mutamycete mold, make her a captivating character who surpasses her anonymous father.
The Duke - A repulsive and haughty counterpart to Resident Evil 4’s merchant, The Duke has emerged as a symbol of Resident Evil Village due to the unsettling sensation he evokes. With his malicious demeanor further explored in Shadows of Rose, he surpasses even some of his presumed superiors in terms of memorability.
B Tier
Donna Beneviento introduces a unique form of horror in the franchise by employing her doll Angie to psychologically torment players. While her section of the game showcases the infamous Giant Baby of Resident Evil Village, her true human identity remains enigmatic, leaving players with an incomplete comprehension.
Mia Winters - In her second appearance in Resident Evil 7, Mia has evolved from her previous traumas and has a less striking presence. However, her captivating character development and intriguing storyline in Village still make her story compelling.
Ethan Winters - As the main character in Village, Ethan Winters returns from the terrifying events of Resident Evil 7 as a more intriguing and well-rounded character. Although he has undergone significant development, his lack of a distinct face can be a bit jarring considering the intimate nature of the narrative.
Karl Heisenberg - Although initially appearing to play a significant role in the plot, Karl Heisenberg ultimately fails to deliver the desired impact. While he presents a voice of opposition against his leader Miranda, Heisenberg's potential transformation could have been more thrilling than his boss encounter, which focused primarily on action rather than horror.
C Tier
The Dimitrescu Sisters - Serving as early antagonists and the adopted daughters of Lady Dimitrescu, these three sisters provide a thrilling introduction to the terrifying world of Village. Their unique ability to morph into swarms of flies adds a fresh and unexpected twist to the series, deviating from its traditional tropes.
Salvatore Moreau falls short as a compelling villain, despite the intriguing water-themed East Old Town level connected to him. Serving as a subordinate to his master, Moreau's simplistic character aligns with his brief yet memorable appearance as a monstrous fish. Resident Evil Village can be played on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.