View Full Version : Resetting Resident Evil - IGN
Triple Seven
24-03-09, 20:16
"Look, there's nothing really wrong with Resident Evil 5 (http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/objects/760/760880.html) per se – in the same way that Resident Evil 4 (http://uk.cube.ign.com/objects/015/015821.html) was also awesome and solid horror-action fare.
But these last two games have felt very different – and not necessarily in a way befitting survival horror. Both titles put massive emphasis on headcounts, swarms of enemies and lots of open, outdoor environments. There aren't many moments of suspense, which means fewer scares – and in turn, you never feel like you're really fighting for your life anymore. So what happened, and what could Capcom (http://uk.games.ign.com/objects/025/025017.html) do to return to its roots?
In RE4, the changes were refreshing and, most importantly, never at the expense of atmosphere. It added a lot of flavour with its over-the-shoulder perspective, the villages and castle settings and the non-zombie villagers. In RE5, however, things feel amiss. It lacks tension, thrills and focus. It's still a really great action game – but it's not Resident Evil (http://uk.wii.ign.com/objects/142/14283734.html).
"
Check out the full article: http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/963/963623p1.html and feel free to discuss it.
P.S.:
Just an amusing yet relevant addition:
"Barrels. Everywhere. There are fricking barrels all over this place. Why? WHY? WHO NEEDS THIS MANY BARRELS? What are they doing over there - brewing beer?"
Cool article*, mentions alot of stuff I've (and other users) have been writing for a while now. Especially on RE5 - when Takeuchi dropped the heat/hallucinations daylight effects that was the whole point to "making daylight scary", they just ended up with an exact RE4 clone minus the effort that RE4 (despite it's flaws) made with creepy settings and environments.
However, it does illustrate one thing about the game journalism industry: you cannot satasify the masses. I think anyone that's followed the series and specifically the reviews over the years will find a cheap laugh in that the crits where almost always about the "limited camera angles". And now they've switched to pro-fixed angle.
Alot of his points he seems to converse upon, strangly enough. He (rightfully) points out that (most of) the Ganado's et al are practically zombies anyhow, abiet a little smarter and can use weapons; only to go on and state that "we want zombies back" but keep in the "AI and tactics". What??
(*though I have to admit the writer didn't compose it too well; it tends to come off as snotty "I was a RE fan before you were born!" Elitism)
In RE4, the changes were refreshing and, most importantly, never at the expense of atmosphere. It added a lot of flavour with its over-the-shoulder perspective, the villages and castle settings and the non-zombie villagers. In RE5, however, things feel amiss. It lacks tension, thrills and focus. It's still a really great action game
I have to agree with that, the fear atmosphere was completely lost. I kind of miss it too :( despite of considering RE5 a great game.
As for the explosive barrels, I also questioned myself why where they everywhere :D and why the enemies would stay next to them :D I can imagine a new feature, them carrying a big arrow and a sign saying "shoot here".
RE never scared me or anyone of my friends... Except for a couple of scenes.
Cracksolja
25-03-09, 13:20
Although I like RE4 and RE5, like noted there isnt really any fear striking moments or scary bits...
Ive resorted now that iv completed RE5, to going back to my gamecube to play RE1 as it was the last remake of the infamous mansion!
and RE0 which I felt was also by far one of the top RE games available thatI never completed as myGC broke
SyledIronSide
26-03-09, 14:31
I agree with you guys..
since they have changed the point of the camera and changed the zombies for 'native weirdo's' the fun isn't in it anymore.
where are al the puzzles to be solved? and the dark, moisty alleys? My opinion is that they never should have done this...
how would you guys think if they port the older RE games for the 360 and Ps3? wouldn't that be a great laugh for the 'old' fanatics, who grew up with those titles and who knows how it is to play a REAL survival horror game? A game with not a thousand explosive barrels and where health and ammo is scarce?
Carbonox_Ratchet
26-03-09, 15:17
By resetting Resident Evil, I'd like to think of it as trying something new, rather than 'returning' to old formulae. Now that doesn't mean we can't see something new within the old Survival Horror stomping ground, just that we don't see something old re-worked as IMO, that's not resetting. That's just doing an RE5 and slightly working on an already established formula.
Am I the only one that would like to see Takeuchi-san follow up on his remark that a snowy London setting would be suitable? His comment may well be something just to please the English readers (he made the comment in The Guardian) and overall, meant as a joke, but I could see something stem from this.
I've talked about it before but I'd love the idea of an Industrial theme going on in terms of art style. Something dark and gloomy with snow playing a role. Perhaps going back to the temperature idea that was supposedly thought of in the early stages of Resident Evil 5 to compliment this weather feature. If not Industrial, then maybe something with a touch of film-noir but nothing radical. A dark, dangerous and lonely London (or any city really) that even has a familiar atmosphere to Sweeny Todd but placed in the modern era. Electric grids falling etc. so that darkness is also heavily emphasised.
These are just rough and loose ideas but hopefully you understand my point. There may be comparisons with Silent Hill, but I think there is room for claustrophobia and psychological stress in a Resident Evil title unlike any other Resident Evil title.
But yeah, give me a dark and gloomy Resident Evil. If Capcom are going to really shake things up, do so properly.
SILENTKILLER
26-03-09, 15:48
It's still a really great action game – but it's not Resident Evil (http://uk.wii.ign.com/objects/142/14283734.html).
Im sayin this the whole time lol...... RE isnt RE anymore, and in the "main story" , means part 6 ( if there will be 1 ), they cant just change back.
I think it's going to go through a lot more changes when we see Resident Evil 6.
I believe it's going the to become more mainstream and refreshed to attract newcomers.
As for the explosive barrels, wasn't the factory Chris and Sheva go to an oil refinery? there's quite a lot of machinery all around the place in Resident Evil 5 as well.
Not to mention Resident Evil 3.
I agree with this article to 90% - I simply don't think RE4 was still a fine RE: to me the problem started with it, RE5 is just the natural progression of events...
Aside for that, this guy is totally right: we need a harder, scarier, classier game...but the "Old-School Mujahideen" like me has been saying so for some time now;)
I totally agree you!!!!:thumb:
re4 was fun and re5 is great,but is NOT resident evil!!!
I hope that capcom make a remake of re2,3 and code veronica!:rolleyes: