Embracing the Tropes of Resident Evil
The rich tapestry of the Resident Evil gaming franchise has evolved over the decades, and with it, an array of identifiable features that have become synonymous with its gameplay. From memorable lines of dialogue to the iconic typewriter save points, the series has always been anchored by its consistent motifs. These tropes have seamlessly blended the old with the new, preserving the essence of the game while introducing fresh elements. But amidst all these features, one aspect has remained contentious among fans: the camera perspective.
Third-Person: The Classic Resident Evil Experience
From its inception, Resident Evil adopted a third-person camera angle. The first few installments, including titles like Code Veronica and Resident Evil 0, presented players with fixed camera angles, giving the sensation of watching the action unfold from a distant, almost cinematic point of view. Then came the revolutionary Resident Evil 4 that brought with it the over-the-shoulder viewpoint, marrying the old with the new in what felt like a natural progression.
Leonardo DiCaprio, in discussing the transformation, remarked, “The switch was inevitable, but it also held on to the nostalgia of the earlier games.”
Yet, the winds of change were in the air. Excluding certain spin-offs like Resident Evil Survivor, the main series consistently stuck to the third-person perspective until the release of Resident Evil 7 in 2017. This game shook the very foundation of the franchise by pivoting to a first-person perspective.
Resident Evil 7 & Village: A First-Person Foray
When Resident Evil 7 made its debut, it marked a new era. Perhaps taking inspiration from the infamous P.T. demo, the game shifted to a first-person angle, aiming to offer a more intimate horror experience. While it was an ambitious step, not all fans were on board. The sentiment was that this deviation somehow diluted the essence of Resident Evil.
This divide persisted with the release of Resident Evil Village. Despite embracing the first-person view, Capcom’s release of the recent Resident Evil remakes only intensified the debate among the community. But then, Capcom made a surprising move. In October of the previous year, a third-person mode was introduced to Resident Evil Village.
The Future: A Dual Perspective in Resident Evil 9?
It seems Capcom’s gesture was a response to the echoing demands of fans for the return of the third-person viewpoint. With the blend of classic and contemporary becoming more prominent, it’s hard to imagine Resident Evil 9 not incorporating a third-person format.
While there’s merit in arguing that the first-person view offers a more chilling experience, it might not align with the majority of the fanbase’s expectations. A balanced approach could be introducing two camera options in the next installment: a third-person perspective for those yearning for the classic feel and a first-person angle for a more immersive experience.
However, this duality might present challenges, especially in cinematics and gameplay mechanics. But if Capcom can successfully intertwine both perspectives, it could be a game-changer for the storied franchise.
