I think it’s about time I’ve introduced myself to you. I am a long time gamer known on Xbox Live and the Playstation Network as The Gamer’s Ghost – a monicker derived from my love for gaming and all things horror. When I write my articles, I aim to drive conversation, hence my creation of the Conversation Corner. Though I start the topic with a hefty look at my own views and opinions, my main goal is to bring others in. On this edition of the Conversation Corner, I turn my attention to Capcom’s upcoming Resident Evil 6.
For a survival horror series, Resident Evil has had a rather extensive lifespan. From its debut in 1996 to the current generation titles – Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles, and Resident Evil Retribution – the series has transformed from a basic survival horror title with awful camera angles and clunky controls to a faster paced third person horror shooter. While the series has undergone improvements time and time again, after the fifth installment, I found myself checking off all of the things I’d like to see in the inevitable Resident Evil 6. As the release date shuffles closer, I feel now’s the time to bring to light what I feel Capcom’s newest entry should include… or omit.
First, the biggest pet peeve I had with Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar’s romp through Kijuju is how it ended (spoiler alert for those that haven’t finished the game, of course). The final battle between the two soldiers and series longtime antagonist, Albert Wesker, was beyond ridiculous. There was a certain “staged” nature to the fight that caused it to feel distant from the rest of the game. Random invisible walls, an instant kill scenario, and an uninspired design for the final boss left a bad taste in my mouth. While the lackluster final stage may not have been the fault of the character, I feel that if Wesker is to return, so will the memories – and a possible rehash – of this miserable close. It’s also time for a new antagonist to take the reigns and bring this series to a potential close. Which brings me to my second desire.
The story behind the Resident Evil may have had its moments of ridiculousness, but for the most part has been somewhat entertaining to watch unfold. There’s still time for it to go completely awry, though, and if the sixth installment doesn’t go down the dark road of ludicrousness, a seventh most definitely will. With such a large cast of returning characters, one of which holding a potential end to the virus itself, it’s only poetic that the series end with this jam packed title. If I could get anything out of Resident Evil 6, it would be a closing to a series I’ve followed for its decade-long run.
Finally, I look at the gameplay. Resident Evil 4 had a healthy dosage of that survival horror feel while Resident Evil 5 focused more on fast-paced action and actually included gun-toting enemies. Resident Evil 6 promises to mix the best of both games, but will it be able to do so effectively? There seems to be a trend recently with horror games taking on a more active “action” role, and I’ve yet to play one that made me feel the terror that a good horror title should. From what’s been seen of Leon S. Kennedy’s stroll through the sleepy town of Twin Oaks, the horror seems to be there; but than we are treated to scenes of Leon performing Jason Statham-esque slides and dives. Can these maneuvers be integrated into a survival horror setting? I’m surely hoping so.
Though we’ll find out what about Resident Evil 6 we like and dislike in a little under two months, I’m curious – what do you want to see in this new installment of the long running series?