Resident Evil, a franchise synonymous with survival horror, has had its ups and downs. While it revolutionized gaming with its suspenseful atmosphere, intricate puzzles, and terrifying creatures, it's not without its flaws. Let's dive into what exactly went wrong.

Plot Discrepancies and Confusing Storylines

One of the most common criticisms of the Resident Evil series revolves around its convoluted and sometimes contradictory storylines. Initially, the narrative focused on Umbrella Corporation's bio-weapons research and its disastrous consequences, creating a gripping tale of corporate greed and scientific hubris. However, as the series progressed, the plot became increasingly complex, introducing numerous new characters, organizations, and viruses, often with tenuous connections to the original storyline. This expansion, while intended to enrich the universe, often led to plot holes and inconsistencies. Characters who were once central to the narrative faded into obscurity, and new plot elements were introduced without proper explanation or integration, leaving players scratching their heads in confusion. The constant introduction of new villains and conspiracies diluted the impact of the original threat posed by Umbrella, making the overall narrative feel disjointed and unfocused. Furthermore, the series' reliance on retcons and retroactive continuity changes further complicated matters, altering established events and character motivations to fit new storylines. This created a sense of narrative instability, where players couldn't be sure if what they knew about the Resident Evil universe was still accurate. The focus shifted from the grounded horror of bio-engineered creatures to more outlandish scenarios involving superpowered individuals and global conspiracies, alienating fans who preferred the original's more realistic and intimate horror. Ultimately, the plot discrepancies and confusing storylines have detracted from the overall experience, making it difficult for players to fully invest in the narrative and connect with the characters. Streamlining the plot and focusing on a more cohesive and consistent storyline could help revitalize the series and recapture the magic of the original games.

Gameplay Evolution and Action-Oriented Shift

Initially praised for its slow-paced, strategic gameplay that emphasized resource management and puzzle-solving, Resident Evil gradually transitioned into a more action-oriented experience. While this shift broadened the series' appeal to a wider audience, it also alienated longtime fans who cherished the original's survival horror elements. The change in gameplay became particularly noticeable with the release of Resident Evil 5 and 6, which prioritized fast-paced gunplay, cooperative multiplayer, and bombastic set pieces over the atmospheric exploration and tension-building of earlier installments. Ammunition became more plentiful, enemies became more aggressive, and the overall difficulty was reduced, diminishing the sense of vulnerability and dread that defined the classic Resident Evil experience. Puzzles, once an integral part of the game, were simplified or removed altogether, further reducing the emphasis on strategic thinking and problem-solving. The shift towards action also affected the series' horror elements, as the focus on constant combat diminished the impact of jump scares and psychological horror. Players were too busy shooting hordes of enemies to feel genuinely scared or anxious. While some fans welcomed the change, arguing that it kept the series fresh and relevant, others felt that it betrayed the core principles of Resident Evil. They longed for a return to the series' survival horror roots, where every bullet counted, and every encounter with a monster was a heart-pounding struggle for survival. The success of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, which embraced a more traditional survival horror approach, demonstrated that there was still a strong demand for this type of gameplay. Balancing the action-oriented elements with the series' survival horror roots could be the key to satisfying both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Character Development and Underutilization

Resident Evil features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique backstories, motivations, and personalities. However, the series has often struggled with character development and underutilization, failing to fully explore the potential of its ensemble cast. Many characters are introduced with great fanfare, only to be sidelined or forgotten in subsequent installments. Fan-favorite characters like Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, and Rebecca Chambers have often been relegated to supporting roles or spin-off titles, while new characters are introduced without adequate development or integration into the existing narrative. This lack of consistency and attention to character development has left many fans feeling disappointed and disconnected from the series. Furthermore, the series has been criticized for its reliance on stereotypical character tropes and archetypes. Female characters, in particular, have often been sexualized or portrayed as damsels in distress, perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes. Male characters, on the other hand, have often been depicted as stoic, hyper-masculine heroes, lacking emotional depth or vulnerability. While some characters have been given compelling storylines and character arcs, many others have been left underdeveloped or mishandled, diminishing their impact on the overall narrative. Investing more time and effort into character development, exploring their backstories, motivations, and relationships, could help create a more engaging and emotionally resonant experience for players. Giving sidelined characters a chance to shine and breaking away from stereotypical character tropes could also help revitalize the series and appeal to a wider audience.

Creature Design and Diminishing Horror

One of the defining features of the Resident Evil series is its iconic creature design, which has spawned some of the most memorable and terrifying monsters in video game history. From the grotesque zombies and the menacing Lickers to the imposing Tyrant and the terrifying Nemesis, the series has consistently delivered creatures that are both visually striking and genuinely frightening. However, as the series has progressed, the quality and creativity of the creature design have arguably diminished. Later installments have introduced creatures that are less memorable, less terrifying, and less integrated into the overall narrative. Some creatures have been criticized for being overly generic or derivative, lacking the unique characteristics and unsettling designs of their predecessors. Others have been criticized for being too reliant on shock value or gore, sacrificing genuine horror for cheap scares. The shift towards action-oriented gameplay has also affected the way creatures are presented, as they are often encountered in large numbers and dispatched with ease, diminishing their impact and reducing their scare factor. The focus on quantity over quality has led to a decline in the overall sense of dread and vulnerability that defined the earlier games. Furthermore, the series has been criticized for its overuse of certain creature types, such as zombies and mutated dogs, which have become increasingly predictable and less frightening over time. Introducing new and imaginative creatures, with unique abilities and unsettling designs, could help revitalize the series' horror elements and recapture the sense of terror that defined the classic games. Emphasizing quality over quantity and integrating creatures more seamlessly into the narrative could also help restore the series' reputation for groundbreaking creature design.

Over-Reliance on Nostalgia and Fan Service

While nostalgia can be a powerful tool for engaging fans and celebrating the series' legacy, Resident Evil has sometimes leaned too heavily on nostalgia and fan service, rehashing old ideas and characters without adding anything new or meaningful. The constant remakes, reboots, and prequels have created a sense of stagnation, preventing the series from moving forward and exploring new territory. Fan-favorite characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield have been repeatedly brought back, often in ways that feel forced or contrived, while new characters struggle to gain traction. The constant callbacks to previous games, while appreciated by longtime fans, can also alienate newcomers who may not be familiar with the series' history. The over-reliance on nostalgia has also stifled creativity, as developers are often hesitant to take risks or deviate from established formulas for fear of alienating the fanbase. This has led to a lack of innovation and a sense that the series is stuck in the past. While it's important to acknowledge and celebrate the series' history, it's also crucial to move forward and explore new ideas and characters. Balancing nostalgia with innovation could be the key to keeping the series fresh and relevant for years to come. Introducing new characters, settings, and storylines could help revitalize the series and attract a new generation of fans.

Resident Evil, despite its groundbreaking contributions to the survival horror genre, isn't without its missteps. From convoluted plots to gameplay shifts and character underutilization, several factors have contributed to the series' decline. Hopefully, Capcom can address these issues and bring Resident Evil back to its former glory. Resident Evil's future depends on it.