As usual, I should start with a disclaimer before certain impatient readers freak out over the headline:
I don’t mind the idea of remastered versions, remakes, “definitive” editions, HD upgrades, etc. I really don’t. It gives more people a chance to play a great game (they don’t remake crap) and it gives fans of the original an excuse to play it again. The benefit of advanced technology makes older titles really shine, and I see no problem picking ’em up for my collection.
For collectors like me, they typically want the very best version of a particular game in their library. So, what’s wrong with that? All this being said, I have to say that maybe – just maybe – this whole fascination with remakes and remasters has gone a step too far.
I love Resident Evil, too, but we already GOT this remake
It was for the GameCube, remember? Capcom has even confirmed that the upcoming Resident Evil REmake or Resident Evil HD Remaster (or whatever you want to call it) is a remake of the GameCube…hence, it’s a remake of a remake. At this point, I think you have to hold up your hand and say, “whoa.” Maybe that’s enough. Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, The Last Of Us: Remastered, and the myriad of collections out there? Sure, fine. I can get behind that.
But as much as I enjoy my survival/horror, and as much respect as I have for the original Resident Evil, this is the kind of project that concerns me. It’s a slippery slope, you know? What’s stopping publishers from pursuing remakes of remakes now? Of course, it isn’t a trend at the moment, but these things have a way of snowballing. What’s next? In a couple years, we’ll see a remake of The Last Of Us: Remastered? And what the heck do we call it? “The Last Of Us: Double Remastered”?
But hey, it’s probably a better idea than Resident Evil 7 right now
I didn’t think Resident Evil 6 was all that bad, but it was a polarizing title in the franchise. There are some veteran followers of the legendary series that really hated it, mostly because it was more of an action game than a true survival/horror production. Being a lifelong Final Fantasy fan and seeing how Square Enix has let “faster and dumber” hinder a once-great role-playing series, I understand the reaction. And let’s not forget that RE has been slipping for a while; Operation Raccoon City was downright atrocious.
Therefore, it might make more sense to remake a remake. The original is in fact a revolutionary title for the industry, and just about everyone has fond memories of it. In order for the franchise to return to its survival/horror roots, this might be the only option. Chances are, you’ll just see more action in RE7 because that’s what the masses want, and Capcom has to produce a mainstream title if they want to make enough money.
So, maybe we shouldn’t complain. Even so, the precedent a “remake of a remake” sets is just a little disconcerting.
Published: Aug 5, 2014 12:56 pm