Why Did Chris Redfield’s Face Change in Resident Evil 7? A Deep Dive
The burning question on every Resident Evil fan’s mind upon seeing Chris Redfield in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard wasn’t just about the spooky Baker family. It was: “What happened to Chris’s face?” The answer, in short, is that Capcom adopted new photo-scan technology for character creation, aiming for a more realistic representation. Game director Koshi Nakanishi confirmed that this technological shift was the primary driver behind Chris’s revamped look. They wanted Chris to look like a real person, and that meant departing from the more idealized, video game-esque aesthetic of previous installments.
The Evolution of Chris Redfield: From S.T.A.R.S. Rookie to Resi 7’s Enigma
Chris Redfield has been a cornerstone of the Resident Evil franchise since its inception. His initial appearance, a clean-cut, relatively slender hero, evolved over the years, culminating in the bulked-up, action-movie physique seen in Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6. These changes, while noticeable, were largely attributed to updates in character design and graphical capabilities. However, the shift in Resident Evil 7 felt more dramatic, sparking widespread debate and speculation within the fan community. The older Chris was more buff like a bodybuilder, but Resident Evil 7 Chris was skinny.
Photo-Scanning Technology: A Double-Edged Sword
The decision to use photo-scanning technology offered several advantages. It promised a higher level of realism, potentially creating more believable and relatable characters. However, it also presented challenges. Finding an actor who perfectly matched the established image of Chris Redfield from Resident Evil 5/6 proved difficult. Consequently, Capcom opted to redesign the character based on how Chris might look in real life, given his background and experiences. While some fans appreciated the more grounded approach, others felt it strayed too far from the established character design.
The Redfield Paradox: Consistency vs. Realism
The core of the controversy lies in the tension between maintaining consistency in character design across installments and striving for increased realism. Resident Evil, like many long-running franchises, has a dedicated fanbase with strong expectations regarding the appearance of iconic characters. Drastic changes, even if motivated by technological advancements, can be met with resistance. Resident Evil Village seemed to acknowledge this sentiment, as Chris’s appearance shifted back towards the bulkier physique reminiscent of Resident Evil 6, suggesting Capcom listened to fan feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chris Redfield’s Appearance
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning Chris Redfield and how his appearance has changed throughout the Resident Evil franchise:
1. Why did Chris look so different in RE7?
The primary reason for Chris’s altered appearance in Resident Evil 7 was Capcom’s adoption of photo-scanning technology. They aimed for a more realistic portrayal, diverging from the stylized designs of previous games.
2. Was the new Chris Redfield design permanent?
No. In Resident Evil Village, Chris’s design shifted back towards a bulkier, more familiar appearance, suggesting that Capcom addressed the fan feedback regarding the Resident Evil 7 redesign.
3. How old is Chris Redfield in Resident Evil 7 and Village?
Chris Redfield was born in 1973. Therefore, he would have been approximately 48 years old in both Resident Evil 7 (set in 2017) and Resident Evil Village (set shortly after RE7).
4. Why was Chris so muscular in Resident Evil 5 and 6?
Chris’s increased muscle mass in Resident Evil 5 was intentionally designed to reflect his intense training in preparation for his confrontation with Albert Wesker. It symbolized his physical dedication to overcoming a formidable foe.
5. Who is the face model for Leon Kennedy in the games?
While the article mentions Jamisin Matthews as the face model for Leon in the computer-animated film, his connection to the video game is to portray Leon in the “Heroes” mode.
6. Is Chris Redfield a villain in Resident Evil Village?
While the story initially presents Chris in a questionable light, his actions are ultimately revealed to be driven by a desire to protect others from a new bioweapon threat. He is not a villain.
7. What caused Chris to be depressed in Resident Evil 6?
The loss of his team on a mission deeply affected Chris, leading to depression and self-destructive behavior. He withdrew from others and struggled to cope with the trauma.
8. Are Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine married?
While the article mentions Jill Valentine as Jill Redfield, this is not canon. Chris and Jill share a close, platonic relationship, but they are not romantically involved or married.
9. Why wasn’t Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 7?
According to Leon Kennedy’s voice actor in Resident Evil 6, Capcom was “scaling back” the use of regular characters.
10. Is Resident Evil 7 the scariest Resident Evil game?
Based on the article’s statement, Resident Evil 7 is the scariest Resident Evil game.
11. Will Chris Redfield appear in Resident Evil 9?
The article mentions that Chris Redfield teams up with Leon Kennedy in a film that takes place between Resident Evil 6 and 7.
12. What are some of the differences between Chris and Jill in Resident Evil?
Chris is faster and has more health. However, Jill has more pocket space and better weapon variety.
13. What kind of person is Chris Redfield?
Chris Redfield is a typical “tough guy” commonly found in action movies: spiked hair, muscular build, and likes combat knives.
14. Did Chris Redfield lose his memory?
After foiling the plans of his arch-enemy Wesker, Chris loses his memory during another operation.
15. Why is Claire Redfield’s role in Resident Evil 9?
In this film, which takes place between the events of Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil 7, Claire teams up with Chris.
The Future of Chris Redfield: Evolution or Regression?
The fluctuating appearance of Chris Redfield highlights the challenges of maintaining character consistency in a long-running franchise. While the initial redesign in Resident Evil 7 aimed for realism through photo-scanning technology, the subsequent adjustments in Resident Evil Village suggest a willingness to compromise and cater to fan expectations. Ultimately, the future of Chris Redfield’s visual representation will likely depend on Capcom’s ongoing balancing act between technological innovation and honoring the established legacy of this iconic character. For more insights on the intersection of video games and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.