Why Did Chris Look So Different in Resident Evil 7?
Chris Redfield’s drastic visual overhaul in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard sparked widespread debate and confusion among longtime fans of the series. The short answer: he was actually a character impersonating Chris Redfield, an operative named Hunk under direct order from Umbrella Corporation, sent to retrieve Eveline and Mia Winters once the bio-weapon was discovered.
The Controversy Unveiled: Unmasking the Truth Behind Chris’s New Face
The initial reveal of the character at the end of Resident Evil 7 was a shocking moment. He identified himself as Chris Redfield, but his facial features were strikingly different from his previous appearances, particularly in Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6. This led to several theories, ranging from new character model changes to body doubles. To understand the change, we need to delve into the production background and the narrative choices behind it.
Production Factors
Game development is a constantly evolving process, and character models undergo significant revisions throughout development.
- Motion Capture Technology: Modern games rely heavily on motion capture, which involves recording the movements and facial expressions of real-life actors. Different actors can result in differences in face shape and body language. This is what happened. In older Resident Evil games, character models were often built from scratch using reference images, allowing for greater artistic freedom.
- Game Engine Differences: Each game engine renders character models in its way. Resident Evil 7 used the RE Engine, which produced visually stunning results but required a different approach to character design than previous engines.
- Artistic Direction: Ultimately, the developers have the final say on a character’s appearance. They might intentionally alter a character’s look to fit the game’s tone or to align with a specific artistic vision. However, the change in Chris’s appearance was deliberate.
The Narrative Explanation: Unveiling the Imposter
The “Chris” in Resident Evil 7 was not the true Chris Redfield. This point is critical for comprehending the drastic appearance change.
- Umbrella Corps: When players first see Chris in RE7, he clearly had no prior knowledge of Ethan Winters and Mia Winters. Moreover, he spoke about extracting Eveline. Umbrella Core hired Hunk to complete the assignment of retrieving the bio-weapon. The changes were made to emphasize the importance of Umbrella Corps.
- Bio-weapon Recovery: Throughout the Resident Evil franchise, Eveline is mentioned to be an S-ranked bio-weapon with the potential to destroy and harm millions of people. To prevent her release, Umbrella Corps hired Hunk to extract her to be contained.
- Story Connection: The story links Eveline and Mia Winters together. The extraction included both women and Eveline to secure and minimize any damage she may cause in the future.
How It Was Resolved
Chris Redfield was later shown to be the true Chris Redfield in the Not a Hero DLC, which showed more resemblance to the character fans remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Was the change in Chris’s appearance due to a simple character model update? A: No, the drastic change was primarily due to production factors and narrative choices. The true Chris Redfield was an imposter.
Q2: Did Capcom ever acknowledge the controversy surrounding Chris’s appearance? A: Yes, Capcom acknowledged the fan feedback.
Q3: Was the motion capture actor for Chris different in Resident Evil 7 compared to previous games? A: Yes, the motion capture actor was different, contributing to the changed appearance. This was later clarified through story elements and the Not a Hero DLC.
Q4: How does the RE Engine impact character design in Resident Evil games? A: The RE Engine allows for highly detailed and realistic character models, but it can also necessitate a different approach to character design than previous engines.
Q5: Is Chris’s appearance in Resident Evil Village consistent with his appearance in Resident Evil 7? A: Chris’s appearance in Resident Evil Village is more aligned with his appearance in the Not a Hero DLC, closer to the familiar Chris Redfield.
Q6: Will future Resident Evil games continue to use the new Chris Redfield design? A: It is likely that future games will maintain the more consistent design introduced in the Not a Hero DLC and Resident Evil Village.
Q7: Were there any behind-the-scenes problems that led to the change in Chris’s appearance? A: No specific behind-the-scenes problems have been publicly cited, but it’s common for game development to involve iterative design choices.
Q8: How did fans react to the altered appearance of Chris Redfield? A: The fan reaction was initially mixed, with some expressing confusion and disappointment, while others accepted the change as a natural evolution of the character.
Q9: Did Capcom explain the change in Chris’s appearance within the game’s story? A: The Not a Hero DLC provides the most direct explanation.
Q10: Was the change in appearance a hint towards a larger plot point in Resident Evil 7? A: It certainly contributed to the intrigue and mystery surrounding the game’s narrative.
Q11: Does the altered Chris appearance tie into any larger Umbrella Corporation conspiracy? A: Given Umbrella’s revival, Hunk’s presence in RE7 does tie into a larger conspiracy involving the corporation’s renewed interest in bio-weapons.
Q12: How much time passed between the events of Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil 7 that would affect Chris’s appearance? A: Several years passed between the events of Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil 7, which could account for some natural changes due to aging and stress.
Q13: If Chris’s appearance was due to a change in motion capture actors, why not just find one who looks similar to the previous actor? A: Game development involves many factors, and finding an actor who matches the previous actor in appearance, performance, and availability can be challenging.
Q14: Did the redesign of Chris Redfield influence the redesigns of other characters in Resident Evil Village? A: The success of the RE Engine and the visual style established in Resident Evil 7 likely influenced character designs in Resident Evil Village, aiming for a more realistic and detailed look.
Q15: Will there be any further retcons or explanations regarding Chris’s appearance in future Resident Evil games? A: While it is unlikely, Capcom could always choose to revisit the topic in future games.