Are Resident Evil 5 and 6 Bad Games? A Deep Dive
The question of whether Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 are “bad” games is surprisingly complex and hotly debated within the Resident Evil community. The short answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for in a Resident Evil game. They represent a distinct departure from the survival horror roots of the series, leaning heavily into action and co-op gameplay, which alienated some long-time fans while attracting a new audience.
The Great Divide: Action vs. Horror
The core of the controversy surrounding Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 stems from their significant shift in genre. The earlier entries, like Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3, emphasized resource management, puzzle-solving, and a palpable sense of vulnerability against overwhelming odds. These elements defined the survival horror experience.
Resident Evil 4 began the transition towards action, but it cleverly retained horror elements through its atmosphere, enemy design (particularly the Ganados), and the constant feeling of being hunted. However, Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 ramped up the action to an unprecedented level, prioritizing gunplay, explosions, and elaborate set pieces over creeping dread.
Resident Evil 5: Sunny Skies and Heavy Firepower
Resident Evil 5 took place in a bright, sunny African setting, a stark contrast to the dark and claustrophobic environments of previous games. While visually impressive, this choice immediately diminished the sense of fear and isolation crucial to the survival horror genre. The introduction of cooperative gameplay with Sheva Alomar, while innovative, further shifted the focus away from individual vulnerability.
The game also featured a heavy emphasis on gunplay, with readily available ammunition and powerful weapons. While the Majini were menacing, they were often encountered in large numbers, encouraging players to mow them down rather than carefully conserving resources.
Resident Evil 6: Three Campaigns, One Epic Mess?
Resident Evil 6 doubled down on the action, featuring three distinct campaigns (Leon Kennedy/Helena Harper, Chris Redfield/Piers Nivans, and Jake Muller/Sherry Birkin), each with its own narrative and gameplay style. While this offered a variety of experiences, it also resulted in a fragmented and often convoluted storyline.
The game introduced even more elaborate set pieces and quick-time events, some of which felt jarring and out of place. The emphasis on spectacle often overshadowed the narrative and character development. The co-op gameplay was retained, but the design felt more like a generic action game than a Resident Evil title.
Arguments in Favor: Action Done Right?
Despite the criticisms, Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 do have their defenders. Some argue that they are excellent action games in their own right, with tight controls, satisfying gunplay, and visually stunning graphics (for their time).
The co-op gameplay in Resident Evil 5 can be incredibly fun and engaging, especially when playing with a friend. The game also features a compelling story that explores the origins of the T-virus and the Umbrella Corporation.
Resident Evil 6, with its three distinct campaigns, offers a significant amount of content and replayability. The different gameplay styles cater to a wider range of players, with some campaigns leaning more towards horror than others.
The Legacy: Influencing the Future
Regardless of one’s opinion on Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6, it’s undeniable that they had a significant impact on the Resident Evil franchise. They demonstrated the potential for the series to appeal to a broader audience while also highlighting the risks of straying too far from its survival horror roots.
The subsequent Resident Evil games, such as Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village, attempted to strike a balance between action and horror, incorporating elements from both the classic and modern eras of the series. These games proved that it was possible to evolve the Resident Evil formula while still retaining its core identity.
Ultimately, whether you consider Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 to be “bad” games is a matter of personal preference. If you’re a fan of action games with co-op gameplay, you might find them to be enjoyable experiences. However, if you’re looking for a traditional survival horror experience, you’re likely to be disappointed. The most important thing is to approach them with an open mind and decide for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main criticisms of Resident Evil 5?
The main criticisms include the daytime setting diminishing the horror atmosphere, the over-reliance on action, the co-op mechanic reducing the sense of isolation, and accusations of racial undertones in its depiction of Africa and its inhabitants.
2. What are the main criticisms of Resident Evil 6?
The main criticisms include its fragmented storyline, the overabundance of action and quick-time events, the generic level design, and the deviation from the series’ survival horror roots. Many felt it prioritized spectacle over substance.
3. What are the strengths of Resident Evil 5?
The strengths include its tight controls, satisfying gunplay, impressive graphics (for its time), and the fun and engaging co-op gameplay. The story also offers compelling insights into the Resident Evil universe.
4. What are the strengths of Resident Evil 6?
The strengths include the sheer amount of content, the variety of gameplay styles across its three campaigns, and the potential for replayability. Some campaigns offer more horror elements than others.
5. Is Resident Evil 5 scary?
Compared to earlier Resident Evil games, Resident Evil 5 is not very scary. The daytime setting, abundance of ammunition, and co-op gameplay all contribute to a less terrifying experience.
6. Is Resident Evil 6 scary?
Resident Evil 6 is generally not considered scary due to its focus on action, elaborate set pieces, and predictable jump scares. Some sections within the Leon Kennedy campaign might offer mild horror elements, but overall, it lacks the genuine dread of earlier titles.
7. Which is better, Resident Evil 5 or Resident Evil 6?
This is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some prefer Resident Evil 5 for its tighter focus on action and co-op, while others appreciate Resident Evil 6’s variety and sheer amount of content. However, Resident Evil 5 is generally considered to be a more polished and consistent experience.
8. Did Resident Evil 5 and 6 sell well?
Yes, both Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 were commercially successful. They were among the best-selling games in the franchise, demonstrating their appeal to a wider audience.
9. Why did Resident Evil change its gameplay style?
Capcom aimed to broaden the appeal of the Resident Evil franchise to a larger audience by incorporating more action elements and modern gameplay mechanics. This was driven by a desire for increased sales and market share.
10. Are Resident Evil 5 and 6 canon?
Yes, both Resident Evil 5 and 6 are considered canon within the Resident Evil universe. Their events and characters contribute to the overall narrative of the series.
11. What characters appear in both Resident Evil 5 and 6?
Chris Redfield appears as a central character in both games. Albert Wesker is a major antagonist in Resident Evil 5, while Ada Wong plays a role in Resident Evil 6.
12. How does Resident Evil 5 and 6 fit into the overall Resident Evil timeline?
Resident Evil 5 takes place after the events of Resident Evil 4, focusing on Chris Redfield’s pursuit of Albert Wesker and the origins of the T-virus. Resident Evil 6 takes place several years later, featuring a global outbreak and multiple interconnected storylines.
13. Are the Resident Evil 5 and 6 remakes possible?
Given Capcom’s success with the remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3 and 4, remakes of Resident Evil 5 and 6 are highly possible, although their execution may need to tread a fine line between staying true to the original and incorporating more horror elements to satisfy long-time fans.
14. Should I play Resident Evil 5 and 6 before Resident Evil 7?
It’s not essential to play Resident Evil 5 and 6 before Resident Evil 7. Resident Evil 7 introduces a new protagonist and a largely self-contained story. However, understanding the broader Resident Evil lore can enhance the experience.
15. What is the legacy of Resident Evil 5 and 6 in the franchise?
Resident Evil 5 and 6 demonstrated the potential for the series to reach a wider audience while also highlighting the importance of retaining its survival horror roots. They paved the way for future games to strike a balance between action and horror, ultimately influencing the direction of the franchise.