Why did Resident Evil 6 get so much hate?

Resident Evil 6 received significant criticism and hate from fans and critics alike due to its shift towards a more action-oriented gameplay style, which deviated from the survival horror roots of the series, and its attempt to please a wider audience by incorporating multiple storylines and gameplay mechanics that didn’t quite mesh together seamlessly. The game’s bombastic and Hollywood-esque approach, along with its lengthy campaign and lack of horror elements, were major factors that contributed to the backlash it received from the Resident Evil fanbase.

Understanding the Criticisms

The criticisms surrounding Resident Evil 6 were multifaceted, ranging from its gameplay mechanics to its narrative approach. By trying to cater to a broader audience, Capcom, the developer, ended up alienating some of the series’ core fans who were looking for a survival horror experience similar to the earlier games in the series.

Key Criticisms

• Shift in Genre: The most significant criticism was the shift from survival horror to a more action-adventure genre, which changed the gameplay dynamics and pacing that fans were accustomed to.
• Lack of Horror Elements: The game’s failure to deliver scary or thrilling moments, which are staples of the Resident Evil series, was a major disappointment for fans.
• Lengthy and Disjointed Campaign: The campaign, while long, felt disjointed due to the multiple storylines that didn’t always blend well together, making the overall narrative feel confusing and overwhelming.

FAQs

1. Was Resident Evil 6 a commercial failure? No, despite the negative reviews, Resident Evil 6 was not a commercial failure, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.

2. What made Resident Evil 6 different from its predecessors? Resident Evil 6 was more action-oriented and had a greater emphasis on cooperative play, differing significantly from the more survival horror-focused gameplay of earlier titles.

3. Is Resident Evil 6 connected to Resident Evil 7? Yes, Resident Evil 7 takes place after the events of Resident Evil 6, although it is designed to be standalone and accessible to new players.

4. How long is the campaign in Resident Evil 6? The campaign in Resident Evil 6 is approximately 21 hours long, making it one of the longest in the series.

5. Why did Capcom change the direction of Resident Evil 6? Capcom aimed to appeal to a wider audience by incorporating more action elements, hoping to attract fans of action games alongside traditional survival horror fans.

6. Is Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 7? No, Leon Kennedy is not a playable character in Resident Evil 7, which instead introduces Ethan Winters as the main protagonist.

7. How old is Leon in Resident Evil 6? Leon Kennedy is 36 years old in Resident Evil 6.

8. What happened to Leon and Claire after Resident Evil 6? After Resident Evil 6, Leon and Sherry are rescued, while Claire continues her search for Chris, as shown in the game’s epilogue.

9. Why is Chris Redfield depressed in Resident Evil 6? Chris becomes depressed after losing his team in a mission and descends into alcoholism, feeling guilty and responsible for the loss.

10. Which Resident Evil game is not scary? Resident Evil 6 is often cited as not being scary, with some segments failing to deliver thrilling or horror elements.

11. Who is the most evil character in Resident Evil? Albert Wesker is often considered the most evil character in the Resident Evil series, appearing in various games and being a central antagonist.

12. Why is Resident Evil 7 different from Resident Evil 6? Resident Evil 7 diverges from Resident Evil 6 by returning to the series’ survival horror roots and introducing a first-person perspective.

13. Will Leon appear in future Resident Evil games? Yes, Leon Kennedy is expected to appear in future games, including the 2023 CG animated film Resident Evil: Death Island.

14. Is Leon immune to the T-Virus? No, Leon is not immune to the T-Virus; he has simply not been infected in the games’ storyline.

15. Will there be a Resident Evil 9? Given the success of Resident Evil: Village, it’s likely that Capcom will develop Resident Evil 9, potentially releasing it in 2025 based on the series’ release patterns.