Will There Be a Resident Evil 5 Remake? Exploring the Possibilities and What to Expect

The question of a Resident Evil 5 remake is a hot topic among fans of the long-running horror franchise. While there’s no official announcement from Capcom yet, the evidence and speculation suggest that a reimagining of this iconic entry is highly probable. The success of the recent Resident Evil 4 remake has only fueled these expectations, making it almost inevitable that Capcom will continue to revisit their mainline titles. Here’s what we know, what we can anticipate, and what the remake might entail.

Why a Resident Evil 5 Remake Makes Sense

Capcom’s recent strategy of remaking classic Resident Evil titles has proven to be incredibly successful, both critically and commercially. Following the critically acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, the reimagining of Resident Evil 4 was another massive hit, further solidifying the value of revisiting these beloved titles with modern technology and gameplay mechanics. With the trend firmly established, it’s only logical that Resident Evil 5 would be next in line.

The original Resident Evil 5, released in 2009, was a pivotal entry for the series. It introduced a co-op gameplay focus and shifted the setting to a new continent – Africa, a move that was both innovative and controversial at the time. While it remains a significant game in the franchise, its somewhat clunky controls and dated visuals make it a prime candidate for a complete overhaul.

A remake would allow Capcom to refine the gameplay mechanics, enhance the graphics, and perhaps even address some of the criticisms the original game faced. Furthermore, a RE5 remake could explore the game’s lore and storytelling aspects in a deeper way, providing additional insights into characters like Chris Redfield, Sheva Alomar, and Albert Wesker.

Potential Changes and Improvements

If a Resident Evil 5 remake does materialize, we can expect a host of changes and improvements similar to what was seen in the RE2, RE3, and RE4 remakes. These might include:

• Enhanced Visuals: Using the RE Engine, a remake would undoubtedly feature stunning, photorealistic graphics that would bring the African setting to life like never before.
• Modernized Controls: The stiff controls of the original would be replaced with smoother, more intuitive controls, making the action feel more fluid and responsive.
• Gameplay Refinements: The remake would likely expand upon the core gameplay loop, introducing new mechanics, puzzles, and enemy types, while retaining the intense action elements of the original.
• Story Expansions: While preserving the original’s story, Capcom might introduce new subplots and character interactions to deepen the narrative and further flesh out the game’s lore.
• Revamped Co-op Experience: The co-op mode, central to Resident Evil 5, would be significantly improved. It may incorporate features such as more seamless partner integration and varied co-op combat tactics.
• Reworked Boss Battles: Expect to face familiar foes but with newly designed attack patterns and increased difficulty that demands more strategic gameplay.

When Can We Expect an Announcement?

While Capcom has remained tight-lipped about the Resident Evil 5 remake, the company’s appearance at the Tokyo Game Show 2023 fueled speculation. However, no concrete announcement came out of it. The development cycle for each remake seems to take 2-3 years, so given the time since Resident Evil 4 remake’s release, we might hear something official in the next year or two.

Given the history of Capcom’s remakes and the high demand from fans, it seems increasingly likely that a Resident Evil 5 remake is not a matter of “if,” but “when”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the potential Resident Evil 5 remake, to further delve into the possibilities:

Is Resident Evil 5 the Hardest?

While Resident Evil 5 has its challenging moments, it is generally not considered the hardest game in the series. The original game’s “Pro” mode, with one-hit kill mechanics, was difficult but not strategically challenging. Most fans place entries like Resident Evil: Code Veronica and Resident Evil 2 as more difficult. The remake could adjust difficulty to provide a greater challenge.

What Happened to Sheva After RE5?

After the events of Resident Evil 5, Sheva was offered a new life in America. She quickly mastered English, enrolled in university, and eventually joined the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA). Sheva is a key player and was essential in stopping Wesker.

Will Resident Evil Bring Back Sheva?

Sheva has not been featured in subsequent mainline installments. She appeared as a playable character in Dead by Daylight, but many fans hope to see her return in a more significant way, potentially in a RE5 remake or a future game.

Why is Chris so Jacked in RE5?

Chris Redfield’s significantly increased muscle mass in Resident Evil 5 was a visual representation of his intense training to physically match Albert Wesker. It emphasized the physical nature of their confrontation.

Is Sheva in Resident Evil 6?

Sheva does not have a playable role in Resident Evil 6, though she does contact Piers Nivans with concerns about Chris, demonstrating her continued involvement with BSAA.

Do I Need to Play RE1 Before RE5?

While it’s not necessary to play the games in chronological order to understand Resident Evil 5, playing earlier entries (such as the original RE1, RE2 and RE3) will give you a better understanding of character backgrounds and the overarching story. However, the game itself is designed to be relatively newcomer-friendly.

Will There Be a Resident Evil 9?

Resident Evil 9 is strongly anticipated, with many predicting a 2025 release based on Capcom’s established release pattern. The success of the franchise indicates Capcom will continue with more mainline titles.

What is the Highest Selling Resident Evil Game?

The Resident Evil 2 remake currently holds the title of the best-selling game in the franchise, surpassing even the sales of Resident Evil 7.

Why is Jill so Strong in RE5?

Jill Valentine’s enhanced abilities in Resident Evil 5 are due to the T-Virus’s influence and the unique ‘immunity’ created in her body. She is then later turned into a superhuman agent under Wesker’s control.

Why is Chris Depressed in RE6?

Chris’s depression in Resident Evil 6 stems from the loss of his team and his inability to cope with the trauma. He withdraws himself from society instead of seeking help.

Why Does Chris Look So Weird in RE7?

Chris’s appearance changes in Resident Evil 7 were meant to align with the realistic aesthetic of the game and to show that this is a different kind of Chris, who has aged a bit since prior titles, where he was bulkier in his appearance. This has been considered as a visual update more so than a drastic character shift.

Is Sheva in RE8?

Sheva does not appear in Resident Evil Village (RE8). Her last major appearance was in Resident Evil 5, though she is available as a character in the 2022 video game Dead by Daylight.

Is Sheva in RE4?

Sheva’s first and only appearance in the main series is in Resident Evil 5. She is not present in any form within Resident Evil 4 (or its remake).

Was Leon in RE8?

Leon Kennedy is not present in Resident Evil 8. He is notably absent from other mainline titles such as the first game, RE5 and RE7, but he is featured in other main entries of the series, like RE2, RE4, and RE6.

Why Does Leon Look Different in RE4?

Leon’s changed appearance in Resident Evil 4 was a deliberate decision by Capcom to visually represent the changes that occurred to him between RE2 and RE4. His changed look represents a hardened and more mature character.

The Future of Resident Evil

The continued success of the Resident Evil remakes makes it clear that Capcom sees a bright future in revisiting and re-imagining the past. While the Resident Evil 5 remake is yet to be officially announced, all signs suggest that it is highly likely to become a reality. When it does, fans can look forward to a significant update to one of the series’ most memorable, if also controversial, entries. This remake will not just be a visual upgrade, but a comprehensive reimagining that could redefine this chapter in the horror franchise for a new generation of players. The wait will be a long one, but given Capcom’s commitment to quality, the end result could be yet another critical and commercial triumph for this legendary franchise.