The Resident Evil series began building its strong reputation on the PlayStation as a quality horror franchise that left players tenser than most games before it. However, it wasn't until Resident Evil 4 released on the GameCube that the series truly exploded and hit the mainstream. Its new third-person perspective seemed to grant the game a much broader appeal, which carried forward into its sequels. It wasn't until Resident Evil 7 that the series changed perspective again, transitioning to first-person, and Resident Evil Village is following in its footsteps. But is a first-person RE8 truly the best move for the franchise?
In the original games. like Resident Evil 2, the player had absolutely no control over the camera. Instead, it would shift to different shots as players moved through hallways and rooms. It's comparable to watching someone run from room to room through security cameras at different angles. It was an interesting design decision that gave developers total control of what players could see at all times, but it was a dated system that ultimately got changed when the series made its transition to later consoles.
Released to many accolades, RE4 was influential for all kinds of games that followed. With players in control of the camera at all times, the developers altered level and enemy design to accommodate. Resident Evil 4 is more action-intensive than any of its predecessors, and that's because combat is naturally easier to engage in when the camera can be changed at any instant. This new perspective was then used in other entries in the series, but Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil 8 have transitioned to first-person.
Regardless of which camera is more popular among Resident Evil fans, there's an argument to be made in support of both. The third-person perspective follows closely behind the protagonist, which allows for a broader view of their peripheral vision. This can make it easier to gauge where the player is relative to enemies and to see more enemies at once. This is the main reason Resident Evil 4's camera angle caused the series to become more action-focused, and it's also a fantastic fit for Resident Evil's beloved Mercenaries mode. While third-person is great for expanding the possibilities of combat encounters, the first-person perspective excels at creating a more immersive experience.
Seeing through the eyes of Resident Evil 8's protagonist could really helps sell the terror of the abominations before the player, as it makes them seem more real. The way cutscenes and jump scares play out in first-person is enough to raise the hairs on even the coldest gamers' necks, which really adds to the experience. Of course, the utility of a third-person perspective is lost here, which is likely why Resident Evil 7 ended up being far more survival horror than action.
Both of these perspectives have their perks, but the third-person perspective arguably takes the cake. The Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes both proved a third-person perspective can still be just as chilling and intense as a first-person perspective could, while still being able to more comfortably support large numbers of enemies. Also, since the series is rather character-driven, and first-person hides the faces of Resident Evil protagonists, the perspective can have a negative impact on the player's experience of the story and cast. Still, Resident Evil Village looks promising, so fans will have to see how its chosen camera perspective affects its reception.
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