These 5 Resident Evil Games Deserve To Be Remakes Next

After the smash success of Resident Evil Requiem, there’s little doubt that Resident Evil 10 is on the horizon. First, however, Capcom will likely unleash another remake or two. Luckily, the series has an unusually strong record when it comes to remakes, leaving little doubt that fans will enjoy whatever comes next.

Leaks and rumors have already suggested a couple of Resident Evil remakes in the pipeline, both of which could be good titles to revisit. Additionally, there are a few other games that could benefit from fresh visits. While any older game with the Resident Evil name attached could theoretically get a remake at some point, there’s a limited selection that feel like real, worthy candidates.

Resident Evil

We’ve Had One, Yes

I’m not personally a huge advocate for another Resident Evil remake, but I can acknowledge that it’s deserving of another day in the sun. Resident Evil was great from the get-go, and the original version of the game remains my favorite of the PS1 titles today. Its GameCube remake, however, set the bar even higher, retaining everything that was great about the first go at the concept while adding plenty of great ideas of its own.

With an iconic remake already in place, it’s no surprise that Capcom hit modern remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 first. Now that those are out of the way, though, I wouldn’t be terribly surprised to see Resident Evil step up to the plate once more.

While the GameCube remake is available on modern platforms, it doesn’t have much else in common with other Resident Evil remakes. Sticking to the classic fixed-angle camera, Resident Evil is a lot more interested in progression puzzles and ominous vibes than moment-to-moment action.

A modern Resident Evil remake could implement the mechanics standardized in other remakes and the Ethan Winters games, offering a totally different way to explore the Baker mansion. It might not end up being a better experience overall, but long-time fans could appreciate a fresh way to revisit the place where it all started nonetheless.

Resident Evil 5

This One’s Complicated

Resident Evil 5 is a tricky game to remake, and it’s not surprising that Capcom seems to be diverting to some spin-off remakes before tackling the next numbered game. The game’s approach to its African setting has been subject to plenty of criticism, and attempting to bring that story to life today might require some tweaks to the virus’s strange association with tribal stereotypes.

Resident Evil 5 also represents the point where the franchise started to jump the shark, upping the action to bigger and more ridiculous heights than ever before. Even Resident Evil 4 is grounded by comparison, and the franchise’s return to more intimate roots with Resident Evil 7 could make Resident Evil 5 feel out of place today.

With a thoughtful approach, however, it would certainly be possible to make a great new version of Resident Evil 5. The original game has a lot going for it, with fun co-op levels that embrace verticality and dynamic zombie hordes. Thanks to plenty of memorable characters and set pieces, Resident Evil 5 manages to avoid the monotony that dragged Resident Evil 6 down a few years later.

It’s also the biggest star showcase for Chris Redfield, who has maintained an important supporting role in more recent games. Even if it needs a substantial overhaul, a good Resident Evil 5 remake could make it feel like an essential part of the modern continuity.

Resident Evil Outbreak

Requiem Sets This Up Perfectly

Resident Evil Outbreak doesn’t feel like an essential title in the same way as Resident Evil 1 and 5, but it would actually be one of the most logical candidates for a remake. After Resident Evil Requiem‘s return to Raccoon City, the story of the original zombie outbreak feels more relevant than ever.

Instead of following a crack team of S.T.A.R.S. agents, Resident Evil Outbreak focuses on a comparatively normal group of people, offering a close-to-the-ground look at the horrors that went down in Raccoon City. This would tie in nicely with the narrative emphasis on Leon struggling with his failure to save everyone, and it’s not hard to imagine Capcom successfully supercharging the emotional component of Outbreak.

Perhaps the biggest argument for a Resident Evil Outbreak remake is the central involvement of Alyssa Ashcroft. Plenty of players encountered Alyssa for the first time and Resident Evil Requiem, and after her significant role there, interest in seeing her original story is likely at an all-time high.

While the reception of Resident Evil Outbreak was never as strong as most of the mainline games, it has the bones for a great modern remake. Fleshing out the scenarios and improving the online features could give Capcom a live-service hit without pivoting the franchise in the wrong direction.

Resident Evil 0

Already In The Works

Whether you’re interested in a Resident Evil 0 remake or not, we seem to be getting one. Persistent rumors and leaks have pointed to a remake of Resident Evil 0 being in the works, taking the series back to the only numbered game that’s never quite felt like it belongs in the big leagues.

It’s no surprise that Capcom is interested in revisiting Resident Evil 0. True to its name, the game dives into the origins of the viral outbreak, offering more context about Umbrella’s presence in Raccoon City. Its ideas actually emerged not long after the series was first conceived, as development started as a Nintendo 64 game before ultimately shifting to the GameCube before release.

Resident Evil 0 received strong reviews upon release, but it’s generally less beloved than most of the mainline games today. A remake would provide the opportunity to refine some of its gameplay mechanics, as certain elements, like Resident Evil 0‘s item storage system, have always been divisive. The AI used for the secondary character when they’re not in play could also use an update.

By now, the most pointed criticism of Resident Evil 0 tends to focus on the lack of changes or improvements in re-releases of the game, setting the stage perfectly for a full-blown remake to bring it to new heights.

Resident Evil – Code Veronica

Just Around The Corner

Before we get to the Resident Evil 0 remake, however, a Code: Veronica remake is apparently in-store. Leaks suggest that this will be the next Resident Evil game to release, and it makes perfect sense as the next step for the series.

Despite the lack of a numbered place in the series, Code: Veronica is often counted among the mainline titles, acting as a direct sequel to the events of Resident Evil 2. Rather than sticking around in Raccoon City, Code: Veronica follows the adventures of Claire and Chris Redfield in Antarctica. Unlike all the numbered games, Code: Veronica has been left in the past, without any modern re-releases or remasters to improve accessibility.

A remake of Code Veronica could tweak its punishing difficulty, which can be one of the biggest turn-offs for newcomers. It could also be a great way for newer players to get a more in-depth look at Albert Wesker, whose shadow continues to loom over the series as a whole. There’s no shortage of interesting remake opportunities for Resident Evil to explore, but the decision to hit Resident Evil – Code: Veronica before anything else might be the best one that Capcom could make.