Code Veronica Deserves A Remake
Resident Evil fans have been sleuthing and speculating across the internet over the past month after a retail leak hinted toward the future release of several new Resident Evil titles, including Resident Evil 9 and Remakes of Resident Evil 5, Zero, and Code: Veronica. The leak has been met with positivity and excitement, though it speaks to a stagnation in Capcom's strategy for the series. While Resident Evil 9 looks promising, especially given the success of Village, the details and priorities regarding remakes are unclear.
Recently leaked details regarding a newly titled Resident Evil 5, including language reflecting large changes for Resident Evil 5. However, the listing for Code: Veronica bore no such specificity and was rather ambiguous. Given these facts, Capcom may plan to put forth a Resident Evil 5 Remake ahead of a new project centered on Code: Veronica.
Capcom Would Benefit From Updating The Title
The leak came via a listing from PlayAsia and stated that Resident Evil 5 would have "new technology developed specifically for the game," with no such language for Code: Veronica. Code: Veronica has been divisive since its release in 2000, with critics citing the mechanics, narrative, and boss battles as key failures. Still, the game has many fans, and a full remake would most likely see a financial return. Despite this, evidence points to this Resident Evil 5 project being a larger priority. This may be a mistake as a fully remade Code: Veronica would be a better choice due to series significance, timing, and industry advancements.
For veterans of the Resident Evil Series, Code: Veronica represents a clear shift in the series' tone and focus. The previous three titles all revolved around the Racoon City saga, whereas Code: Veronica starts the globe-hopping adventures fans have enjoyed over the past two decades. Also, the game is a narrative link between Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 5. Without the context provided by Code: Veronica, superhuman Wesker, the BSAA, and the world-ending stakes of Uroboros are unwarranted.
Resident Evil 5 Is Likely To Be Released First
It is far more likely that Resident Evil 5 will appear as a remake before Code: Veronica. It's possible, even, that Code: Veronica may only see a remaster delivered to the PlayStation Store, given the lack of details currently known. The leaked listing also spoke to changes made to Resident Evil 5’s gameplay and the world of Resident Evil as a whole. It's doubtful Capcom would make such bold claims if the project weren't its focus. However, it may not be the right time for a Resident Evil 5 Remake.
Since the original Resident Evil 5 was released fifteen years ago, in 2009, little has changed for the series in that time. Especially in terms of the remakes, all of them have included the over-the-shoulder 3rd person action shooter playstyle as Resident Evil 5. Further, the original title was successful with this playstyle. Whereas Resident Evil 4 benefited from a remake as it cleaned up some of the mechanics and deepened the narrative, it would be difficult to improve on Resident Evil 5 at this point. Beyond the elimination of quick-time events, the gameplay still holds up.
The Title's Huge Profit Potential Means Capcom May Pursue It No Matter What
Beyond the narrative, Resident Evil: Code Veronica would see the most improvement from an update. Released twenty-four years ago, it still used the classic fixed-camera system, and the updated graphics would be just as impressive as 2019’s Resident Evil 2 remake. Further, a remade Code: Veronica would allow Capcom to right the original title's wrongs. Mechanics could be modernized to provide a smoother player experience and bring new fans to the series. It's the sort of redemption story that doesn't come around often in modern gaming, and given Capcom's massive success with remakes thus far, there's little risk.
Finally, there's the graphics to consider. While it's doubtless that a remade Resident Evil 5 would see an improvement to the visuals of its 2009 predecessor, it wouldn't be nearly as impactful as the same improvements to Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Graphics are the very reason many series choose to remake previous titles, as the outdated visuals simply do not hold up to the brilliance of today's consoles. The threshold for this unplayability hasn't passed for Resident Evil 5 compared to other early titles, and Capcom would do well to bide their time for maximum impact.
Capcom Will Likely Stop Remakes Soon
Considering these things, it would benefit the Resident Evil community more if Code: Veronica were remade before Resident Evil 5. But further, it wouldn't be bad if Capcom halted their remake projects for the foreseeable future after this coming remake. Regardless of whether it is Code: Veronica or not, the list of legitimate titles is growing thin. The only remaining title that could have some validity would be Resident Evil 6. However, being that the game was a commercial and critical failure and was released only twelve years ago, it's unlikely that Capcom will touch it.
Instead, it's likely that the next Resident Evil Remake will be the last, and the developer will look forward to the series' future. Given the critical reception of Resident Evil: Village's more grim-dark, supernatural tone, it's possible that Capcom will continue to pursue this style for the next few installments. Still, if a Resident Evil: Code Veronica remake were to be announced in the coming months, it would undoubtedly be met with excitement from the community.
