Is Resident Evil 6 a Failure?
A Mixed Bag of Reception
Resident Evil 6, released in 2012, was the sixth installment in the Resident Evil series, a horror-themed action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom. The game received mixed reviews from critics and players alike, with some considering it a failure, while others saw it as a successful evolution of the series. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the controversy surrounding Resident Evil 6 and examine the arguments for and against it being a failure.
Financial Success, Critical Backlash
On the surface, Resident Evil 6 appears to be a financial success. The game sold over 10.9 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling games in the series. However, despite its commercial success, the game received widespread criticism from critics and fans, with many considering it a departure from the series’ roots as a survival horror game.
What Went Wrong?
So, what did Capcom do wrong? Here are some key factors that contributed to the negative reception:
- Too Much Action, Not Enough Horror: Resident Evil 6 abandoned the survival horror elements that made the series famous, opting for a more action-oriented approach. This change alienated many fans who preferred the series’ slow-paced, suspenseful atmosphere.
- Linear Level Design: The game’s level design was heavily criticized for being too linear and restrictive, lacking the exploration and freedom that players loved in previous Resident Evil games.
- Poor Storytelling: The game’s story was panned for being convoluted, with many plot threads and characters feeling disconnected from the main narrative.
- Too Many Characters: The game’s large cast of characters made it difficult for players to become invested in any one story or character.
What Did Capcom Get Right?
Despite the negative reception, Capcom did get some things right:
- Improved Graphics and Sound Design: Resident Evil 6 boasted impressive graphics and sound design, making it one of the most visually stunning games in the series.
- New Gameplay Mechanics: The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the "Quick Time Event" system, which added a sense of urgency to the action sequences.
- Co-op Play: The game’s co-op multiplayer mode was praised for its enjoyable gameplay and well-designed levels.
A Divided Fanbase
Resident Evil 6 has created a divided fanbase, with some players embracing the game’s new direction and others feeling betrayed by the departure from the series’ horror roots. The game’s mixed reception has led to a community divided, with some players considering it a failure and others defending it as a necessary evolution of the series.
Conclusion
Resident Evil 6 is a game that polarizes opinions, with some players loving its action-packed gameplay and others despising its departure from the series’ horror roots. While it’s clear that Capcom took some risks with the game, it’s also evident that they made some significant mistakes. In the end, whether or not Resident Evil 6 is a failure depends on one’s perspective on the series and the gaming industry as a whole.
Table: Resident Evil 6’s Reception
| Category | Reception |
|---|---|
| Critical | Mixed |
| Commercial | Successful |
| Fanbase | Divided |
| Storytelling | Poor |
| Gameplay | Improved graphics, new mechanics, co-op play |
| Horror Elements | Lacking |
Key Takeaways
- Resident Evil 6 received mixed reviews from critics and players.
- The game’s departure from survival horror elements and linear level design contributed to its negative reception.
- Capcom’s efforts to improve graphics and sound design and introduce new gameplay mechanics were appreciated.
- The game’s co-op multiplayer mode was praised.
- The game has created a divided fanbase, with some players embracing its new direction and others feeling betrayed.