Why did Resident Evil 6 Fail?
Resident Evil 6, released in 2012, was the much-anticipated sixth installment of the beloved Resident Evil game series. Despite the success of its predecessors, Resident Evil 6 failed to meet the expectations of the fans and critics, becoming one of the most disliked games in the series.
Innovative Idea, Poor Execution
On the surface, Resident Evil 6’s biggest blunder was its departure from the series’ signature formula. The game opted for a more action-packed approach, which led to a watered-down gaming experience. Gone was the tension and survival horror elements that defined the first five games. Instead, players were presented with an overdose of action and combat. This drastic change left long-time fans feeling disappointed and disconnected from the game’s story.
Campaign Incoherence
Resident Evil 6 featured multiple campaigns, each with a unique protagonist and storyline. The game’s developers, Capcom, failed to tie the various campaigns together cohesively, leading to a disjointed gaming experience. Players struggled to keep track of the interconnected storylines, and the lack of consistency in each campaign’s narrative only compounded the problem.
Criticisms and Criticism
Fan outcry regarding the game’s combat was widespread, with critics arguing that the overuse of quick-time events, unintuitive action mechanics, and lack of strategy in combat led to a button-mashing experience rather than meaningful combat encounters.
Resident Evil 6 did not fare well with critical reception either, earning criticism for its poor pacing, lackluster graphics, and uninspired design choices. The game received scathing reviews, with notable critics, such as Polygon, declaring it the worst game in the series.
Financial Performance
In an ironic twist, Resident Evil 6 managed to achieve financial success, despite the poor reviews. It went on to sell over 5 million copies, albeit fewer than expected. Disappointing sales led Capcom to reassess the future of the Resident Evil franchise.
Injuries to the Brand
Resident Evil 6’s poor performance not only hurt the franchise but also the industry. As one of the most widely anticipated games in 2012, its underperformance set a precedent for later releases, including those that would have likely followed suit. The failure of the game had far-reaching consequences, damaging Capcom’s reputation and altering the tone of future releases in the series.
Takeaway
In conclusion, the failure of Resident Evil 6 was the result of a miscalculated departure from the series’ core elements, an unclear narrative, and poorly implemented gameplay mechanics. Despite strong sales, the game damaged the brand’s reputation, leaving a lasting impact on the gaming community.
Timeline of Key Events
- November 2012: Resident Evil 6 releases worldwide to mixed reviews.
- December 2012: The game receives scathing reviews, including from noted critics like Polygon.
- January 2013: Capcom reports that the game has sold over 2 million copies worldwide.
- February 2014: Capcom reveals that Resident Evil 6 has sold over 5 million copies globally.
- October 2014: The sequel, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, is released, featuring a return to the series’ survival horror roots.
References:
- "Resident Evil 6 review – a bloated, unsatisfying mess" Polygon
- "Resident Evil 6 sells over 2 million copies, Capcom says" GamesRadar+
- "Resident Evil 6 surpasses 5 million shipments" GameSpot
- "Resident Evil 7: Biohazard review – a terrifying new beginning" Polygon