Resident Evil 5 seems likely to be the next entry in Capcom’s series of Resident Evil remakes, but one entry in the franchise should be remade first. Since kicking off the new remake series in 2019 with Resident Evil 2, Capcom has only moved forward with the numbered Resident Evil entries. Unfortunately, this approach skips several spin-offs that are critical to the franchise’s overarching story. Without them, the plot becomes more convoluted than it already is.
Between the original releases of Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil 4, two significant spin-offs launched that added a ton of depth to Resident Evil lore. Moreover, they tell stories that help clarify events in later entries. After the launch of the Resident Evil 4 Remake, it stands to reason that a remake of Resident Evil 5 would be next on the docket. From a story perspective, however, the most logical next entry in the remake series is Resident Evil: Code Veronica.
Resident Evil: Code Veronica Bridges The Gap In The Redfield Story
Resident Evil: Code Veronica is a fan-favorite in the series and tells an essential part of Claire and Chris Redfield’s stories. It is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 2 that shows more of Claire’s search for her brother and the downfall of the Umbrella Corporation. Code Veronica is particularly important to Chris Redfield’s story, as it bridges the gap between the original Resident Evil and his return in Resident Evil 5. Remaking it first would eliminate the confusion of going straight to Resident Evil 5. Given Chris’s prominence in Biohazard and Village, retelling his full story should be a priority with the Resident Evil remakes.
Resident Evil: Code Veronica Deserves The Remake Treatment
Resident Evil: Code Veronica was given a considerable amount of attention during its development cycle. It was treated as the next major entry in the series and was intended to receive the title of Resident Evil 3. In an interview with Archipel, director of the first Resident Evil and producer for Code Veronica, Shinji Mikami stated that he wanted Code Veronica to be a numbered entry in the series. However, disagreements between Capcom and console manufacturers reduced the title to a spin-off. Despite this status, the game’s content remained unchanged and essential in the overarching story. This history alone makes Code Veronica a perfect candidate for the Resident Evil remakes.
If Capcom follows its current trend, however, it seems that Code Veronica could be ed up in favor of Resident Evil 5. Dedicated fans stepped up to the plate to develop a fan remake of Code Veronica. It was gearing up for release in 2022 until Capcom ordered a cease and desist, canceling the project. While this is disheartening for those who worked on it, it could spell good news for those hoping for an official remake. It should be noted, however, that Capcom has yet to announce another Resident Evil remake project officially.
