Resident Evil Can’t Do with Other Legacy Mascots What It’s Done to Chris Redfield

Highlights

• Capcom should reconsider how it uses classic characters like Chris Redfield in the Resident Evil series to avoid underwhelming fans.
• Chris Redfield’s character has evolved over the years, but recent appearances have left some feeling disappointed and seeking consistency.
• The legacy mascots of Resident Evil, like Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy, should only return if there is a good narrative reason.

Nearly 30 years after players were first introduced to the amoral Umbrella Corporation and the undead horrors it unleashed, Capcom’s Resident Evil franchise has earned a place of prominence in both gaming and pop culture. By blending familiar horror tropes with often outrageous storylines, all propped up by a cast of some of gaming’s most iconic characters, the Resident Evil series set the standard for survival horror titles. However, following underwhelming appearances by series mainstay Chris Redfield in the latest Resident Evil games, it might be time for Capcom to rethink how it uses some of the franchise’s most familiar faces.

Though arguably one of the most memorable male characters in the Resident Evil franchise, Chris Redfield’s recent cameos in the series left many franchise fans feeling disappointed. Beyond his motivations and overall aesthetic feeling somewhat out of place compared to his previous appearances, the two titles failed to use Chris in any significant way. For some players, this left his cameos feeling like little more than fanservice. As Capcom considers its next steps for the series, it should ensure it doesn’t make the same mistake with Resident Evil’s other classic characters.

Chris Redfield is a Character in Constant Flux

Introduced in the original Resident Evil in 1996, former S.T.A.R.S member Chris Redfield has been a series mainstay throughout its long lifespan. Much like other characters in the franchise, Chris has been repeatedly reinvented over the years, with Resident Evil 5 notably transforming him from a straightforward soldier into an over-the-top action hero. While many players accepted this tonal shift and the increasingly dumb decisions made by Chris Redfield as the series progressed, his appearances in the latest Resident Evil games are seen as underwhelming by some.

Although Resident Evil 7 attempted to return Chris Redfield to his roots, eschewing the action star stylings in favor of a somewhat more grounded portrayal, the version of the character still felt out of place compared to what had preceded it. Resident Evil Village tried to rectify this by giving Chris his familiar look but ultimately failed to do anything that felt truly significant with him in terms of story. If Capcom plans on reintroducing other classic characters in Resident Evil 9, it should either have a clear reason for doing so or avoid adding them altogether.

Resident Evil Needs to Do Right By its Legacy Mascots

With Chris Redfield rumored to be the playable protagonist of Resident Evil 9 gamers may once again be stuck with Capcom’s questionable take on the character, but the franchise’s other legacy mascots shouldn’t be left to suffer the same fate. Instead of reintroducing familiar faces like Leon Kennedy, Jill Valentine, and Chris’ sister, Claire, simply for their name recognition, Capcom should only bring back these iconic characters if there is a good narrative reason to do so. Otherwise, it could run the risk of further alienating Resident Evil fans.

If Capcom can’t find a way to include Resident Evil’s legacy mascots in a way that makes sense, it might be wise to keep them out of the mainline games for now. Rather than attempting to shoehorn its classic characters into an ongoing storyline where they might feel superfluous, Capcom may be better off revisiting the games that made them stars. Remakes of Resident Evil CODE: Veronica and other titles from the series’ past would keep characters like Claire Redfield fresh in players’ minds and avoid potentially tarnishing their legacy with an ill-conceived cameo.

The mixed reception to Chris Redfield’s appearances in recent Resident Evil releases shows that sometimes the best way to pay respect to a classic character is by letting them step away from the spotlight. While the legacy mascots of the Resident Evil franchise will always have a place in fans’ hearts, if they don’t fit well with the series’ future it may be best to leave them in the past for now.