Resident Evil, the titan of survival horror, has captivated gamers for decades. But let's be real, it's not all perfect. From questionable plot twists to control schemes that induce more horror than the actual zombies, there's plenty to dissect. So, let's dive headfirst into everything that's gone a bit wonky in the Resident Evil universe. We will explore the missteps, the head-scratching decisions, and the moments that made us question whether we were playing a survival horror game or a bizarre comedy. Prepare yourselves, because we're about to uncover the dark secrets and unfortunate blunders that have plagued this beloved franchise. By examining these elements, we can better appreciate the series' highs and understand why certain aspects missed the mark. Whether it's the convoluted storylines, the inconsistent character development, or the gameplay mechanics that sometimes feel like a cruel joke, we'll leave no stone unturned. After all, even the greatest franchises have their flaws, and Resident Evil is no exception. So, grab your weapons, check your ammo, and join us as we delve into the heart of what went wrong in the world of Resident Evil.

Confusing Storylines and Retcons

The Resident Evil storyline, while initially straightforward, has become increasingly convoluted over the years. Retcons, plot holes, and bizarre character motivations have left many fans scratching their heads. Remember when Wesker went from a seemingly dedicated S.T.A.R.S. member to a superhuman villain with a penchant for sunglasses? Or how about the ever-changing nature of the T-Virus and its various mutations? These inconsistencies can be jarring, disrupting the immersive experience that the games strive to create. The series started with a relatively simple premise: a biohazard outbreak in a secluded mansion. However, as the franchise expanded, the narrative became increasingly complex, introducing new viruses, organizations, and characters with often contradictory backstories. This complexity, while sometimes adding depth, often leads to confusion and frustration among fans. For example, the motivations of certain villains, like Oswell E. Spencer, are never fully explained, leaving players to piece together fragments of information from various sources. Similarly, the relationships between characters, such as Chris Redfield and his sister Claire, are sometimes inconsistent, with their interactions varying from game to game. These narrative inconsistencies can detract from the overall experience, making it difficult for players to fully invest in the story and characters. Ultimately, while ambition is admirable, the convoluted storylines and frequent retcons have become a significant point of contention for many Resident Evil fans.

Tank Controls and Clunky Mechanics

Ah, tank controls. The bane of many a Resident Evil player's existence. While they might have been revolutionary back in the day, these clunky mechanics haven't aged well. Trying to navigate a horde of zombies while wrestling with the controls is an exercise in frustration. Let's not forget the infamous fixed camera angles that often obscure crucial details or leave you vulnerable to surprise attacks. It's a control scheme that induces panic, and not in a good way. The tank controls, characterized by their reliance on directional inputs relative to the character's orientation, were initially implemented due to the technical limitations of the time. However, as gaming technology advanced, these controls became increasingly outdated and cumbersome. Modern gamers, accustomed to more intuitive and responsive control schemes, often find themselves struggling to adapt to the tank controls, which can significantly impact their enjoyment of the game. The fixed camera angles, another relic of the past, were intended to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. However, they often resulted in obscured vision and unfair encounters, as enemies could ambush players from off-screen. These limitations not only made the game more difficult but also detracted from the overall immersive experience. While some players have grown nostalgic for these classic mechanics, many others view them as a barrier to entry, preventing them from fully appreciating the other aspects of the game. Ultimately, the tank controls and clunky mechanics remain a significant point of criticism for the Resident Evil franchise, highlighting the need for modernization and refinement in future installments.

Over-the-Top Action and Loss of Horror

Remember when Resident Evil was all about creeping through dimly lit corridors, conserving ammo, and solving puzzles? Somewhere along the way, it morphed into an action-packed shooter with superhuman protagonists mowing down hordes of enemies. While action can be fun, the series has arguably lost its survival horror roots. The shift towards action-oriented gameplay began with Resident Evil 4, which introduced a new over-the-shoulder perspective and a greater emphasis on combat. While Resident Evil 4 was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, it also marked a departure from the series' traditional survival horror formula. Subsequent installments, such as Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6, continued this trend, featuring increasingly bombastic action sequences and superhuman protagonists capable of taking on hordes of enemies without breaking a sweat. This shift towards action alienated many long-time fans who preferred the slower, more deliberate pace of the earlier games. The focus on combat often overshadowed the puzzle-solving and exploration elements that were once integral to the Resident Evil experience. Additionally, the increased emphasis on action led to a decrease in tension and atmosphere, as players were less likely to feel vulnerable or threatened in the face of overwhelming firepower. While action-oriented gameplay can be enjoyable, it came at the expense of the series' survival horror roots, leaving many fans longing for a return to the franchise's origins.

Annoying Characters

Every franchise has its share of characters we love to hate, but Resident Evil sometimes takes it to another level. From whiny partners to ridiculously over-the-top villains, some characters are just plain annoying. Do we really need another scene of someone screaming "Chris!" or delivering a cheesy one-liner before facing a horde of zombies? The Resident Evil series has introduced a wide array of characters over the years, ranging from iconic heroes like Jill Valentine and Leon S. Kennedy to less memorable and sometimes irritating personalities. One common complaint is the tendency for certain characters to exhibit repetitive or annoying behaviors, such as constantly screaming for help or delivering cringe-worthy dialogue. These characters can detract from the overall experience, making it difficult for players to fully immerse themselves in the game's world. Additionally, some villains in the Resident Evil series are criticized for being overly theatrical or lacking depth, often resorting to cartoonish monologues and nonsensical schemes. While a good villain can enhance the narrative, a poorly written one can undermine the entire story. Furthermore, the series has been known to introduce characters who serve little purpose other than to be rescued or act as plot devices, further adding to the list of annoying personalities. Ultimately, while the Resident Evil series has its share of memorable and well-developed characters, it also has its fair share of annoying ones that can detract from the overall experience.

Unnecessary Sequels and Spin-offs

Let's face it: not every Resident Evil game is a masterpiece. Some sequels and spin-offs feel like cash grabs that dilute the brand. Do we really need another zombie-infested island or a convoluted plot involving yet another corporation experimenting with viruses? Sometimes, it's better to let a story rest. The Resident Evil franchise has spawned numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs over the years, not all of which have been well-received by fans. One common criticism is the tendency for the series to rehash familiar themes and settings, such as zombie outbreaks in isolated locations or conspiracies involving shadowy corporations. These repetitive elements can make the games feel formulaic and uninspired, diminishing the sense of novelty and excitement. Additionally, some spin-offs have been criticized for deviating too far from the series' core gameplay mechanics and themes, resulting in experiences that feel disconnected from the Resident Evil universe. Furthermore, the sheer number of sequels and spin-offs can dilute the brand, making it difficult for players to keep track of the overarching narrative and character arcs. While some sequels and spin-offs have been successful in expanding the Resident Evil universe and introducing new ideas, others have been seen as unnecessary additions that detract from the series' overall quality. Ultimately, the franchise's reliance on sequels and spin-offs has led to a mixed bag of experiences, with some entries feeling like cash grabs that prioritize quantity over quality.

The Future of Resident Evil

Despite its flaws, Resident Evil remains a beloved franchise with a dedicated fanbase. The recent remakes have shown that there's still a strong appetite for classic survival horror. Hopefully, Capcom will learn from the series' mistakes and steer the franchise back to its roots while innovating in meaningful ways. It's a balancing act, but one that could ensure the survival of Resident Evil for years to come.

So, there you have it, folks! A candid look at what's gone wrong with Resident Evil. But hey, even with its missteps, we still love this series. Let's hope the future holds more scares and fewer facepalm moments. Keep gaming, and stay safe from those zombies!