Capcom Offers An Update On Their Horror Franchises
David Gelmini
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Speaking to Japanese magazine Dengeki PlayStation (translated by Siliconera), Capcom producer Masachika Kawata hinted that Resident Evil 7 may be on the horizon, saying “We’re currently not at a state to talk about it… but please stay tuned.” When asked about possible new instalments in the Devil May Cry and Dragon’s Dogma franchises, he was less positive, saying “They’re also things I’d like to personally do, but there are no plans for now.”
Recently, the Resident Evil franchise has been strongly criticised for its focus on action over horror, with 6 often being compared to a Michael Bay move. This is clearly to cash in to the whole Call of Duty first person craze, with Capcom seemingly forgetting that people turn to survival horror to escape from that kind of thing. If you want proof that the series has lost its way, look no further than the online multiplayer co-op shooter Umbrella Corps. An online multiplayer co-op Resident Evil shooter? Yeah, the series really is lost now. Please take 7 back to its horror routes, Capcom.
Concerning Devil May Cry, I personally loved the Ninja Theory’s reboot and found it to be vastly superior to the previous games, and it’s hard to see why fans got so worked up about a new direction for a series that, let’s face it, never took itself seriously to begin with.It took the tired and dated formula and added a wondrously dark and unique spin to it. It eliminated most of the series’ flaws, such as the endless backtracking and cheesy voice acting, whilst introducing a new version of Dante who (the fanboys are gonna kill me for saying this) was actually superior to the original. Rather than being a somewhat one-dimensional, macho, pizza munching tough-guy, we now have a reluctant rebel thrust into a conflict that he wants no part of, and actually get to experience his growth as a character as he grudgingly accepts that the right path is not always the easiest one.
I really hope that, when the inevitable next DMC instalment does enter development, Capcom choose to follow this continuity instead of returning to the old one, as Ubisoft did by abandoning the Prince of Persia reboot in favour of returning to the original series. Hardcore fans, please don’t come into my house and murder me while I sleep.
Dragon’s Dogma was unique as when it comes to rehashing old games and franchises, Capcom are the undisputed kings (there now seem to be more versions of Street Fighter 2 than there are stars in the sky) so the idea of a new, big AAA game from them was certainly something to be commended. And while it wasn’t a gigantic hit, especially as it stuck to many old RPG troupes (steep difficulty, taking ages to level up, complicated menu and item systems, no fast travel) in addition to competition from western RPGs like Dragon Age and Elder Scrolls, it still proved to be a relatively strong financial and commercial success.
Aside from expansions and a free-to-play spinoff, however, Capcom have not really expanded it into a franchise. Guess they don’t see the potential in it, but with fantasy RPGs being so popular now (look at the success of The Witcher 3) then maybe it’s time for a proper sequel.
Come on Capcom, you have some very decent IPs at your disposal. Use them properly and be a great company again. Or go the way of Konami and completely screw everything up.
Categorized:Horror Gaming News
