Lets see. Whats going on in the videogame world today? Hmmm... looks like a bunch of developers are voicing their opinion about a hot button issue in the news. Shouldn't be much fighting or mean spirited remarks in the comments section.
Such a shame but let’s call a spade a spade here. The reason RE7 sales weren’t gangbuster compared to RE5 and RE6 was due to those titles riding off of the success of RE4 and RE5 (remember RE5 was still critically acclaimed.).
RE6 was critically panned by the gaming community and by many fans of the series so it was only natural that Capcom had an uphill battle with the release of this installment.
This isn’t exclusive to the gaming industry as I’m sure anyone can name off a slew of movie title sequels that were unanimously regarded as being worse than their predecessor but somehow managed to accumulate more capital. It’s simply because those titles were riding off the success of the first.
RE7 wasn’t riding off of anything. If anything it was at a huge disadvantage perhaps more-so than any other title in the franchise. If anything this just validates the argument that RE6 was in fact a very poorly received game by the community and the people out there who spent their money on it. It’s only natural then that their interest in the next numbered game in any franchise would be lower.
RE7 is going to have to rely on word of mouth and the strong reviews it has already received in order to “atone for the sins” of its predecessors. (And please don’t think I’m somehow singling out RE6 as being some kind of terrible game because it’s not.)
I know it’s early but I personally hope that Capcom doesn’t take this “dip” to mean they should forego the shift back to survival horror in favor of a (once again.) more action oriented approach for the franchise.
I think it goes without saying that I personally feel strongly about RE7, myself seeing it as a “return to form” (although not perfectly.) to what made the original entries in the series standout. I urge all of you out there who are on the fence about this game (particularly if you love RE1 through Code Veronica and revelations.) to go out there and purchase this game. Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed.
However, despite the accolades and awards this game has/may receive at the end of the day investors and companies only care about one thing and one thing alone… your hard earned dollars.
Glad to hear that this game is getting some love not just from critics but from new and long-time fans of the series despite the initial skepticism cast upon it earlier.
I just finished my first play-through and to say I was satisfied with my time skulking through the baker’s estate would be a gross understatement. Almost every criticism hurled at Capcom over the direction the series has taken over the last 10 or so years was quelled the moment I entered that rickety old front door and began my descent into the warped world of the Baker family.
I won’t go into excessive detail about how a subtle smile emerged from the corner of my mouth every time I walked past a locked door with a certain “decoration/emblem” over it, or how a cascading sense of relief poured over my face whenever I heard that “safe room” music gently landing upon my ears after a close enemy encounter, but trust me when I say that these moments as well as a whole myriad of similar experiences contributed to my admiration for what Capcom achieved here. (Wait a minute Ninja… you just went into detail. LIAR!!!).
Any of those who were on the fence about picking up this title, specifically over skepticism over this installments tone or game style (first person.), rest assured that this probably more than any other game since the older installments (Re1 through Code Veronica.) is a return to what kicked off the franchise in the first place.
Here’s hoping this is not only a “new beginning” for the direction the series is headed but also a revival for Capcom’s other stagnant franchises.
I haven’t completed the game yet (wish I had more time to game but I have these stupid things to deal with, “responsibilities” people call them.) but so far I have to say that personally I am loving every minute of it.
I would wager a guess and say I am about half to 2/3rds done the game (yes, you can get a feel for those kinds of things.) and I have been consistently impressed the entire way.
I haven’t had such a great time playing a game, one that kept me actively invested and engaged in the plot, the characters, my environment, and just my overall whereabouts as it pertains to what is happening around me in a very long time. I’m not alluding to it being the best thing since sliced bread (why would you say that Ninja? Loser…) but what it does it does so well.
Make no mistake, other than the obvious superficial differences between this game and the earlier installments (1st person vs 3rd person respectively.) everything else feels, sounds and looks like “Resident Evil.”
Normally I would tell everyone out there who is a fan of the series, particularly RE1 through 3 and code Veronica, to go pick this game up right away as I doubt they would be disappointed but as I mentioned earlier I haven’t completed it as of yet thus I have to hold back my recommendation for the time being.
Assuming nothing ridiculous happens to ruin the momentum I foresee this rendition of the franchise being a resounding success, at least in the eyes of long-time resident evil fans.
videogameninja's comments