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Are any of you getting confused and standing up and asking “Are Resident Evil Remakes Canon?” Do not worry, you are not the only one. This has been the bane of the RE community for a while now, like a nasty T-virus sore, and today, we are looking at what it is, in its entirety, like it is the King of the Serpents.
Like the series itself, I have explored its many mansions, police stations, creepy villages and deliquescent places, and I have wracked my brains night after night about this particular issue. So, in this case, take your green herbs and strap yourself up for we are in for one hell of a ride in space.
Are Resident Evil Remakes Canon?
Now, before we attempt to answer the question that burns most in the minds of the readers that is whether Resident Evil remakes can be considered canon, let’s define what “canon” means in the survival horror context.
A. Official Capcom Statements
To begin with, we have to concede that whatever slants towards or against the canonism of Resident Evil consistently remakes will perfectly fetch the attention of the big chief – Capcom .These are the people pulling the strings of the game that we have an affection for and what they say is a given . But here comes the unexpected hammer drop: Capcom does not always define what is an out and what is a non canon in their works. Talk about adding fuel to the fire, right anyway?
B. Timeline Consistency
Next up on our ‘Are Resident Evil remakes canon? ‘ checklist is timeline consistency. The RE universe is more complex than French social structure, and some order must be kept. Given that a remake lands within the confines of established timelines with no potential for paradoxes or plot holes, then it stands a better chance of being treated as canon.
C. The Characters’ Development
What about the characters, though? Are Leon’s one-liners in Resident Evil 4 remake true to the character? Does Jill’s past in Resident Evil 3 Remake register according to what we know? This is the mystery which keeps us awake at night, guys!
So Why the Need to Fight Over Resident Evil Remakes
Right, now that we are clear on what our criteria are, let’s go back a few years and look at the remakes that have raised this question that is, “Are resident evil remakes canon?” “No, not at all.” “Okay.” Murder-Where are my eyeglasses?
A. Resident Evil (2003)
There’s nothing quite like the very first Resident Evil remake. Oh boy, the granddaddy of Resident Evil remakes! An aesthetic remake of the spencer mansion incident was pleasing to the audience and raised the bar over the original. Crazy, this begs to be asked: Is it canon? Many fans think it replaced the original in the chronological time line, but others do not quite agree with that. More drama ensues!
B. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
Flash forward to 2019 and you will have another banger. Fetching leech, this remake took Leon and Claire’s worst nightmare and blew it up. Now this, is where it gets captivating in our ‘Are resident evil remakes canon?” exploration. The alteration of the plot in comparison to original film was this time more reasonable although it angry fans.
C. Resident Evil 3 (2020)
Super refresher, Jill escapes Raccoon City recreates both thanks to its dead man on Raccoon City’s heart break. Still, although it was two decades shorter than how the fandom envisioned it, it sure was intense. But did it make the cut as one of the canon movies? That’s the question worth a million bucks!
D. Resident Evil 4 (2023)
Though it is not the continuation of the last timeline concerning the final remake we have all been waiting for. Leon got some vacation in Europe but it has been drastically re-styled and more realistic I would say. However, the discussion on the canon still goes on due to the new additions to the plot and changes in the characters.
Do Resident Evil Remakes Remain within the Cannon? The Decision
Judging over whether the Resident Evil remakes are canon or not, it’s time now for that judgment. Let’s analyze the question:
A. Official Statements from Capcom – Are Resident Evil Remakes Canon
Let’s make something clear first: Capcom has been very coy about this. They have at least given us a slight indication that the remakes are the new ‘official’ stories or narrative versions, but they haven’t approved such as 100% canon. It’s like they are having some fun watching us twist!
B. Narrative Consistency
The remakes make the cut when it comes to inserting themselves into the time line of the Resident Evil Franchiese. Of course, there are some adjustments and alterations made, but nothing that shatters the very universe. It s just like they have done some restructuring of the house but within the existing building’s frame.
C. Player Reception
Now, this is the part where a more genial picture emerges. The new versions of these stories have been learnt as canon by the majority of players who see the remakes as a new take on classic tales. However, there exists a rather vocal, spare group, that seeks the recognition of the original games as canon. Now this is a division in the best interests of everybody and quite frankly insane!
All Remakes are the grey areas of the Resident Evil Story
Whether or not you believe in the episodes of Resident Evil remakes being canon or certain tropes, what needs to be accepted is their contribution to the franchise.
A. Bringing Revised Twists – Updating Old Classics
These remakes have unleashed fresh narratives of stories which we thought we have waded them deep enough. Consider it like taking a second shot at your favorite novel, except this time you have visuals and sounds.
B. Getting Additional Audience
Let’s accept it, some of those previous genres approached it do not stand the test of time. The remakes have attracted a fresh audience and therefore ensure that the survival horror genre does not become extinct. Like trying to show your children a rock band you used to love – but more on zombie versions of it.
C. Further Amending the Lore
Every remake has included something new to the Resident Evil universe, explaining the elements of the storyline in more detail and providing us with more narcissism concerning the same. It’s like having a pizza with extra cheese stuffed in the crust of the favorite pizza. Surprise? Yes, but it’s a pleasant one!
What’s Next For the Series?
Now that we have come to the conclusion of whether or not Resident Evil remakes are canon, it is difficult not to look at the next now. Will a Ctrl: Veronica remake be produced? Or a reimagined version of Resident Evil 5? There are as many more varieties as the types of BOWs that Umbrella is able to come up with!
One thing’s for certain – the controversy regarding the canon status of Resident Evil remakes will not be buried any time soon. And you know what? This is where it becomes interesting. It fires up the discussion, makes people spin in circles and get involved in the series that they love.
I believe that the remakes deserve their position in the canon. They do adapt to the narrative’s body, but indeed they also offer something fresh into the package. It’s like having the best of both worlds – old and familiar plot lines with remade gameplay and graphics. What is not to like?
Well, to be perfectly honest, I do not care much about it. The most interesting part of “Are Resident Evil remakes canon” controversy is that it keeps the community engaged. So, you belong to Team Original or Team Remake, we are all still in the same boat.
Now, if you don’t mind me interrupting, I have some zombies to kill, again, you guessed it, in gruesome and lovely high definition. Good luck out there, and please, the next time someone poses you the question, Are Resident Evil remakes canon?, you will be able to offer a wealth of information.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to play the original games to understand the remakes?
A: Not necessarily. The remakes are made in such a way that the players that are new and the veterans will enjoy the game. However, it is ideal to play the originals to understand and appreciate some of the changes and improvements in the remakes better.
Q: Do the Resident Evil remakes impact the story in any big way?
A: Yes, no remake of Resident Evil goes without introducing some alterations regarding the storyline. These can be small or, when necessary allow it, big changes, but as a rule, the basic plot remains unchanged.
Q: Do you believe that Capcom will take on the remakes of all Resident Evil installments?
A: Although Capcom has not issued any specific details on remakes, it is a possibility based on the current status of the recent remakes. The fans would particularly want the remake of Resident Evil – Code: Veronica.
Q: In what ways do the remakes influence the overall chronology of the Resident Evil series?
A: The remakes do promote the chronology but usually do not deviate it significantly. Nevertheless, do not expect from canonical examples other than common minor deviations because of the youth datedness of these stories.
Q: If I play the original games and the remakes, will these two say I’m two died in both canon?
A: Other admirers split the canon and argue that all forms of art exist within one universe. At the end of the day, how canon is perceived cuts across individual disposition in view that there is a certain degree of ambiguity regarding this issue from Capcom.
