Capcom’s recent Resident Evil remakes have been a massive hit, breathing new life into old classics while keeping their signature horror intact. After the success of Resident Evil 2 (2019), Resident Evil 3 (2020), and the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 (2023), fans are eagerly speculating about which title will get the next-gen treatment. While Resident Evil 5 seems like the logical next step, rumors suggest that Capcom might prioritize a remake of Resident Evil 0 instead.
Why Resident Evil 4 (2023) Raised the Bar
Resident Evil 4’s remake was more than just a fresh coat of paint. It honored the original while refining gameplay, tightening mechanics, and making the experience feel brand new yet familiar. For many fans, including those who adored the 2005 version, the remake was a dream come true.
This success set a new standard for remakes, leaving players wondering how Capcom will handle the next one. Resident Evil 5 would follow the natural timeline, but Resident Evil 0 could benefit from an overhaul more than any other game in the series.
Resident Evil 5 vs. Resident Evil 0: Which Makes More Sense?
Both games have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses, but their remake potential varies drastically.
- Resident Evil 5 (2009) was well received at launch but leaned heavily into action, moving further from the survival horror roots of the series. A remake could refine its cooperative gameplay and make it feel less like an action movie and more like a true horror experience.
- Resident Evil 0 (2002), on the other hand, struggled to find its footing. The dual protagonist mechanic, while interesting, felt clunky, and the game never reached the same heights as other mainline entries. However, this means there’s room for a complete overhaul, potentially turning it into something fresh and exciting.
One thing is certain—both games deserve another chance.
A Multiplayer Approach Could Save Resident Evil 0
Resident Evil 0’s biggest issue was its execution. The character-swapping mechanic was a novel idea but often felt frustrating. Many players have speculated that it would have worked far better as a cooperative multiplayer game, and that’s where a remake could shine.
If Capcom embraces the idea of an It Takes Two-style cooperative experience, it could transform Resident Evil 0 into something truly special. The game could function in one of two ways:
- Classic co-op gameplay, similar to Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6, but with a bigger focus on puzzles and survival horror rather than full-throttle action.
- Asymmetrical co-op, where players control separate characters in different locations, solving puzzles and surviving horrors while helping each other progress.
The second option mirrors the original structure of Resident Evil 0 but could be vastly improved with modern mechanics. Imagine one player trapped in a room, desperately fending off enemies while the other frantically solves a puzzle to unlock the door. It could create high-intensity, memorable moments that define a horror experience.
Resident Evil Has Always Been an Escape Room—Make It Multiplayer
At its core, Resident Evil has always been about solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles in a giant, terrifying escape room. The Spencer Mansion in the original Resident Evil forced players to backtrack and unlock pathways in a tense, claustrophobic environment. Later games, like Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, expanded on this concept with larger locations like Raccoon City and its police station.
The remakes have successfully brought back this classic formula, proving that fans still love methodical exploration over constant action. If Resident Evil 0 leans into this and introduces co-op mechanics, it could become the ultimate multiplayer horror puzzle game.
Can a Resident Evil 0 Remake Work Without Co-op?
Of course, multiplayer isn’t for everyone. If Capcom does go down this route, they would need to ensure a seamless single-player experience as well. Players should be able to switch between characters at will, similar to the original but with far better AI and mechanics.
One way to approach this could be a drop-in, drop-out co-op system, where players can choose to play alone or with a friend at any time. This would keep the game flexible while maintaining its intended vision.
Resident Evil 5 Still Has a Place in the Remake Lineup
Even if Resident Evil 0 gets remade first, Resident Evil 5 shouldn’t be ignored. While it marked the turning point where the series became more action-heavy, it remains a fun experience with excellent cooperative mechanics. If given the same treatment as Resident Evil 4, it could be reimagined with a darker tone and refined gameplay.
A Resident Evil 5 remake would also bring back Mercenaries Mode, a fan-favorite feature that thrived in its original release. Capcom could fine-tune its combat system while restoring some of the horror elements that were missing in the original.
What’s Next for Capcom?
Capcom has remained tight-lipped about its next move, but fans are eagerly waiting for an announcement. The decision between Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil 5 will ultimately come down to Capcom’s vision for the franchise—whether they want to reinvent a flawed game or modernize a fan-favorite.
One thing is clear: whatever game they choose next, it will set the tone for future Resident Evil remakes.
