Summary
Albert Wesker is easily one of the most iconic characters in not only theResident Evilfranchise but all gaming. The character’s most recent appearance in theResident Evil 4remake perfectly set up a return in future installments, such as a hypothetical remake of eitherCode: Veronicaremake orResident Evil 5. His portrayal inRE4remained mostly consistent with past iterations of the character, particularly that from theRE1remake. However, the Wesker that fans know and love fromRE5has a very specific nuance that could pose a challenge for futureResident Evilgames moving forward.
Overall, the recentResident Evilremakes have opted for a more grounded tone, emphasizing dramatic storytelling and genuine horror elements. Even so, they have still done a tremendous job of maintaining the classic elements that madeREso iconic. Nearly every monster, character, weapon, and environment is still represented in some way, albeit in an updated fashion. TheResident Evilremake formula has worked very well so far, butgames afterRE4pose a unique challenge. AsRE5takes everything up a notch, it may be a challenge to strike the right balance.
How Resident Evil 5 Remake Could Change Wesker
Why Wesker Would Need To Change
Albert Wesker is one of the most recognizable villains in video games. The primary image that most fans see when they think of the character is his design and demeanor fromResident Evil 5, one of the best-selling in the series. The long black trench coat and superpowers are certainly iconic but also could be a bit much for theREremake tone. Depending onthe direction ofResident Evil 5, Wesker may need to be toned down.
IfRE5aims to focus on reinventing the game with a new sense of realism and dramatic cutscenes, then Wesker would need some updating. The version ofWesker inRE4has already shown that a more serious take on the character is possible. If Capcom decides to double down on this approach, the days of the trench coat and British-inspired accent may be over. Though the portrayal by actor D.C. Douglas was memorable, a different take would likely be better suited for the new era.
How Wesker Can Remain The Same
Resident Evil 4has shown that Wesker can still be a comic book-level villain in the modern day. The shades remain the same, his voice is still as sinister as ever, and his wardrobe is that of a classy movie antagonist. Perhaps slightly more modern and realistic, his character design and voice still embody the essence of the character, not to mention thatRE4Mercenariesproved that Wesker’s powers can still be presented in a way that feels believable and fun.
Specifically,RE4successfully maintained the classic’s crazy elements while simultaneously making the game more realistic, horror-focused, and grounded in a way. That said, many contemporary Capcom releases have shown that classic over-the-top game elements can be modernized and polished for today’s audience, such as:
Resident Evil 5could follow inRE4’s footsteps in doing the same, keeping all the mayhem fans love in the process. A remade version ofWesker’s boss fightwould be great to see, with new mechanics to experiment with. The portrayal of Wesker comes into question when thinking of remakes as he is such a fan-favorite character, but if recent Capcom games are any indication, it will likely be done faithfully.
Resident Evil 5
WHERE TO PLAY
The Umbrella Corporation and its crop of lethal viruses have been destroyed and contained. But a new, more dangerous threat has emerged. Years after surviving the events in Raccoon City, Chris Redfield has been fighting the scourge of bio-organic weapons all over the world. Now a member of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA), Chris is sent to Africa to investigate a biological agent that is transforming the populace into aggressive and disturbing creatures. Joined by another local BSAA agent, Sheva Alomar, the two must work together to solve the truth behind the disturbing turn of events.
