After the action-packed remakes and horror-centric sequels,Resident Evil Requiemseems to have everything it needs to be another smashing success in the legendary survival horror franchise. Aside from incorporating both the first and third-person perspectives of the series right from the get-go for the very first time, it will have to balance both the preferred gameplay styles of its latest entries.
Even with the difficulties that a dual-perspective experience can cause without detracting from each experience, it offers even more incentive to revisit the story after beating the campaign for the first time. AlthoughResident Evilmight have already peakedwith its soft reboot titles ofBiohazardandVillage,there’s one post-campaign experience that has even more potential inResident Evil Requiemthan ever before.
Mercenaries Mode Is A Classic For A Reason
Bringing Back The Beloved Staple Of The Series
Out of all the post-campaign game options thatResident Evilhas offered over the years, few are as addictive and have as much depth as the Mercenaries game mode.First introduced inResident Evil 3: Nemesis, the Mercenaries game mode has become a staple of the series ever since, only skippingResident Evil 7: Biohazarddue to that game’s departure from the standard action formula of the series.
Mercenaries was notably absent from theResident Evil 3 Remake, scrapped in favor of the critically pannedResident Evil Resistancegame mode instead.
While a game mode like Mercenaries may not fit with the more grounded horror approach thatResident Evil Requiemseems to be taking based on its initial reveal,Requiem’srumored dual protagonistscould set the stage for an explosive alternative story. As if the rumors weren’t enough,the inclusion of both first and third-person perspectives provides even more encouragementthat a more action-oriented mode will appear, even ifVillagehas already proved the mode can work in first person.
Replayable Game Modes Go A Long Way For Resident Evil’s Enjoyment
Even without the explicit inclusion of a Mercenaries mode inResident Evil Requiem,there are still plenty of worthwhile modes that Capcom could introduceto spice up its replayability with more than just combat. Aside from offering new achievements oralternative ways to unlock them, extra game modes similar to Mercenaries are an excellent training tool when preparing for your next attempt at a more challenging campaign difficulty or your next speedrun attempt.
While it would be disappointing to skip Mercenaries yet again afterResident Evil 7’s disappointing absence,a fresh take or even co-op functionality could be just whatRequiem’s new direction needs to shake up the series. From the classic offerings of the Raid Mode, Time Trials, and Mercenaries, to unique alternatives like the ones seen inBiohazard’sBanned FootageDLC,Resident Evil Requiemcan offer far more than just a satisfying narrative experience.
