Summary
Throughout theResident Evilfranchise, fans have come to love and adorethe main characters spread across several installments. From Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, and more, many feel as though these characters are the pivotal aspect of the franchise standing as a huge reason behind the massive success over the years. While it is important to mention their popularity among fans, it is also clear to see that there have been many hints and minor elements of romance between some of these characters.
Aside from the idea of fan service, many titles have showcased small implications of potential romantic feelings among characters, more notably Leon S. Kennedy and Ada Wong. It will be crucial for Capcom to continue to double down on thesurvival horrorof the franchise as the selling point, but the implementation of improved scripted or unscripted romance could introduce a fresh experience for fans.
5New Arc Between Leon & Ada
For the longest time now,Resident Evilfans have witnessed a complicated relationship between Leon S. Kennedy and Ada Wong, which has stemmed fromResident Evil 2. Besides the clear romantic feelings involved between the two characters, in every game, movie title, or TV series where the two characters encounter each other, the pair always share astandoff in which the elephant in the room is never addressed or acknowledged.
Given the dire circumstances of each encounter the two have shared, it is understandable that romance has not been fully included as there is a matter of survival at hand. However, with a new installment closer than fans may anticipate and the potential of both Leon and Ada being present, Capcom should take the opportunity to introduce a new arc among them rather than continue with the constant chasing and mystery.
4Less Chaotic Openings
EveryResident Evilgame must include a strong sense of survival horror as aforementioned, as it has been a staple of the series since the first title. While this is certainly the case,Resident Evil Villageshowcased a perfect example of how downtime in each game’s events can potentially introduce romance elements, despite Mother Miranda disguising herself as Mia Winters.
With a world in turmoil and constant outbreak of new viruses along with the presence ofcorrupt corporations like Umbrella, it is reasonable that Capcom has decided to omit romance from the franchise as the main cast of characters would not have time for it. Nevertheless, if a new installment contains even a brief moment of romance explored between the popular main characters during its early stages, it would most certainly satisfy fans who have questioned the matter for years.
3Dialogue Options
Despite this potentially being the least favored option for fans, and unlikely for Capcom to pursue considering the narrative structure ofResident Evilgames, a new installment could introduce options. As Capcom clearly prefers to stick with the strict and linear structure within their narratives as seen in many other franchises, adding dialogue options that do not have much of an effect on the game’s ending, but improve upon the interactions between potential love interests could create a pleasing experience.
Not only would this add something new to the franchise that fans may have never expected, but it leaves room for Capcom to answer some of the questions that fans have held for their favorite characters. This could be done in the same manner as the wayLeon is able to trade with the Merchant inResident Evil 4, keeping it outside the scripted cutscenes and more within gameplay.
2More DLC
As proven withResident Evil Village’sShadows of Rose,Resident Evil 5’sLost In Nightmares, andResident Evil 4’s Separate Ways, Capcom is more than capable of expandingupon characters through their DLCs. Whether this is to cover a character’s journey aside from the game’s main character, or to conclude a particular story arc and bring everything to a full circle, it has been executed well on several occasions.
Since romance does not and should not belong at the forefront of theResident Evilfranchise and the main stories, one of the best ways that this could still play a role is within DLC of future games. If it is present within a remake or a brand new mainline title, it would adhere to the wishes of most fans as it will keep the franchise’s survival horror roots in the main campaign, and explore romance outside the main narrative.
1New Characters
TakingResident Evil Villageback into consideration, Capcom managed to revitalize the franchise with the introduction of Ethan Winters fromResident Evil 7and conclude the Winters family’s story in8. It could be argued that romance and love were part of the story’s main driving force between both titles, as Ethan fights through dangerous foes to save his wife Mia, and later his daughter Rose.
Despite the wish among fans for Capcom to return to the franchise’s classic characters, this could still be joined with the addition of new characters and their romance, if it is decided thatcharacters such as Jill and Chris do not fit as romantic partners.
