In 2019, Capcom released the Resident Evil 2 remake, and it is evident that the studio learned its lesson when it comes to the importance of platforms this time around. RE2 remake was released to the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Given the wide variety of platforms available, the Resident Evil 2 remake was able to reach every single Resident Evil fan, except for the Nintendo Switch, which is understandable given that the franchise isn’t that popular with most Nintendo players. However, apart from releasing the game on the right platforms, the Resident Evil 2 remake was heralded for staying true to the essence of the original game. Interestingly enough, the RE2 remake is not a shot-for-shot re-imagining of the original, but it was still able to keep the essence of the first game even if it’s not as faithful as the 2002 Resident Evil rem
It’s not unlike animation’s seemingly unanimous move toward CGI, leaving 2D behind as a relic of the medium. Disney likely won’t ever make something in the style of The Jungle Book or The Lion King again when Tangled, Moana, and Frozen have such a wide appeal. Anime is huge in its own right but it doesn’t have the same pull in the West as Pixar, Disney, or DreamWorks – all of which have moved toward CGI animation. Indies in gaming hanging onto the old approach is like anime retaining its 2D style. Nintendo taking Zelda back in time would be akin to Disney releasing a new animated film in 2D. It would show that the approach still has a place and it would pave the way for others to do the same in whatever shape or form that might take. I wasn’t particularly optimistic about this ever being a possibility but now, with Metroid Dread , there’s a glimmer of hope on the hori
Final Fantasy 9 ’s Princess Garnet is the closest comparison to Zelda in the gaming world, largely because their circumstances, personality, and overall drive are so similar. Garnet takes a dagger to her hair at a pivotal point in her character arc. Her kingdom is approaching ruin and Alpha Protocol revival her mother is gone, so this moment is a reclamation of agency that has long been kept away from her. Gone is the received pronunciation and royal procedures that have long held her back from living a normal, fulfilling life. Travelling with Zidane and company has taught her the importance of this heritage while simultaneously inspiring her to walk away from it. However, blood remains thicker than water, so returning to the city that helped shape her only to solemnly leave it behind is poetic.
Ever since the release of the Resident Evil 3 remake earlier this year, fans of the survival horror franchise have been wondering which game will be re-imagined next. Although there is still no official confirmation from Capcom, several leakers are claiming that Resident Evil 4 will be Capcom’s next remake after the release of Resident Evil 8 sometime next year. Of course, given the popularity of Resident Evil 4 , it is no surprise that this would be the next game that Capcom is eyeing to remake in the fut
Catra from She-Ra and The Princesses of Power and Amity Blight from The Owl House also change their hairstyles to serve their character development, whether that be accepting their own sexuality and leaving behind oppressive familial structures or welcoming those who once pushed you away and putting aside a toxic life of villainy. Once again, these are all female characters confronting a heteronormative society and fighting back against it, even if said worlds are fantastical in nature and far more eccentric than our own. If done right, characters can still be grounded and relatable, as their struggles become ones we can sympathise with. It’s beautiful, so perhaps there’s a reason this tried-and-true trope has so much staying power in modern media.
If Zelda goes back to 2D, it stands alongside the indie scene. It showcases that these older takes shouldn’t be abandoned due to their age. Many other games are doing this already, but none have the clout of Zelda. Going back to 2D with its next main entry – not a remake, remaster, or spin-off – would set a major precedent: not every new triple-A title needs to splash out to make a big blockbuster. It could be a hybrid like Octopath Traveler with its 2D sprites on top of its paper-like background, or it could go the full mile and be completely 2D. Whatever it does, going back would be refreshing for gaming and it could pave the way for other studios to do similar things with their own catal
It’s heartbreaking, with Zelda’s increased trepidation as she marches towards oblivion reflected in her distrust of Link, an aura of royal pretentiousness that inevitably morphs into fondness over time. Link begins his journey as a knight tasked with watching over the princess, but eventually becomes a close friend she can confide in when everything seems lost. It’s powerful, and the fact something this emotionally resonant is told through the medium of discordant flashbacks is quite an accomplishment.
