Developer and publisher Capcom reinvented the horror genre back in 1996 with the release of the original Resident Evil, and the series has since grew into not only one of the biggest Capcom series, but it has perhaps evolved and mutated into the most influential and recognizable video game franchises in the world. The Resident Evil franchise has spawned over twenty different main entries and spin-off video games combined, six major film releases, novels, comic books and plenty of other novelty items in the United States alone. It's influences are heavily rooted in gaming culture of today, most prominently, in the horror genre of gaming. So, it is without a doubt that Capcom's Resident Evil 6 is easily among the top releases of the year.
Resident Evil 6 will continue to expand the Resident Evil universe by providing players with three unique storylines that will come together to create one amazing game. Partners Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Helena Harper will team up in the game's more classical survival horror adventure, as they attempt to escape a zombie infested Tall Oaks that will bring back fond memories of Raccoon City for gamers. Resident Evil veteran Chris Redfield teams up with fellow BSAA member Piers Nivans in the more action-oriented campaign, as they battle their way through Lanshiang, China. In the same game, players will control Jake Muller (son of Albert Wesker) and Sherry Birkin in a whole new look campaign for the Resident Evil franchise.
We were recently able to secure an interview with the producer of Resident Evil 6 Yoshiaki Hirabayashi to discuss the highly anticipated sequel where we talked about, among other things, why Sherry Birkin was brought back for the new game, what we can expect from the game's new zombies and why the game features an overhauled control scheme.
AMANDA DYAR: In Resident Evil 6, Capcom will be bringing back the highly controversial, cooperative gameplay mechanic. Why is the team so dedicated to the idea of cooperative play, and why do you feel some fans are so reluctant to accept this style of play?
YOSHIAKI HIRABAYASHI: The reluctance of many fans seems to be less about cooperative gameplay itself and more about concerns regarding its suitability as part of the Resident Evil franchise. Like our fans, we want Resident Evil to remain a horror series at its roots, and I want to reassure them that we’re working hard to implement co-op in a way that complements the horrific nature of the game. I personally love co-op, and I think there are a lot of players out there who love it too, so they will have lots to look forward to in Resident Evil 6.
AMANDA DYAR: Sherry Birkin--daughter of Umbrella scientists William and Annette--will make her return in Resident Evil 6. Can you tell us what Sherry has been up to since her adventure in Resident Evil 2 with Claire and Leon, and what made the team decide to bring her back for this newest installment in the series?
HIRABAYASHI: Sherry escaped Raccoon City with Claire and Leon after the events of Resident Evil 2 and was put in a government facility until the danger presented by the G-virus lurking inside her body had mitigated. After her release, she became an agent working under the orders of the President of the United States.
We really like Sherry as a character and wanted to see her all grown up and back in action, as I’m sure a lot of fans out there do too. Her presence is also a key element of the story we wanted to tell in Resident Evil 6 which sealed the deal.
AMANDA DYAR: In the newest trailer for Resident Evil 6, we get a glimpse at an epic showdown with series veterans Chris Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy, and while we've seen protagonists face off in games past, we've never really seen it without someone turning dark side or someone being brainwashed. What can you tell us about how the two heroes came to this disagreement in the first place, and is this altercation and difference of opinion going to be a huge part of the storyline going forward in the series?
HIRABAYASHI: I obviously don’t want to spoil the story behind the Chris and Leon showdown, so I’m afraid you’ll have to use your imagination until the game comes out! What I will tell you is that Chris and Leon are not the only protagonists whose stories cross over like this in the game. You will be able to see the same events from multiple perspectives, sometimes working with the other characters, and sometime facing off with them. The story threads weave together, making for a very exciting and involving experience.
AMANDA DYAR: One thing that is sure to please all fans in Resident Evil 6 is the return of zombies. Can you tell us what these new look zombies are all about and from where they originate?
HIRABAYASHI: It’s been great to see the positive reaction from fans on this one, and we ourselves are also very happy that zombies are back in Resident Evil. However, these are not the familiar T-virus zombies from previous games in the series. There is a mysterious new threat--the C-virus. The relationship between the C-virus and the new zombies is really cool, and I’m looking forward to seeing how you all react to them in the game!
AMANDA DYAR: Resident Evil 6 will feature a redesigned control scheme that will allow for more tactical maneuvers such as shooting while moving, sliding and rolling into cover and a powerful new melee attack which all sounds familiar to Capcom and Slant Six's gem Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City. What more can you tell us about the new controls, and what made the team decide upon this new control scheme?
HIRABAYASHI: The new control scheme is designed to be as smooth and seamless as possible. You can reload, change weapons and use herbs all without having to go into any menus. The intention is not to make the game all about action but rather to improve the gameplay and give players the freedom to focus on getting through the situation at hand intuitively rather than having to stop and think about how to control the character.
The new controls also give us the freedom to design new horror experiences that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible. For example, one time I was playing the game, and a zombie lunged for me, so I quickly dodged by leaping backwards, ending up on my back. I thought I was safe, when suddenly another zombie came out of nowhere and jumped on top of me as I lay there! I was so scared that I almost dropped the controller (laughs).
AMANDA DYAR: Mercenaries Mode has been announced for Resident Evil 6, and of course there will be the campaign. Will there be any other game modes or ways to play Resident Evil 6 similar to how Resident Evil 5 featured a downloadable Versus Mode?
HIRABAYASHI: In the Resident Evil franchise, we have always tried to provide a variety of fun experiences, and Resident Evil 6 is no different. That’s all I can say for now!
