TOKYO: Per the NeoGAF forum, Capcom recently updated its Japanese website with some new screenshots of the PlayStation 4 screen theme that comes with a pre-order of the Biohazard Remaster HD. A game icon for Biohazard Zero, aka Resident Evil Zero, wasnoticeable on the screenshots. Of course, this led to speculation that Capcom could be working on an HD remaster version of Resident Evil Zero for release after the Resident Evil HD REmake. Ultimately, it is probably a good move for Capcom to provide HD remasters or remakes of its Resident Evil library. However, I would prefer different installments of the franchise to get the remake nod over Resident Evil Zero.
Resident Evil Zero was originally released on the Nintendo Gamecube in 2002. The story was a prequel to the events of the storyline of the original Resident Evil game. The plot followed STARS Bravo Team member Rebecca Chambers and ex-marine Billy Coen. On some level, I can see why Capcom would possibly consider Resident Evil Zero to get the high definition remaster treatment for the new generation of consoles. Keep in mind that the upcoming Resident Evil HD REmake is not a complete and total remake of the original game. It is an update of the actual remake that was released on the Nintendo Gamecube back in 2002. That was really the true remake. The new version has 1080p visuals, upgraded textures, remastered 5.1 surround sound and additional options for the analog controls and the new aspect ratio, but it is not a complete remake of that game with new graphic, designs, etc. In that sense, it would probably be easier to simply provide a similar treatment for a game like Resident Evil Zero. It would probably be easier to perform a high definition remastering treatment for Resident Evil Zero than for other installments of the Resident Evil franchise.
However, Resident Evil Zero seems like an odd choice because it is not one of the high watermarks of the franchise. Capcom should focus on HD remake versions of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Those two games were among the best of the franchises and are overdue for HD upgrades. Perhaps they would require a lot more work than the upcoming Resident Evil HD REmake, but the hard work would be worth it. HD remakes or updates of the most classic editions of the franchise would be a great way to introduce new players to the franchise and bring back fans who have been jaded by the execution of Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6.
On the other hand, to be perfectly fair, Capcom has not confirmed any news or announcement regarding a high definition update or re-release of Resident Evil Zero. All the hearsay is merely speculation, based on some screenshots of a PlayStation 4 home screen theme. Perhaps Capcom is weighing its options on where to go next with updates of the franchise. However, even if Capcom does go in the direction of Resident Evil Zero, one hopes that remakes or HD updates of Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil: Code Veronica might happen down the line.
