It seems safe to say that anticipation is at an all time high for the likely forthcoming Resident Evil 3 Remake after cover art for it leaked online, yet what differentiates it from Resident Evil 2 Remake hype is that the latter has already released. Capcom's remake of Resident Evil 2 garnered universal acclaim following its release, and it has even been nominated for Game of the Year at this year's Game Awards ceremony. May believe that the RE3 Remake will be able to hit the same success, which could open doors for other developers to remake even more classic horror games with updated graphics and mechanics. Perhaps one of the most deserve is Square's Parasite Eve.
For those unaware, Parasite Eve first released in 1998 as an action role-play survival horror game for the PS1. It follows NYC police officer Aya Brea as she attempts to stop the Eve, an entity attempting to destroy the human race through spontaneous combustion. When it launched, it received tons of praise for its graphics of the time and gameplay, but was considered too linear. It would go on to have two sequels: Parasite Eve 2 in 1999 and The 3rd Birthday in 2010.
As players explored Manhattan in the original Parasite Eve, there was a chance of random encounters in certain hotspots, which created a real-time combat system with an active time bar in that location. Players could choose to move, attack, use Parasite Energy, use items, change equipment, or attempt to escape. Its RPG elements included modifiable weapons, experience points, and a standard level-up system. As such, not only could a remake of this be compared to Capcom's Resident Evil Remakes, but it also makes sense in terms of Square Enix's Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
The scare factor of Parasite Eve could be explored, bringing the general horror of the game up a few notches. Many consider Parasite Eve to be creepy, but not necessarily scary in the way some expect, save special scenes like the mutating dog and the two big spontaneous combustion scenes. And while many were worried of the POV change for Resident Evil 2 at first, giving Parasite Eve the same over-the-shoulder camera angle would only add more to this. Given more up-to-date combat, more emphasized yet dark tones, and updated graphics, its horror elements could all easily change for the better.
The weapon upgrades could take on a similar role to Resident Evil 2 but also emphasize ammo conversation and survival mechanics over general RPG choice. Instead of a plethora of weapons to be found over the map, cutting those back and better emphasizing the seriousness of combat and the need to conserve would do much to elevate its horror elements. That said, there's no reason that the RPG elements couldn't be touched up a la Final Fantasy 7 Remake either.
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake is taking the traditional combat and modernizing it, with action being emphasized as well as the RPG elements. This combination of tactical approach yet active combat could do much for Parasite Eve as well, making the game a joy on modern consoles. And, if nothing else, this proves that Square Enix is capable of such a remake, even if the genres are slightly different.
Like both the Resident Evil 2 Remake and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, it could also add more to the story, emphasizing more character development, more location, and offering more explanation to the events of the game. After all, even if it had RE-like horror elements and FF7-like RPG elements, the heart that would determine the game's overall success and replayability is its story. And it wouldn't even have to change that much, but with a few additions here and there, it'd make fans of the classic appreciate the original and the remake all the more.
Of course, the big question is not how the Parasite Eve remake would look, but if it's even possible as a project. For this, there have been teases over the past few years, with one of the first being a hint at Brea in the FF7 Remake E3 2015 trailer. Yet very little from this manifested until E3 2019 season began.
Prior to E3 2019, Square Enix filed a new trademark for Parasite Eve, leading to speculation that the game would be revealed at the annual showcase. That didn't prove to be the case, and while there is still hope that the game gets a remake, a trademark does little to guarantee anything. For now, fans of the franchise seeking its return will just have to wait and see if Square Enix has anything cooking, but chances are, even if it does, it'll likely release quite some time after each part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
There is no known Parasite Eve remake in development.