With the franchise originating all the way back in 1996, Resident Evil has changed dramatically in its over-two-decade long run as a major video game staple. The series has shifted between various different gameplay styles through its array of sequels and spin-offs, including light gun games, multiplayer squad-based shooters, and, most recently, a fresh, first-person perspective through Resident Evil 7.
One modder questioned what the aforementioned seventh entry would've looked like if Capcom had taken it in a very different direction, with YouTuber Enveloping Sounds posting a video showcasing a modded version of Resident Evil 7 that uses fixed camera angles. The result is an interesting blend of the series modern and retro styles, as Ethan Winters explores the Baker family's home through a third-person perspective.
The video begins after Ethan and Jack Baker's conflict in the early portion of the game, with the protagonist standing in the dining room he first meets the deranged family in. After showcasing the animation of Winters equipping a gun, Enveloping Sounds moves the character into the kitchen area, highlighting the fixed camera moving from one area to the next. It all works identically to the original slate of Resident Evil games, even down to the somewhat awkward tank control animations Ethan employs while exploring the house's eerie interiors.
As for how the modder managed to achieve this fun callback to the series roots, they cite using two tools from Nexus Mods to help them bring it to life. The first is the free cam tool by users Cheezeit and Goldedtoad, while the other is Ethan with Head by AlphaZomega and ZombieAli. Combining the two mods helped Enveloping Sounds assemble the look of their incredible modded version of the game. Enveloping Sounds actually did something very similar back when Resident Evil 2 launched in early 2019, showcasing how that game would look with the original fixed camera perspective.
In other Resident Evil news, Capcom recently held a significant new broadcast to talk all things Resident Evil 8. The game will be coming to consoles and PC on May 7, this time focusing on Ethan Winters battling vampires, werewolves, and a seemingly evil Chris Redfield as he searches for his missing daughter. Gameplay from the event hinted that it could be more combat-focused than its 2017 predecessor, with Ethan going toe-to-toe with giant monsters and battling legions of sword-wielding zombies. Regardless, the game is shaping up to be an interesting evolution of Resident Evil 7's first-person focused gameplay, with it taking a lot of influence from Resident Evil 4.
Resident Evil 7 is out now on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Source: Nexus Mods - Free Cam Tool, Nexus Mods - Ethan W/ Head