Capcom defends Resident Evil 5 controls with the ‘tension’ argument

Resident Evil 5‘s “new” control scheme (which really isn’t new) has been the subject of much criticism among gamers. In response to the complaints, Capcom has used the same argument I’ve been using, defending its design choices by saying that the restrictive gameplay heightens tension and makes for a more thrilling experience. 

“We went in knowing that we weren’t making a typical third or first person shooter; we were making a Resident Evil game,” explains producer Jun Takeuchi. “It was important for us to go with the design choices that would make the best Resident Evil game that we could. When it comes to Resident Evil, we feel that by imposing a restriction on the player you actually increase the tension that they feel while playing.

“Finding the balance between that and the player’s frustration is very important when approaching the design of a game like this. I think that by imposing certain restrictions on the player you actually help to heighten the fear and the tension, and, ultimately, you create a better horror game.”

I agree with what Capcom is doing with Resident Evil 5, as evidenced when I posed the question — what’s the bloody problem? Personally, I think it’s a great little mechanic that is unique to Resident Evil, and it certainly helps what is essentially a straight action game taste just a little more horror-flavored.