WhenResident Evil 2hit the shelves in 1998, it set the tone for what horror games could accomplish. Now, 27 years later,Resident Evil Requiemcontinues to build on the OG titles’ legacy.RE Requiemtakes a fascinating approach: looking back to a devastated Raccoon City in order to push the franchise forward. Thanks to this narrative choice, many long-timeResident Evilfans are looking toward nostalgia as a refuge, and anticipating how the new installment will reshape and mold the story so far.
AsResident Evil Requiemlooks back, it’s expected that developer Capcom may take major inspiration from its earlier titles now that theWinter family’s storymay be completely resolved. However, more than its ambience, story beats, or even returning characters, there’s one way thatResident Evil Requiemcan honor the past while allowing fans to relish in their enthusiasm for nostalgia. And if this potential feature gets added to the game, it could elevate the latestResident Evilexperience to even creepier heights. IfResident Evil Requiemwants to recapture the scares of the classic entries in the series, then an optional CRTV filter could be just what the game needs.
The Case for Resident Evil Requiem to Have a CRTV Filter
It defined the look for early horror games, shaping an aesthetic that stuck with fans whenanalog horror emerged as a subgenrethat swept the internet by storm. The cathode ray tube (CRT) TV has a distinct look that influenced how viewers and players consumed digital media in the 20th century. And for video games, developers had to embrace the pixelated limitations of CRTV to their advantage—resulting in an absolutely nostalgic aesthetic to some players, and the product of nightmares for gamers who experienced the early days of video game horror.
The Viral Resident Evil 2 Image that Helps the Case
TheResident Evil fandom knows firsthand what nostalgic horror can look like, and they know that CRTV images evoke a certain terror that cannot be recaptured with modern monitors and video game graphics. AlthoughRequiemhas a unique visual identityalready, it can also please everyone with a crowd-pleasing tribute to CRT.
A viral Resident Evil 2 imagethat was shared on social media showcased exactly how much a CRT filter can impact the player experience. The first image appeared on a modern monitor and looked pixelated, making Claire Redfield’s face difficult to see clearly. The second one, which likely stemmed from a CRT TV emulator or monitor, looked significantly better, as all the objects and Claire’s face were easier to visualize.
IfResident Evil Requiemis so keen on looking back, it should unequivocally embrace every aspect of its predecessors. This embrace should include granting players the ability to choose how much of a throwback they want their horror journeys to be.
The Impact of CRTV on The Modern Horror Landscape
Players are inherently attracted to what can make a horror game more eerie. From lore theory dives to mods, for true horror enthusiasts, there can never be too much of a spooky thing. And even for modern titles, players will lean into the discomfort of what should be a fond memory of early gaming rather than the comfort of the modern and smooth. The appeal of retro gaming setups lies in their ability to rekindle memories and feelings associated with past experiences. For many players, the grainy graphics and distinctive sound that come from playing on older screens create an immersive atmosphere that modern technology simply lacks. In this age of high-definition gaming, going back is a luxury and a treat. Those committed to the experience may even go out of their way to fetch aCRTV for retro gamingpurposes—so the loyalty toward the nostalgic is no joke. However, that much effort shouldn’t be necessary.
Players Committed to the CRTV Experience with Silent Hill 2, So They Will Commit Again with Resident Evil Requiem
In recent gaming history, people still use whatever is within their reach to enhance their horror titles, which was shown when a player’s Reddit post went viral after theyrecreated a nostalgic setup forSilent Hill 2by using a CRTV. So if both modern and retro horror fans are flocking to encapsulate their gaming experience in nostalgic forms,Resident Evil Requiemshould definitely take notes.
Whether the originalResident Evil 2or a more modern game likeSilent Hill 2, gamers will go out of their way to add a filter or grainier optics just for that eerie feel. Therefore, Capcom should consider having an option in-game that would elevate theRequiemexperience across the board—removing the need for players to have to scratch this itch themselves.
WHERE TO PLAY
Requiem for the dead. Nightmare for the living.
Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth title in the mainline Resident Evil series.
Prepare to escape death in a heart-stopping experience that will chill you to your core.
Technological advancements combined with the development team’s depth of experience combine in a story with rich characters and gameplay that’s more immersive than ever before.
