Resident Evilisa series that has successfully reinvented itselfmultiple times. One of those reinventions happened for RE7, when the series went first-person. Since then, there has been another first-person title in Village and several third-person remakes. So, the series hasn’t fully ditched the old camera view yet.

Fans are divided on whether the series should fully return to the classic viewpoint or stick with first-person. After all, both camera views have proven they can work with the series. However, third-person is slightly better, and here are the reasons why.

Chris and Sheva in a ruined village in Resident Evil 5.

8Feels More Like The Character Is Involved

One of the purposes of a first-person camera view is that it puts you in the shoes of the character and makes you feel more like them. Yet, in the process, it can sometimes make the character you’re controlling feel more like an empty vessel that you fill.

This is a shame in the Resident Evil series because it contains a bunch of charming and likable main characters, such as Chris, Jill, Leon, and Claire. You want them to feel like a major part of the narrative, and it does when the game is in third-person.

Leon parries Doctor Salvador’s chainsaw attack using only his combat knife in Resident Evil 4 Remake.

7Capcom Are Better At Designing Third-Person Combat

One aspect of the first-person Resident Evil games that doesn’t generally measure up to the third-person ones is the combat. Many non-Resident Evil first-person games have exceptional combat, but fighting in RE7 and Village can be clunky at times. Capcom seems much better at designing third-person gunplay and melee combat.

This is shown in several of the recent Resident Evil remakes, as battling monsters is incredibly satisfying in those games. This may be explained by several ofCapcom’s best gamesalso being third-person, so the studio has more experience designing this type of combat.

Leon in his Pinstripe outfit in Resident Evil 4.

6Allows For Unlockable Costumes

Since you can’t see the character when playing in first-person, there is no need for unlockable costumes. However, additional outfits for the main characters have been a staple of the series for many years.

We’ve seen Claire wear a motorcycle outfit, Jill cosplay as Regina from Dino Crisis, Leon don a pinstriped suit, and more. Dressing up your characters in unique and, sometimes, humorous outfits can be a fun way to mix things up, particularly on additional playthroughs after you’ve already beaten the game.

Claire Redfield confronting Mr. X in a dark crumbling building in Resident Evil 2 remake.

5Third-Person Games Can Still Be Scary

One argument in favor of first-person RE games is that they’re scarier. This makes sense, as you’re naturally more immersed in what’s happening, and being unable to see what’s around you makes you more unsettled.

Yet, it isn’t like third-person games can’t be scary. 2019’s Resident Evil 2 Remake proved that. After all, the camera view didn’t make being stalked by Mr. X any less terrifying. So, it isn’t like being third-person means a game has to be more action-oriented.

Ashley opening a passage behind a grandfather clock in Resident Evil 4 Remake.

4Character Swap Segments Have More Impact

Capcom loves a character swap sequence in Resident Evil games. These are the moments where you switch from playing as the main protagonist to controlling a side character for a bit. For example, where you play as Ashley in RE4 or Sherry in RE2.

These segments generally work better in third-person because of your ability to see your character. It serves as a constant reminder that you’re playing as someone else, which makes these sequences feel unique.

The pedestal guarding the apostate’s head in Resident Evil 4 Remake, with the correct buttons pressed.

3Better For Exploration And Puzzles

Resident Evil isn’t only about fighting and being scared. Puzzles are a huge part of the experience. In fact, some of the RE games are considered among thebest horror puzzle titles ever. Many of the puzzles in these games involve you looking around for gems, keys, emblems, or other such items. So, exploration is vital in these titles, too.

Both puzzle-solving and exploration are better in the third-person. The reason for this is simply because of your increased field of view. It’s easy to see everything around you and the possible places where important items are hiding.

Resident Evil 2 Remake ending with Claire, Sherry, and Leon walking together.

2Characters Can Have Visible Wear And Tear

Something that isn’t always in Resident Evil games but prominently features in the RE2 remake is character wear and tear. By the end of RE2, Leon and Claire are covered in dirt and scrapes. Leon is even all bandaged up. This really helps sell the punishing adventure that they’ve both just been on.

This only works in third-person games because, in first-person, you can’t see the character. This is likely why most of the damage done to Ethan during the first-person games is directed at his hands, as you can actually see them.

Leon aiming his gun at a chainsaw-wielding man from Resident Evil 4.

1More In Line With The Roots Of The Series

While the first few Resident Evil games weren’t technically third-person, the fixed camera angles are much closer to that camera view than they are to first-person. Several pure third-person titles then followed them in RE4, RE5, RE6, and the Revelations games.

So, Resident Evil had been an established third-person horror series for a long time before the first-person games came along. Therefore, while the games with the new viewpoint are good, they don’t always feel like Resident Evil. It sometimes feels like you’re playing a completely different horror series.