Is Resident Evil Village Canon?
Resident Evil Village, the latest entry in the iconic Resident Evil series, has sparked a heated debate among fans: Is it considered canon within the franchise? This article delves into the intricacies of the series’ continuity and examines the evidence for and against Village being part of the official Resident Evil universe.
Understanding Canon in Resident Evil
To understand the significance of Resident Evil Village’s status as canon, it’s essential to grasp the concept of canon within the series. Canon refers to the officially recognized events, characters, and lore that are part of the main narrative. While the Resident Evil series has seen several spin-offs, prequels, and remakes, not all of these are considered canon. The main series, which includes Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, and Resident Evil Village, is the cornerstone of the franchise.
Arguments for Resident Evil Village Being Canon
Proponents of Resident Evil Village being canon point to several key factors:
1. Continuity: The game maintains the series’ signature survival-horror style and features many familiar elements, such as zombies, B.O.W.s (Biological Organic Weapons), and a dark, eerie atmosphere. This continuity suggests that Village is part of the main narrative.
2. Character Connections: The game introduces new characters, such as Ethan Winters and his adoptive daughter, Rose. However, it also ties these characters to the series’ existing lore, particularly through the appearance of Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, two iconic characters from previous games.
3. Setting: Resident Evil Village is set in the fictional town of Raccoon City, which has been a central location in the series. The game’s setting and the connections to Raccoon City’s history further support its claim to being part of the canon.
Arguments Against Resident Evil Village Being Canon
On the other hand, there are arguments against Resident Evil Village being considered canon:
1. Storyline: The game’s storyline diverges significantly from the established timeline of the series. For instance, the events of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 are not directly referenced, and the game’s narrative seems to take place in a parallel universe.
2. Character Development: While the game introduces new characters, it does so in a way that seems disconnected from the established characters. This lack of integration raises questions about whether Village is truly part of the main narrative.
3. Spin-off Status: Some fans argue that Resident Evil Village is a spin-off, similar to Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil 4, which were not considered part of the main series’ canon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether Resident Evil Village is considered canon within the franchise remains a matter of debate. While the game maintains many elements of the series and features connections to established characters and lore, its storyline and character development raise questions about its place in the official Resident Evil universe. Ultimately, the decision of whether Village is canon may come down to personal interpretation and the preferences of individual fans.
