Is Code Veronica a Canon Resident Evil Game? Absolutely.
As a passionate Resident Evil fan and gaming commentator, I can definitively say that 2000‘s Resident Evil Code: Veronica is completely in canon. More than that, it‘s one of the most pivotal entries in the entire series.
The Story So Far…
Code Veronica continues the tale of Claire Redfield following the events of Resident Evil 2. Still searching for her missing brother Chris after escaping Raccoon City, Claire infiltrates an Umbrella Corporation facility in Paris. She is soon captured and detained on Rockfort Island. Of course, the island is suddenly attacked by bioweapons, allowing Claire to escape imprisonment. She valiantly fights through zombie hordes and hideous mutants in an effort to flee Rockfort with fellow survivor Steve Burnside. Their path crosses with twisted twins Alfred and Alexia Ashford along the way – the progenitors of the mysterious t-Veronica virus.
Why Code Veronica Matters
- It is the only Resident Evil title to feature series leads Chris and Claire Redfield together as they finally reunite. Their bond grounds the series.
- The new t-Veronica virus explained here is critical to the lore. It is the first virus mutation to retain intelligence in infected hosts.
- Albert Wesker also resurfaces here after his apparent death in the first Resident Evil. Code Veronica lays the foundation for his rise as the sagas‘s central antagonist leading up to Resident Evil 5.
- With characters like Steve Burnside and the chilling Ashford twins, Code Veronica has some of the most memorable heroes and villains in the franchise.
Simply put, Code Veronica advances the central story of bioterrorism and viral horrors more significantly than any other Resident Evil game of its era.
By The Numbers: Code Veronica‘s Impact
- 2.14 million units sold as of early 2022 according to Capcom data. Impressive for an early Dreamcast exclusive! [1]
- Maintains a 76% average critical score across over 65 reviews [2]
- Frequently tops lists as the #1 or #2 rated Dreamcast game of all-time [3]
- Claire herself won IGN‘s vote for favorite Resident Evil hero – beating both Chris and Leon! [4]
Key Review Scores
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Game Informer | 9.25 / 10 |
| GameSpot | 8.1 / 10 |
| IGN | 8.4 / 10 |
Given this legacy, there should be no doubt about Code Veronica‘s validity as essential Resident Evil canon.
The Case For (and Against) a Code Veronica Remake
Of the early Resident Evil chapters, Code Veronica is now the only core game yet to be remade. Resident Evil 2 got a gorgeous overhaul in 2019; Resident Evil 3 followed in 2020. What are the odds Capcom completes the trilogy by modernizing Code Veronica next? Let‘s investigate why it may – or may not – happen:
Why a Remake Makes Sense
- As an early Dreamcast game, Code Veronica‘s visuals and controls are quite dated now. A remake could modernize the graphics and gameplay.
- Certain sections feels unpolished or rushed. Capcom could expand the campaign length while adding cut content.
- More background on Alexia and Alfred‘s descent into madness would provide juicy additional context.
- Given how small Rockfort Island looks now, Capcom could drastically increase the scale to make it feel like a real island compound.
Potential Hurdles
- Code Veronica sold much less than RE2 or RE3, so Capcom may focus instead on remaking blockbusters like Resident Evil 4.
- They also may want to remake later, beloved games like Resident Evil: Code Veronica first.
- Does Claire warrant her own remake when she already starred in Resident Evil 2 Remake?
The Window For Release
If a Code Veronica X remake does get the green light, when might Capcom realistically release it? Here are my predictions:
- 2024 seems unlikely with RE4 Remake rumored for early 2023. Two major remakes back-to-back could saturate the market.
- 2026 is a possibility if RE4 launches in 2024. Three years would give some breathing room between remade titles.
- A 2028 launch maximizes anticipation while allowing newer games their spotlight first.
No matter when (or if) Code Veronica returns re-imagined, Claire‘s escapades on Rockfort Island fighting the Ashfords‘ viral nightmare will remain forever etched as canon lore in the Resident Evil mythology.
The Fan Wishlist For a Remake
Though not yet confirmed, a Code Veronica remake is high on many player wishlists. But what specific changes might fans hope to see whenever it arrives? As a Resident Evil expert, here are my top predictions:
Expanded Parts For…
- Claire – She barely intersected with Wesker in the original. Give her some more scenes confronting her brother‘s tormentor!
- Steve – Flesh out his backstory and make his romance with Claire more believable before his heroic sendoff.
- The Ashfords – Unpacking Alfred‘s unhinged jealousy of his sister would be fascinating.
More Island Content
- Outdoor wilderness – Traversing additional forest areas or marshlands between compounds would diversify the setting
- Extra buildings – At least 2-3 more interior locations to explore like laboratories or barracks
- New enemies – Additional mutated creatures unique to Rockfort island
Glorious Next-Gen Visuals
- Photorealistic graphics on par with Resident Evil 2 Remake
- A vibrant, sun-drenched Caribbean climate
- Fluid third-person movement and aiming controls
The Bottom Line…
The foundation is perfectly laid for Capcom to remake the Resident Evil adventure often undeservedly labeled a spin-off. Code Veronica X would wonderfully complete the re-imagining of the franchise’s early days. Given the story’s crucial role in birthing some of Resident Evil’s most iconic elements, a remake might not just be logical – it may be mandatory sooner than later!
