Jawmuncher
Member
An interesting look at just how much the RE series has been ported throughout the years. While the list by Stacie Ponder might draw some argument due to it's inclusion of systems like Zeebo, Game.com, and the Tiger 99x. Or counting PS1 classics as a port (Since they're playable on PS3, PSP, & Vita). I'd argue their all fair game.
Now that we're past that I find it fascinating to see the series as a whole has had so many ports. Capcom is quite consistent and one of the crazy things is that despite all of the numerous ports all of the games always sell. RE fans in general seem to be really big on the series and sure don't mind buying a slightly fancier version for a fair price to experience these games again. Even titles with backlash such as RE6 push sales with their later ports. So the RE name definitely carries some weight with it. You can see an old total sales thread here. Ports are definitely a big factor into the series total of 78 million in sales.
I will say though that I feel ports for the series are starting to come to an end. At least in the sense that capcom will need to start putting more work into getting people to eat these games up again. RE4 for example is the most ported game in the series. Between the PS4,X1, and PC version there's really no reason to buy the game again in the future as is. Sure they could add a platinum trophy to the PS4 version. But outside the interest in a portable version of RE4 on switch, that game in particular would need something like the RE4 HD Textures Mod to entice people to buy the game again. Since as of late the ports have been happening far more frequently.
On the other hand, now would be the best time to start looking at the games with little ports or have never been ported. Updated rereleases of the classic titles in the vein of FF7/FFIX on PS4/PC and other systems would be an easy way to reintroduce more people into the more survival horror roots of the franchise while offering an option that doesn't consist of getting a older PS family device or tracking down old copies. In addition to that ports of Outbreak and Mercenaries in particular would be nice to see. Since a lot of people seem to have missed those titles or never experienced them in their best form (Outbreak with Online play). With capcom being so port happy and this being their largest series. They might as well start digging into the vaults of the series, is the way I look at it.
Lastly if Revelations 2 and Revelations 1 does well on Switch. I have no doubt that capcom will be making that an RE port machine as well. Much like we saw with the RE series on GC. Seems like an easy market to tap into with the portability side of things offering up a new experience in a sense. Which is enough to entice some people even if all the content in the game is the same.
Her comments on all of these ports are well worth checking out
Article - https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-games-ranked-by-number-of-ports-1818851198
