Summary: Itchy, Tasty: An Unofficial History of Resident Evil by Alex Aniel

Get Your Free Book Itchy, Tasty: An Unofficial History of Resident Evil Here

Itchy, Tasty: An Unofficial History of Resident Evil by Alex Aniel

Itchy, Tasty: An Unofficial History of Resident Evil by Alex Aniel is a must-read for fans of the iconic video game franchise Resident Evil. This comprehensive book delves deep into the history and development of one of the most influential survival horror series in gaming history. Spanning the franchise's origins in the 1990s to its evolution into a multimedia juggernaut, Itchy, Tasty offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes, challenges, and triumphs that shaped Resident Evil into the cultural phenomenon it is today.

In this blog post, we'll explore the key sections of the book, discuss the insights it provides into the development of the Resident Evil games, and highlight some of the fascinating stories and anecdotes that make Itchy, Tasty a compelling read for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

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The Origins of Resident Evil: From Concept to Classic

The story of Resident Evil begins in the early 1990s at Capcom, a Japanese video game developer known for popular titles such as Street Fighter and Mega Man. The idea for what would eventually become Resident Evil was conceived by Shinji Mikami and Tokuro Fujiwara, who were inspired by earlier horror games like Sweet Home and Western horror films like Night of the Living Dead. Their goal was to create a game that combined the tense atmosphere of a horror movie with the interactive experience of a video game.

Initially, Resident Evil was envisioned as a 3D remake of Sweet Home, but the project quickly evolved into something much more ambitious. The development team faced numerous challenges, including technical limitations of the PlayStation hardware and the need to innovate within the survival horror genre. However, through creative problem-solving and a commitment to their vision, the team was able to overcome these obstacles.

When Resident Evil was released in 1996, it quickly became a massive success, redefining the survival horror genre and establishing many of the conventions that would become staples of the series. The game’s mix of atmospheric tension, limited resources, and puzzle-solving gameplay captivated players, while its use of pre-rendered backgrounds and fixed camera angles created a uniquely cinematic experience.

Itchy, Tasty delves into the development of the original Resident Evil, offering insights into the creative decisions that shaped the game. Aniel explores the influence of Western horror films, the challenges of working within the technical constraints of the time, and the collaborative efforts of the team that brought the game to life.

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The Evolution of the Series: From Resident Evil 2 to Resident Evil 4

Following the success of the original game, Capcom quickly greenlit a sequel, and the development of Resident Evil 2 began. This section of Itchy, Tasty explores how the series evolved with its second installment, which introduced new characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as well as new gameplay elements that expanded on the original formula.

The development of Resident Evil 2 was not without its challenges. Aniel provides a detailed account of the infamous “Resident Evil 1.5,” the scrapped version of the game that was almost completed before the team decided to start over from scratch. This decision, though risky, ultimately paid off, as Resident Evil 2 became a critical and commercial success, solidifying the franchise’s place in gaming history.

The book also covers the development of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and the series’ move into the next generation of consoles with Resident Evil Code: Veronica. These games continued to build on the foundation laid by the first two titles, introducing new gameplay mechanics, characters, and storylines that deepened the lore of the Resident Evil universe.

One of the most significant moments in the series’ history was the development of Resident Evil 4. Originally conceived as a return to the series’ roots, the project underwent numerous revisions before becoming the groundbreaking action-oriented game that would redefine the franchise. Itchy, Tasty provides an in-depth look at the creative process behind Resident Evil 4, from the early iterations that were scrapped to the final version that would go on to become one of the most acclaimed games of all time.

This section of the book highlights the evolution of Resident Evil from its survival horror origins to a more action-focused experience, while still retaining the core elements that made the series unique. Aniel explores how the series’ shift in tone and gameplay was received by fans and critics, and how it influenced the direction of future installments.

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The Franchise Expands: Movies, Merchandising, and Spin-Offs

As Resident Evil grew in popularity, the franchise expanded beyond video games into other forms of media. Itchy, Tasty covers the development of the Resident Evil movies, beginning with Paul W.S. Anderson’s 2002 film adaptation. While the movies received mixed reviews from critics, they were commercially successful and introduced the franchise to a wider audience.

Aniel explores the impact of the Resident Evil films on the franchise, noting how they helped to solidify the brand’s global appeal while also diverging from the storylines and characters established in the games. The book also discusses the various animated films, novels, and comic books that further expanded the Resident Evil universe, each contributing to the series’ rich lore in different ways.

Merchandising also played a significant role in the franchise’s growth. From action figures to board games, Resident Evil became a brand that extended far beyond its origins as a video game series. Itchy, Tasty delves into the business side of the franchise, exploring how Capcom capitalized on the success of the games to create a multimedia empire.

Additionally, the book covers the various spin-off games that were released alongside the main series. Titles like Resident Evil: Outbreak, Resident Evil: Revelations, and the controversial Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City are discussed in detail, highlighting how the franchise experimented with different genres and gameplay styles while still staying true to its horror roots.

This section of Itchy, Tasty provides a comprehensive overview of how Resident Evil became a global phenomenon, influencing not just the gaming industry but also popular culture as a whole.

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The Modern Era: Resident Evil 7 and Beyond

The final section of Itchy, Tasty focuses on the modern era of the Resident Evil franchise, beginning with the release of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in 2017. After the action-heavy direction of the previous entries, Resident Evil 7 marked a return to the series’ survival horror roots, with a focus on atmospheric tension, exploration, and resource management.

Aniel explores the development of Resident Evil 7, including the decision to switch to a first-person perspective and the influence of contemporary horror games like P.T. and Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The book also discusses how Resident Evil 7 revitalized the franchise, earning critical acclaim and bringing the series back to its horror roots.

The book concludes with a look at the recent Resident Evil remakes, particularly the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 2 remake released in 2019. Aniel discusses how these remakes have been received by both new players and longtime fans, and how they represent a bridge between the series’ past and its future.

Itchy, Tasty also touches on the future of the Resident Evil franchise, including the upcoming Resident Evil 8: Village and other projects that continue to expand the series’ reach. Aniel offers insights into how the franchise has evolved over the years and what the future might hold for one of the most enduring and influential horror series in gaming history.

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Conclusion: A Must-Read for Resident Evil Fans

Itchy, Tasty: An Unofficial History of Resident Evil by Alex Aniel is a meticulously researched and engagingly written account of the Resident Evil franchise. From its humble beginnings at Capcom to its rise as a global multimedia phenomenon, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the series’ history, development, and impact on popular culture.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Resident Evil or new to the series, Itchy, Tasty offers valuable insights into the creative processes, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped the franchise over the years. With its detailed analysis, fascinating anecdotes, and deep dive into the world of Resident Evil, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of one of gaming’s most iconic series.