Summary
Shinji Mikamiis one of the most legendary names in the video game community. His work on theResident Evilseries was truly revolutionary for the time,introducing people to the survival horror genreand how immersive a video game could be in the right hands. His CV is legendary, working in major roles on some of the biggest and most beloved titles in gaming history.
Even after leaving Capcom, Shinji Mikami hasn’t looked back and continues to churn out a wealth of engaging video game titles that fans just can’t get enough of. He’s worked as a director on many amazing titles that fans still adore to this day. Some of these games are so beloved by their masses that their seemingly unimpressive Metascore ratings do nothing to show off just how engaging the titles are when fans get to experience them firsthand.
God Handis a game that was criticized by many major publications for being too hard and weird to get into. These descriptors are pretty apt to show off whatGod Handis all about, but in no way should they be painted in a negative light at all. If anything, it’s the unique nature ofGod Handthat makes it such a fun title for people to mess around with.
The combat inGod Handis one of the best parts of the experience, with players feeling rather lost early on when this system slaps them in the face and punishes them if they’re not up-to-date with Gene’s moveset. However, once everything falls into place, the sheer ecstasy of schooling a boss that has caused a game over multiple times is a thrill that not many titles can replicate.
TheResident Evilengine certainly had a lot of promise back when it was fresh and engaging, so it was only natural for Capcom to use it for other titles with similar gameplay loops. One such title wasDino Crisis, which had Shinji Mikami at the helm of things. Unlike the measured approach to combat in previous games,Dino Crisisis very much focused on action.
Of course, the game still has the ability to terrify the player at times, withthe imposing threat of the T-rexbeing a great example. It’s easy to see why so many people wantDino Crisisto get the remake treatment since it would be a dream come true for most fans of this underappreciated action-horror series that fizzled out after a poor third installment.
PlatinumGames are known for creating some of the best action-packed experiences in gaming. They’re also known for being wildly inconsistent at times, releasing a truly horrid game right after they’ve released Game of the Year contenders. So, whenVanquishwas announced, most fans had no idea what to expect.
WhileVanquishwasn’t a system seller per se, the focus on stylistic shooting action set it apart as one of the best third-person shooters fans can check out. A focus on fast-paced action and beat-em-up elements helped this short but satisfying experience stand out as one of PlatinumGames' best efforts, and it’s only natural that Shinji Mikami’s guidance helped this game achieve such an amazing level of technical excellence.
The originalResident Evilis a marvelous title, showing what video games can achieve with clear-cut direction. This intense experience has gone down in history asone of the greatest video games ever made, sparking the interest in survival horror titles and letting players enjoy a masterfully crafted experience with threats at every corner.
Sure, the remake may be the best way to enjoy this title now, but there’s something about the charm of the original game that is still endearing to this day. Everything from the tank controls to the hammy voice acting feels completely at home and serves as definitive proof of the fact that the originalResident Evilis one of the most influential and amazing video games ever made.
It takes something really special for a franchise to define an entire genre not just once, but twice.The originalResident Evil 4is a game that served as a bedrock for other third-person shooters to build off of, with the gameplay and narrative being a treat for fans of the series who were excited to witness this new direction.
The fact that some hardcore fans consider the immaculately designed remake to be inferior to the original’s charm is a testament to how revolutionary this game really was. Even the reviled Ashley escort missions end up being an unforgettable part of an experience that has continued to stand strong as one of the greatest video games ever made and is Mikami’s best work.
