Returning To Survival Horror – Shinji Mikami’s ‘Zwei’
Shinji Mikami is best known for his work with the survival horror series Resident Evil. These games first appeared back in the late 90’s and have made steady progress all the way to the present. The latest title in the Resident Evil saga is Resident Evil 6, which is coming out later this year. Not too long ago Mikami left the Resident Evil project, and began working on something totally new. After a while of silence, we now know what he’s been up to.
Mikami has been working on a project he calls “Zwei,” which is being developed by Tango Gameworks. The news came by way of Famitsu, whom Mikami spoke with not too long ago. As if that’s not news enough, Bethesda is on-board to publish the game, which automatically makes it awesome. According to them, Mikami’s new project will be “the realization of *pure* survival horror.” If anyone can make this statement true, it’s Mikami.
According to Mikami, true survival horror is a situation “in which the player confronts and overcomes fear,” and I think that’s a fitting definition. Survival horror isn’t just about bashing zombies in the head with things, unloading machine gun clips into some ghoulish creature, or tossing grenades down the maw of a giant monster. Survival horror is about being truly immersed in fear, with every aspect of the environment/world playing into that.
In explanation of the announcement, Mikami stated, “I’ve found my focus and once again I’m striving for pure survival horror. I am being very hands-on in the development of this game to ensure that the quality is there. Rest assured.” I am glad that Mikami is back in the scene, and working hard on something he’s passionate about. The Resident Evil games have had a big impact on me, and still remain one of my most favorite video game series of all time. I’m anxious to see what Zwei turns into, and with Bethesda backing the project, it’s got to be mind-blowing. You can see the first piece of the game’s concept art above.
