The Resident Evil franchise has gone through its own mutation in terms of story and gameplay. Initially, it began as a straightforward zombie survival horror game. However, by its fourth game, the story had shifted, and the threats evolved into things more deadly than zombies. The franchise has introduced a host of engaging and interesting main characters, as well. However, none have been as enigmatic as Ethan Winters.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard introduced a lot of new elements for the franchise. Returning to survival horror, the game became a first-person experience where the hero was no longer an action star. Instead, the player was a normal guy trapped in an abnormal situation. In the game, Ethan's baptism by fire was far from painless. He experienced mental and physical trauma that any other person would have issues overcoming. The end of the game saw Ethan and his wife in relative safety and raised more questions than answers.

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With the Resident Evil franchise, its story is carried on the backs of iconic characters like Chris & Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine and Leon S. Kennedy. With Resident Evil Village, the decision to continue Ethan's story came as a bit of a surprise to certain fans. The idea of going back to a character who many still knew nothing about came across as somewhat risky. Ethan went through a lot in his first game, and it looks like his suffering is far from over.

However, the decision to bring Ethan back wasn't made without thought. According to an interview with producer Peter Fabiano in Playstation Official Magazine, it was a group decision. When asked why Ethan is returning, Fabiono began by saying that planning for the new game was happening even while seven was being completed. He also added that the creators had grown attached to Ethan's character and wanted to continue his story into Village. In the grand scheme, continuing the story through his eyes makes the most sense.

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According to Fabiano, Resident Evil Village is considered among the team as the "....best survival horror game to date." Judging by the demo, there is potentially a lot of merit to that claim. The main antagonist alone, Lady Dimitrescu, has already amassed a huge amount of positive fan feedback. Fabiano also mentioned that this claim is made due partially to the transparency between all Resident Evil teams. By doing so, it ensures the vision of the game will remain intact. That strategy in the game industry typically brings the best results, as well.

Ethan Winters serves not only to create a much more personal Resident Evil experience, but he also gives an outside perspective of the universe. In many ways, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is no different than a normal person encountering terrible things within the universe. Ethan is a survivor, but through him, players get to experience characters like Chris Redfield and entities like the Umbrella Corporation from a different lens. It not only keeps the franchise fresh, but it also acts as a perfect starting point for new players.

There is something wholesome about Ethan's return to the franchise. Not only has fan response to the character been positive, but the developers have also grown attached to him. The Resident Evil franchise lives at the cutting edge of horror and continues to draw more and more fans in. Ethan may come across as an unassuming hero of the series, but that is only because his strength lies within himself and, in turn, the player. With Ethan's first-person journey, everything becomes more personal as now players aren't only protecting him, they're protecting themselves.

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