Capcom's latest horror installment, "Resident Evil Requiem," dropped worldwide last weekend, and it's been racking up solid reviews from critics and players alike, praised for its signature gloomy vibe and intense scares. However, while most regions got the full, unedited experience, the Japanese version has ignited a fiery debate on social media due to its heavy-handed censorship.
This new entry seriously cranks up the gore and violence, with blood splatters and dismembered limbs being a common sight during combat. While the "Resident Evil" series has always been known for its mature content, "Requiem" definitely pushes the visual envelope even further.
Apparently, that push was a bit too much for Japan's censorship standards. Players are reporting that the Japanese version, regardless of platform, frequently slaps large black boxes over specific scenes deemed too bloody or gruesome.
Given the game's frequent violent encounters, these black censorship blocks pop up repeatedly during crucial battles and story moments. Japanese players have taken to social media to vent their frustration, calling the approach a major immersion killer. Some complained that "the black squares appear so often it's distracting," while others felt this method was "even more jarring than simply cutting scenes."
In the past, "Resident Evil" titles in Japan typically handled sensitive content by adjusting blood color, altering camera angles, or removing specific animations. This new, overt black-box approach has left many players feeling uneasy. While the blackouts do preserve the original pacing and prevent entire plot segments from being cut, many argue that the visual interference is too strong, ultimately diluting the horror atmosphere.
As of now, Capcom hasn't issued any statements regarding potential adjustments to the Japanese version's censorship. For local players, it's a case of playing the game as is. This controversy once again highlights the disparities in censorship standards across different regions. As discussions around "Requiem" continue to heat up, it remains to be seen if Capcom will address the Japanese version's censorship issues.
via： IGN