Ever since Capcom began making video games in the arcades and then transitioned into home console development, they have been responsible for a huge catalog of games, allspread across multiple types, even inventing their own genre with survival horror. Due to their investment in a variety of genres, they’ve also had great success in creating some of the industry’s best villains.
But while the likes of Albert Wesker, Vergil and M. Bison have dominated the pop culture landscape, other villains in their stable of baddies haven’t been so lucky. These villains can be held in just as high regard as Capcom’s more famous villains, but they are sadly doomed to either relative obscurity or being overshadowed by other villains within the same franchise.
Despite many years of fan requests and the company teasing a potential remake,Dino Crisisremainsone of Capcom’s most fantastic, yet undervalued properties. And one villain who would benefit from being put back into the spotlight is the human enemy of the first game, Dr. Edward Kirk.
This duplicitous doctor is one that begins somewhat innocently, as a scientist in the research facility that is overrun by dinosaurs. His turn from simple scientist to full-on villain is one ofDino Crisis' best moments, one that much like the series itself, remains unfortunately forgotten even in today’s survival horror crazed world.
Haunting Groundhas gone from being one of the PS2’s most obscure horror titles to one that gainedquite a cult following, but its main villain still remains somewhat unknown. Lorenzo Belli is a clone of Aureolus Belli, an alchemist from the Middle Ages. Lorenzo haunts the player character Fiona throughout the game, with some truly disturbing voice acting to go along with it.
Despite many requests for a remake or even a remaster ofHaunting Ground, Capcom’s ignoring of it means the game has been stuck on the PS2 since 2005. As a result, the true horror of Lorenzo and what he brings as a villain appear to be fated to remain in the shadows forever.
God Handwas developed by an internal Capcom team known as Clover Studio. This studio was responsible for gamessuch as Viewtiful Joe,Okamiand of course,God Hand. A stylish and gorgeous 3D beat ‘em up, God Hand tasks players with taking down the Four Devas, a quartet of demons disguised as humans.
The Four Devas are a quirky collection of unique personalities and combat, with a sense of goofy flair that all of Capcom’s most famous villains are known for. As a result ofGod Hand’sunderwhelming critical and financial performance, it was the final game by Clover before they closed down. It’s a shame, as the Four Devas are some of Capcom’s best written bosses that are just as fun to do battle with as they are to watch.
As a part of the Capcom Five,Viewtiful Joewent on to becomea bonafide cult classic. This superhero and manga-inspired beat ‘em up has a roster of villains that could all qualify, from Fire Leo to the Blade Master Alastor. But it’s the villain in waiting, the one hiding in the shadows named Captain Blue, that is the true nemesis of Viewtiful Joe.
A former movie director who has been forgotten about, Captain Blue becomes the corrupt leader of an organization known as Jadow. This series has been sadly left behind by Capcom, leaving this outstanding supervillain largely forgotten about, which is unfortunate as his battles with Joe in the first game are truly spectacular.
Despite the fact thatResident Evil 6has a less than stellar reputation within the franchise, it’s one that has its fans. Featuring four total campaigns and a story that delved into some of the more out-there lorethatResident Evilever produced, the sixth mainline installment also featured a new twist on Ada Wong in the form of Carla Radames. After being conditioned to believe she was in fact Ada Wong by Derek Simmons, Carla becomes one ofRE6’smost intriguing and underappreciated villains.
By the timeResident Evil 6came out, the series was in a bit of a strange situation where some sort of soft reboot was inevitable. The franchise’s oversaturaion putRE6in an awkward position, which resulted in a fantastic villain like Carla Radames being largely and sadly ignored today. She is easily one of Capcom’s best creations that didn’t quite catch on, but is still incredibly compelling.
