Capcom has proven it can do open-world after Dragon’s Dogma 2 and, to some extent, Monster Hunter World. But the thought of using a similar format for Resident Evil is as foreign as having Chris Redfield punch a boulder out of his way while inside the mouth of a volcano.
With Resident Evil 9 rumored to be set for a release next year, the internet is already in speculation mode, theorizing about its potential setting, main character, and now, divergence from the series’ traditional gameplay structure.
After bringing the series back to its original survival horror roots with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in 2017, Capcom went with a semi-open-world setting with more action in Resident Evil Village. It was largely met with positive reviews by fans and critics alike, with the eighth mainline entry in the series selling particularly well. But Capcom wants to blend open-world with the horror experience with Resident Evil 9, as claimed by Dusk Golem, a known leaker with a track record of accurate predictions regarding Capcom’s horror franchise.
(1/2) So here's a little tidbit I'll share, Capcom often will greenlight new initiatives in 3's closer together. Decent examples are RE7, RE:2 & DMCV were all Greenlit fairly close together to take advantage of their new RE Engine, & the idea to remake RE:2 inspired them to also
— AestheticGamer aka Dusk Golem (@AestheticGamer1) March 22, 2024
The potential shift towards an open-world format raises several considerations. On one hand, it offers an opportunity to explore a more expansive and immersive version of the Resident Evil universe, potentially enriching the narrative and gameplay experience. On the other hand, is it the right move?
Resident Evil is at its best with an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere. Of course, most of us probably said the same thing about ridding the series with its tank-like controls back in the days and we got Resident Evil 4 (and Devil May Cry) because of that very gameplay shift.
Resident Evil 4, especially its remake, continues to be the pinnacle of the series. It’s still the perfect blend of survival horror elements with puzzles and a story-driven gameplay.
According to Dusk Golem, these are the elements that Capcom will look to retain with Resident Evil 9 and its shift towards a bigger open world. If true, then there’s no reason to worry.
To be fair to Capcom, Resident Evil has never been linear. If it aims to retain the series’ core DNA, we can expect Capcom to continue locking certain areas behind key items. The difference is a larger playground, or to be more accurate, escape room, for players to find themselves trapped inside.
With Capcom’s history of successfully reinventing its best-selling franchise while staying true to its roots, there’s a cautious optimism that Resident Evil 9 could mark a thrilling new chapter in the saga.
For now, we’ll have to wait for Capcom to confirm more about its future plan.
Speaking of Capcom, adding microtransactions to Dragon’s Dogma 2 at the last-minute is drawing the ire of the internet. It’s dividing audiences if it’s a harmless addition or a slippery path towards a more devious monetization scheme in future titles.
