Resident Evil 9 May Already Have Sealed its Protagonist’s Fate

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Resident Evil 9 May Already Have Sealed its Protagonist's Fate

As a longtime Resident Evil fan who’s seen it all from the mansion to the village, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when thinking about the potential protagonist for Resident Evil 9. While Ethan Winters served his purpose in the recent games, nothing beats the charm and charisma of our classic characters like Chris Redfield or Leon Kennedy.

There are several potential paths for the development of “Resident Evil 9.” Given that the series has evolved into more of an anthology, with a somewhat flexible narrative structure connecting the games, there’s a lot of room for exploration in terms of both the gameplay mechanics and the storyline of “Resident Evil 9.”

Simultaneously, Capcom finds themselves limited by several crucial factors, primarily focusing on preserving the essence of the series and exploring the most innovative possibilities. There’s been much debate about Ethan Winters, the new protagonist first introduced in Resident Evil 7 and continued in Resident Evil Village: while some view him as a refreshing change, he is often perceived as less charismatic than established characters like Leon Kennedy and Chris Redfield. With Ethan’s departure at the end of Resident Evil Village, it seems that Resident Evil 9 might need to bring back one of these classic, more recognized heroes as the main character.

Why Resident Evil 9 May Be Hogtied to a Legacy Protagonist

Introducing Yet Another New Hero in Resident Evil 9 Could Be Awkward

Reflecting on the conclusion of the Resident Evil saga after playing Resident Evil Village and its DLC, I can’t help but feel that Capcom has officially sealed the fate of the cursed Winters family. Though Ethan’s lack of experience and abilities provided an intriguing twist, it seems fitting for him to move on. To be honest, Ethan was never a particularly appealing or captivating character. His vulnerability often clashed with his rather bland personality. So, perhaps it’s best that he leaves the past behind.

It’s possible that we might see Resident Evil 9, but given that Ethan’s story seems to have reached a satisfying end and there hasn’t been much demand from fans for his return, it appears rather improbable.

Ethan’s entry into the Resident Evil series made perfect sense since he was on a mission to save his wife, leading him to confront the terrors of the Baker family and the events in Village. However, introducing another ordinary character as the protagonist for Resident Evil 9 might present a challenge, as Capcom would need to create another intricate narrative that isn’t directly linked to the BSAA or a similar organization. Adding yet another “ordinary” character could potentially disrupt the narrative flow and coherence left by Village, given the need to both introduce this new protagonist while expanding upon the broader Resident Evil series lore. Essentially, Capcom might be taking on too much if they decide to go that route.

It May Be a Good Time to Return to Classic Resident Evil Characters

Although it’s undeniably less scary to play as a hyper-competent soldier like Chris Redfield than a relatable civilian like Ethan Winters, these action-hero archetypes also play a big role in Resident Evil‘s charm. Chris, Leon, Jill, or even a less-utilized character like Claire are all solid choices for the lead of Resident Evil 9, as they are much more at home in the hectic, terrifying world of the series. Also, with so many of these characters being linked to biohazards through their professions, they are the best choices for actually moving the overarching narrative forward, rather than starring in the comparatively intimate, isolated stories of Resident Evil 7 and Village.

In the potential scenario that Resident Evil 9 transitions to an open-world setting, it offers a prime chance to let gamers once again step into the boots of one of the series’ skilled protagonists, offering a sense of continuity amidst this entirely new environment. Remarkably, Resident Evil 9 might also incorporate multiple storylines or cooperative gameplay options similar to earlier installments in the franchise, enabling the return of numerous iconic characters instead of just a couple.

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2024-09-01 21:53