After Resident Evil 7 & Village, One Trend Seems Likely to Continue in RE9

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After Resident Evil 7 & Village, One Trend Seems Likely to Continue in RE9

Highlights

  • Resident Evil 9 is confirmed with Koshi Nakanishi leading the project, but details are still under wraps.
  • However, story DLC for RE9 seems likely based on the franchise’s recent history, with a focus on new characters and expanded stories.
  • Recent RE games, like Village and its remakes, have all had post-launch story DLC, signaling a trend RE9 could easily continue.

As a longtime fan of the Resident Evil series, I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs. After the underwhelming reception of Resident Evil 6 in 2012, I was hesitant about the future of this beloved horror franchise. But then came Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in 2017, a game that breathed new life into the series while paying homage to its roots.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been following the ups and downs of the Resident Evil franchise for quite some time now. After the underwhelming experience with Resident Evil 6 in 2012 left me feeling disappointed, it was a relief to see Capcom take a step back and reevaluate their approach. Fast forward to 2017, when the series made a stunning comeback with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. This game brought a new perspective to the franchise while also paying homage to its survival horror roots. Ever since then, Resident Evil‘s popularity has been on an upward trend, with the release of Resident Evil Village and numerous remakes solidifying the series’ strong position in the gaming world.

Officially confirmed: Resident Evil 9 is in development, with Koshi Nakanishi from Resident Evil 7 leading the project. Details about its story, setting, and gameplay are yet to be revealed. There’s been much buzz regarding potential post-launch DLC based on recent Resident Evil titles.

Story DLC Already Seems Likely for Resident Evil 9

Resident Evil’s Recent History With Story DLC

Since 2009, Resident Evil games have regularly included compelling Story DLCs. One notable example is Lost in Nightmares from Resident Evil 5. This DLC stands out as one of the best in the series and even surpasses the main game for some fans. In Lost in Nightmares, players get to assume the roles of Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, leading them through yet another eerie mansion created by Spencer. With its nostalgic atmosphere and a host of familiar enemy types and gameplay elements reminiscent of the original Resident Evil, this DLC is a heartfelt tribute that takes players back in time. The survival horror experience offered by Lost in Nightmares was an effective way to counterbalance the main game’s emphasis on action.

In the past, Resident Evil 6 offered an abundance of multiplayer and Mercenaries downloadable content, yet lacked any story additions. However, starting with the launch of Resident Evil 7 in 2017, Capcom significantly boosted their focus on creating story-based DLC for the franchise. Shortly after its release, Capcom unveiled the first post-launch story expansion for the game, which was part of the season pass. Named Banned Footage Vol. 1 and 2, these packs introduced several small missions and minigames that varied from an enjoyable round-based survival mode to a revamped Marguerite Baker boss battle.

In December 2017, “Resident Evil 7” received two significant downloadable content (DLC) packages: Not a Hero and End of Zoe. In these expansions, players assumed control of new characters and experienced two complete mini-stories. These DLCs offered a richer narrative experience than the previous Banned Footage packs and introduced new gameplay elements like an improved melee combat system. Similarly, “Resident Evil Village” came with a substantial amount of DLC, including a long campaign centered around Rose Winters.

The updated versions of “Resident Evil 2” and “Resident Evil 4” have received additional story content after their release. For instance, “Resident Evil 2 Remake” came with a free add-on called “Ghost Survivors,” which included four brief “What if?” scenarios featuring various Raccoon City residents. Likewise, the latest addition to the series, “Resident Evil 4 Remake,” presented an extended version of its original Separate Ways campaign as post-launch DLC, making it a more substantial experience overall.

Resident Evil 9 Could Continue The Trend

As an avid fan of the Resident Evil series, I strongly believe that Resident Evil 9 is highly likely to follow the trend set by its predecessors in the last seven years and release post-launch DLC with new story content. With almost every installment in the Resident Evil franchise offering at least one or two story expansions, it’s reasonable to expect that RE9 will continue this tradition. Furthermore, considering the recent pattern of these story DLCs, it’s a safe assumption that players will have the opportunity to assume control of a new character distinct from the protagonist in the main game.

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2024-07-19 16:35