Resident Evil 9 Has a Chance to Revive a Satisfying RE7 Mechanic

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Resident Evil 9 Has a Chance to Revive a Satisfying RE7 Mechanic

Key Takeaways

  • Resident Evil is thriving, with exciting projects like possible RE Zero and Code Veronica remakes in the works.
  • The antique coin system in RE7 was a unique and satisfying collectible upgrade mechanic.
  • RE9 is also confirmed, with RE7 director Koshi Nakanishi returning, and this could allow it to bring back a version of RE7’s antique coins.

As a long-time fan who’s survived countless zombie apocalypses and biohazard outbreaks thanks to the Resident Evil series, I can confidently say that Capcom has truly outdone themselves with the recent developments. The tantalizing rumors of RE Zero and Code Veronica remakes have sent chills down my spine, and the confirmation of Resident Evil 9 has me more excited than a Baker’s estate cat on a hot tin roof!

Capcom continues to push forward on the Resident Evil series, giving it more possibilities and secrets than ever before in its survival horror journey. In recent times, Resident Evil has regained its position as one of the best the genre has to offer, which is impressive considering that some felt it had lost its footing during the early to mid-2000s. Now, a variety of intriguing projects are underway, including unexpected ones like the rumored remakes of Resident Evil Zero and Code Veronica, and Resident Evil looks promising for the future.

In addition to the previously mentioned points, it’s worth noting that there are two significant developments: Firstly, the long-awaited “Resident Evil 9” has finally been officially announced, with Koshi Nakanishi returning as director. Nakanishi was instrumental in the success of “Resident Evil 7”, which reinvigorated the franchise and won over fans. With many eager to see how he will guide the series forward in its ninth installment, we can only wonder what’s in store. Notably, the upgrade systems in the Resident Evil series have varied, and the one seen in “Resident Evil 7” was particularly innovative. Given Nakanishi’s return, it’s likely that the next release will build upon this aspect, perhaps reintroducing a similar system.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Nakanishi was part of the design team for the game Resident Evil 5. It’s expected that this title might undergo a remake in the future too.

Resident Evil 9 Has an Opportunity to Cash in By Revitalizing RE7’s Antique Coins

Resident Evil 7’s Coin-Based Upgrade System Was the Perfect Fit

In Resident Evil 4, something new was introduced that wasn’t present in previous games: players could discover cash, valuable gems, and other items they could trade with a well-known merchant for weapon enhancements and various goods. This element suited the narrative and theme of the game, and it reappeared in the subsequent installment, albeit with a notable absence in RE6. In Resident Evil 7, antique coins were introduced as an updated version of this concept. As players explore the Baker estate, they can uncover these coins, which can be used to purchase upgrades and rare items.

In line with the eerie ambiance of Resident Evil 7, coins are used to open peculiar bird cages found throughout the game’s setting, containing potent and otherwise inaccessible items. On its hardest difficulty level, Resident Evil 7 adds a challenge by increasing the number of coins, changing some of their positions, and raising the price of specific equipment. This loop was rewarding as it balanced the upgrades with the feel of previous systems while adapting it to Resident Evil 7’s artistic concept and level design.

How Resident Evil 9 Could Take RE7’s Antique Coin Mechanic And Run With It

A significant debate currently revolves around whether Resident Evil 9 will adopt an open-world design, as the franchise has previously dabbled with this concept but not fully embraced it. On one hand, such a move could offer opportunities for the series to experiment with fresh ideas within its updated gameplay mechanics. Given Nakanishi’s return as lead developer, Resident Evil 9 might draw inspiration from Resident Evil 7’s coin system and introduce a similar mechanism that harmonizes seamlessly with the next game’s setting and ambiance.

Although Resident Evil 9 might follow a tighter design structure similar to the remake of RE2, it could draw creativity from the antique coin system in RE7. While Resident Evil 9 doesn’t have to replicate the system exactly, it could build upon the core concept. For instance, it may involve different coins with varying values that can be exchanged in a peculiar yet fitting way, much like the bird cages in RE7. Alternatively, the game could incorporate a system where coins can be combined with other valuable items (similar to RE4), boosting their worth and the type of rewards players can acquire, depending on the number and types of items they collect.

The antique coins in Resident Evil 7, as an upgrade resource, stand out for their creativity. They seamlessly fit into the game’s environment and encouraged players to explore every corner, rewarding them with a sense of appreciation for the game’s design and world. Incorporating something similar in the ninth installment would be a clever way to reference and rekindle some of Nakanishi’s past contributions to the Resident Evil series, enhancing the upcoming game with a nod to its rich history.

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2024-09-07 00:34