Resident Evil 9: Why RE7’s Vibes Could Revolutionize the Franchise!

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Since the launch of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in 2017, the Resident Evil series has seen a revival. The release of Resident Evil 7, which returned to the true survival horror genre after the criticized Resident Evil 6 and showcased the exceptional graphics capabilities of the RE Engine, made it one of the most impactful horror games of the last ten years. This success encouraged Capcom to expand the story of Resident Evil 7 with a sequel – Resident Evil Village – and remake earlier titles such as Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 using the RE Engine.

There’s been quite a buzz about potential details for Resident Evil 9, following the success of Resident Evil Village and its remakes. Leaks and rumors suggest possible settings and characters for the next installment in the Resident Evil series. However, we’re still in the dark about what tone Resident Evil 9 might take. While the action-focused gameplay of Village was well-received, it could pave the way for a comeback of an iconic element from earlier Resident Evil games – a recurring boss that becomes more powerful as the player progresses and relentlessly pursues them throughout the game.

Bringing Back an Iconic Enemy Type in Resident Evil 9

Tense Gameplay in Past Resident Evil Games

In general, the Resident Evil series of games typically fall into one of two gameplay styles when it comes to creating tension. The first style relies on challenging survival mechanics that make players feel constantly under threat. This is because resources are scarce, weapons can be unreliable, and enemies are deadly. Titles like the original Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 7 follow this approach. The second style focuses on overwhelming the player with hordes of ravenous enemies. Despite having more resources and a larger arsenal, players must stay vigilant as too many enemies can quickly overwhelm them. Games such as Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, and Resident Evil Village take this approach to create tension.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but notice that the Resident Evil series has been following a specific pattern with the back-to-back releases of Resident Evil Village and the Resident Evil 4 remake. However, this new direction in gameplay seems to steer away from the original Resident Evil‘s spine-tingling horror, which I find a bit disappointing. The success of Resident Evil 7 can be attributed to its return to form, as the series had drifted too far from its roots with all the bombastic action in previous installments.

I believe that rather than continuing to focus heavily on gunplay, Resident Evil 9 should take a step back and revisit the horror roots of the franchise. This change would not only bring something new and refreshing to the series but also allow for the return of character types that weren’t present in Village or the RE4 remake. After all, a return to the heart of horror gameplay could help the Resident Evil series recapture the fear and tension that made the beloved Resident Evil 2 such a classic.

Giving Resident Evil 9 Its Own Jack Baker

In the Resident Evil series, many adversaries are zombies or mutants that can be defeated when enough damage is inflicted upon them. However, certain Resident Evil games introduce invincible enemies who persistently chase the player throughout the game story. Examples of these relentless foes include Mr. X from RE2, Nemesis from RE3, and Jack Baker from RE7. The constant fear of encountering these enemies adds an unending feeling of dread to every gaming session, while successfully outsmarting and ultimately overcoming them provides a profound sense of accomplishment. Consequently, these characters have garnered more fame than the primary antagonists of their respective games.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that the unbeatable stalkers are a thrilling addition to the survival-horror focused installments of the Resident Evil series, but they’re not as prevalent in the action-oriented games. Take RE4 and Village for instance, where powerful recurring enemies like the Garrador or Lady Dimitrescu can be found, but with ample weapon upgrades and ammunition being doled out regularly, these enemies can eventually be defeated with strategic attacks – except for that chilling baby from House Beneviento. The constant flow of satisfaction as you vanquish monster after monster throughout the game is undeniable, but it somewhat takes away from the classic Resident Evil experience.

In the game RE7, Jack Baker was an intriguing and frightening adversary to encounter because he was always around and relentlessly taunted. Although Lady Dimitrescu has gained more attention online due to her design before Village was launched, anyone who plays the Ethan Winters series will find Jack Baker to be a much more impactful and menacing opponent. If Resident Evil 9 were to follow the tone of RE7, it would offer an excellent chance for the game to introduce a unique twist on this classic enemy type.

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2025-02-26 02:59