Resident Evil Has Earned Another Break from Leon Kennedy

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As a dedicated fan who has followed the Resident Evil franchise since its inception, I can confidently say that Leon Kennedy is undeniably one of the series’ most beloved characters. His transformation from a rookie cop to a battle-hardened hero has been nothing short of captivating, and his witty banter and stoicism have made him a fan favorite.

However, while Leon’s prominence in recent years cannot be ignored, especially with the success of the Resident Evil 4 remake, I believe that it’s time for Capcom to give him a much-deserved break. The series has always featured an ensemble cast, and it’s high time we got to see more of other iconic characters like Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield.

In my opinion, Resident Evil 9 could be the perfect opportunity to step away from Leon Kennedy for a while. With so many great stories left untold in the series’ rich history, it would be a shame not to explore them further. I can only hope that Capcom will take this chance and give us a fresh perspective on the Resident Evil universe.

On a lighter note, I can’t help but wonder what Leon would make of all these new characters taking center stage. I imagine him grumbling about sharing the spotlight, but deep down, he’d probably be secretly enjoying the break from saving the world for once!

I can’t help but admire the battle-tested, witty, and stoic Leon Kennedy. Since his debut in the second Resident Evil game back in 1998, he has been a pivotal figure within this franchise, standing alongside heavyweights like Chris Redfield and Albert Wesker. The peak of his significance, though, can be traced back to Resident Evil 4, an installment that many fans still regard as the best in the series, and one that Kennedy truly carried.

In the current age of the Resident Evil series, particularly marked by remakes, Leon Kennedy has gained significant prominence. Although he was missing from both Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil 8, his presence in the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 has kept him relevant. The latter game, often hailed as the best modern Resident Evil title, stands out due to its third-person perspective, fostering a more intimate, visual bond between players and Leon. Newcomers to the franchise might mistakenly believe that he is the main character, but this isn’t accurate; Capcom could use this misconception to their advantage in future instalments.

Capcom Can Give Leon Kennedy a Break for the Time Being

Resident Evil Has Always Featured an Ensemble Cast

In the game known as Resident Evil 4, the focus is primarily on characters Leon and Ashley. However, it’s Leon who takes center stage, as Ashley lacks significant skills or combat expertise compared to Leon, who is portrayed as a capable and resolute hero. Remarkably, Resident Evil 4 distinguishes itself from many other games in the series by focusing on a single playable character, as most of its predecessors feature two or more. Even Leon’s debut game, Resident Evil 2, shares the limelight with Claire Redfield, making him less prominent in that title.

As a movie buff and longtime fan of the Resident Evil series, I’ve been yearning for more substantial appearances from iconic characters like Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield. While they made their comeback in the remakes of Resident Evil 3 and Resident Evil 2, their roles have predominantly remained enigmatic, seemingly absent from the main events of the subsequent Resident Evil games beyond Resident Evil 5.

In the “Resident Evil Revelations” video games, which followed “RE5” and “RE6”, characters Jill and Claire have made appearances, yet they have not shown up in the main series installments so far.

Resident Evil 9 Could Be How Capcom Steps Away from Leon Kennedy

It’s highly likely that a remake of “Resident Evil 5” will take place, and if these remakes are successful, it’s probable that a “Resident Evil 6” remake will follow. In the meantime, it would be smart to hold off on Leon’s return for the potential “RE6” remake. Instead, the most fitting opportunity to delve into other overlooked characters from the series, such as Jill, Claire, Rebecca, or even Chris (who plays a supporting role in both “Resident Evil 8” and “Village”), could be in “Resident Evil 9”.

From another perspective, this situation means that fans will have to endure a longer wait for updates on Leon’s storyline within the contemporary Resident Evil timeline, which could potentially be frustrating. However, it can also be reasoned that the lack of characters like Jill and Claire is more urgent, as incorporating all characters into RE9 might lead to a disjointed and chaotic plot, reminiscent of Resident Evil 6. While Leon is excellent, he has already been a central figure in two outstanding modern Resident Evil games. Perhaps it’s time for other characters to take the spotlight as well.

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2025-01-01 01:55