Resident Evil 9: Boldly Breaking the Mold of a Franchise Staple

Highlights

Resident Evil 9 has the potential to focus on the character Rose, though her DLC suggests she won't be ready for action soon.

Chris Redfield is likely to assume the role of the protagonist in RE9, potentially embarking on an adventure that harks back to his debut in RE1.

The "lab" segment, which is typically the third act in most Resident Evil games, is often the least enjoyable and warrants reconsideration for RE9.

The Resident Evil franchise is wrapping up its Resident Evil 4-related projects, including a successful remake and impressive DLC, as well as an upcoming VR adaptation. The future of Resident Evil is uncertain, with the potential for more remakes and a sequel to the main series. With the conclusion of Ethan Winters' story arc and the revival of the horror and action aspects, Resident Evil 9 has a lot to work with. It should consider the support of series fans when deciding on its direction.

There are a few theories about the possible storyline of Resident Evil 9, based on elements introduced in Resident Evil Village. Although Rose, the daughter of Ethan and Mia Winters, could take the lead, her RE Village DLC suggests that she won't be ready for action for some time. In the meantime, Chris Redfield has been set up as a potential protagonist, possibly with a adventure that pays homage to his debut in RE1. However, if Resident Evil 9 does revisit the franchise's roots, it should carefully consider whether certain old trends are worth revisiting.

Resident Evil Areas Follow A Consistent Pattern

Resident Evil typically follows a three-act structure in most of its entries. The first act is consistently set in a central area or a complex building, such as the Spencer Mansion, the Raccoon City Police Station, Castle Dimitrescu, and Rockfort Island from Code: Veronica. These locations, being large and featuring diverse puzzles and enemies, tend to be the most memorable parts of their respective games due to their significant playtime.

The second act offers more freedom, featuring areas like sewers, caves, or the Testing Area in Resident Evil Biohazard. These areas still incorporate the iconic backtracking elements from the first act and may include both familiar and new locations. However, the third act, often referred to as "the lab" by fans, takes a downturn. In this section, laboratories, factories, and other isolated locations dominate the gameplay. Compared to the rest of the game, these areas are more linear, shorter, and focused on combat. While they are not necessarily game-breaking, they are consistently regarded as the weakest part of Resident Evil's three acts.

Modern Resident Evil Can Do Better Than Another Laboratory Ending

An effective way to build towards a climax in Resident Evil is not through a linear path with intense combat, but rather by emphasizing the exploration of a large interconnected environment with limited resources. The short and disconnected nature of laboratories in the game lacks the discovery and ammo management that defines Resident Evil. Furthermore, the different aesthetic of laboratories and the abundance of ammo by that point in the game create a disconnect.

Resident Evil 9 has the opportunity to break away from this well-worn tradition and create a memorable experience. By focusing on Chris Redfield uncovering bioterrorist elements in the BSAA, the game can introduce the lab setting as a prologue or transitional act. This would allow the finale to have more impact and the rooms to be more integrated with the earlier sections of the game. Addressing these concerns would alleviate the criticism that Resident Evil's endings often receive for being underwhelming and disjointed. While the lab is a recognizable element of the series, fans won't miss its inclusion.

Resident Evil 9 is not confirmed to be in development.