The Ultimate Evolution: Why Resident Evil 9 Must Introduce a Revolutionary Albert Wesker

Taking heavy inspiration from early horror films, the Resident Evil franchise has always exuded a charming B-movie quality. From the hilariously terrible voice acting in the first game to the outrageously outlandish plots in its sequels, as well as an abundance of stereotypical character archetypes, the Resident Evil series is undeniably schlocky horror. The series' best games fully embrace and leverage this fact to their advantage.

Often, the most enjoyable Resident Evil games are those that adopt a tongue-in-cheek tone. While still capable of delivering terror, these games fearlessly wield humor to poke fun at the game's storyline, characters, and established tropes. This playful approach frequently pairs with a suitably larger-than-life antagonist, with Albert Wesker typically serving as the primary contender. However, as Wesker has been absent in recent entries, it may be time for a new villain to step up and fill those formidable shoes.

The Resident Evil Franchise Needs Another Albert Wesker

Every canonical Resident Evil game is interconnected, although the connections may not always be obvious. Some games in the series have a clear connection to the overall story, featuring similar enemies or familiar characters as playable protagonists. However, other games may only have vague connections to the wider universe, such as through optional collectibles that reference previous events in the timeline, like Luis Serra and the Nemesis program in the Resident Evil 4 Remake.

One of the most significant threads that ties together the majority of the Resident Evil franchise is the character of Albert Wesker. Wesker first appears in the original Resident Evil game as a member of the S.T.A.R.S. taskforce investigating mysterious murders in the Arklay Mountains. However, he later reveals himself to be a double agent towards the end of the game. Following this betrayal, Wesker continues to play a role as a minor antagonist, working behind the scenes and amassing enough power to eventually become the main antagonist in Resident Evil 5, where he reaches his climax.

The recent Resident Evil games lack a distinct character like Albert Wesker, although they come close. Resident Evil 7 marks a soft reboot for the franchise, introducing new characters and antagonists that have little connection to the rest of the series. Resident Evil Village takes place several years after the events of Resident Evil 7, bringing back familiar characters such as Ethan, Mia, and Chris Redfield. However, the game primarily stands on its own, until the end.

Towards the end of Resident Evil Village, it is revealed that the events of Resident Evil 7 have a closer connection than initially thought. The Mold, which plays a significant role in Resident Evil 7, originates beneath the castle in Village. Additionally, a century-old entity named Mother Miranda controlled the Mold the entire time, manipulating Ethan in order to resurrect her own lost child using his baby. While the connection between the two games is logical, it feels hurried in the moment. Much of the reveal is glossed over with typical Resident Evil documents that explain the character's backstory and their ties to the broader universe. The upcoming Resident Evil game would greatly benefit from the gradual development of a new primary antagonist, akin to Albert Wesker, over the course of multiple games.