Unleashing Unprecedented Horror: How Resident Evil 9 Redefines the Series with Revolutionary Gameplay Mechanics

Highlights

With a track record of incorporating fresh gameplay elements in every installment, Capcom has introduced mechanics like the dodge in Resident Evil 3 and the parry in the remake of Resident Evil 4.

To maintain the franchise's established formula while pushing boundaries, Resident Evil 9 has the potential to combine dodge and parry mechanics, depending on the protagonist's capabilities and background.

There is very little ground left for Resident Evil to explore in the survival-horror and action genres it has dominated. The franchise's recent return to its horror roots was a remarkable shift, considering its previous focus on co-op action. Additionally, the remake continuity has allowed Resident Evil to reimagine classic entries in a fresh way. While there have been numerous leaks surrounding Resident Evil 9, speculating about its enemies and atmosphere, the only credible guess is that Chris will be the protagonist, based on the cliffhanger ending of Resident Evil Village.

Either way, the franchise could likely be sustainable on its own merit with minimal alterations to its formula. However, instead of simply replicating the gameplay formula in each installment, Capcom has made a conscious effort to introduce innovative elements while still maintaining a sense of familiarity. For instance, Resident Evil 3’s remake incorporated a dodge mechanic that originated in the original game, while the remake of Resident Evil 4 introduced a parry mechanic that soon became synonymous with the reimagining. Although the dodge mechanic was not obligated to make a comeback in Resident Evil Village or the remake of Resident Evil 4, it would be truly exceptional to witness its return alongside the new parry mechanic in the next game in the Resident Evil series.

The Resident Evil 3 Remake Has an Excellent Dodge Mechanic

The claustrophobic corridors and alleyways in the Resident Evil 3 remake appear to have been intentionally designed to intensify the danger of Jill's dodge ability, making it both essential and fraught with peril. It is rare to come across an encounter where players can bypass enemies without resorting to this frantic dash, and even rarer to execute a flawless dodge that grants invincibility frames and the option for a well-timed somersault.

Perfect dodges also allow players to effortlessly turn and lock onto enemies in slow motion, adding a minor advantage when facing numerous zombies who can withstand multiple bullets. Jill possessing this dodge move in both the original and the remake is logical due to the constant need to evade enemies. Furthermore, it is fitting for Jill, an accomplished STARS Alpha Team member, to possess a tactical dodge.

The dodge itself is gratifying and enhances the horror element of Resident Evil, as it necessitates precise timing and adds a thrilling level of intensity to gameplay. To introduce a dodge mechanic in Resident Evil 9, the game would need to incorporate a third-person perspective, a feature that was introduced in a post-launch update for Resident Evil Village.

The Resident Evil 4 Remake Broke New Ground with Its Parry Mechanic

However, it would also seemingly require a protagonist who has been adequately trained to perform these dodge rolls. While these somersaults may not be the most physically impressive feats exhibited by any Resident Evil character, it would be preposterous to imagine Ethan rolling around with the same level of grace as Jill.

Similar to Jill, it is plausible that Resident Evil 4’s protagonist, Leon, possesses the ability to execute suplexes, backflips, and various acrobatic maneuvers. While Leon himself does not possess the capability to dodge, the remake takes significant artistic freedom by granting him a knife parry. This parry is of utmost importance to the essence of the remake as it serves as Leon's primary method of countering incoming attacks. Furthermore, the knife parry plays a critical role in the newly implemented design approach for the confrontation with Krauser in the absence of prominent Quick Time Events (QTEs).

Interestingly, the original Resident Evil 4 did not include a parry mechanic, which made its inclusion in later games a significant departure. It is unclear if a potential Resident Evil 9 would reintroduce this mechanic, as Capcom typically does not replicate new mechanics merely for the sake of incorporating them. For instance, the remake of Resident Evil 4 would have likely included the dodge mechanic from the Resident Evil 3 remake, or some of the additional crafting items featured in Resident Evil Village, if this were the case.

However, if Resident Evil 9 does aim to innovate while maintaining its familiar formula, it could be fantastic to combine the dodge and parry mechanics into one gameplay element. Characters like Chris, known for their prowess, would surely be capable of effortlessly executing both mechanics, seamlessly incorporating powerful hook punches. Nevertheless, if future mainline entries in the franchise feature ordinary citizens as protagonists, it would be challenging to expect them to perform evasive rolls and defensive parries against enemies.

Resident Evil 9 is rumored to be in development.