Unveiling the Game-Changing Twist in Resident Evil 9 That Will Leave Fans Speechless!
Resident Evil 9 Must Push Boundaries with Innovative Healing Items to Keep Players Engaged - Exploring the franchise's history of creative healing solutions, the upcoming RE game must continue to push boundaries and deliver unique, immersive experiences for players
Highlights
The Resident Evil franchise has always used innovative gameplay mechanics, such as interactive typewriters and healing herbs, to enhance the survival horror experience.
The healing system in Resident Evil has remained consistent throughout the series, featuring herbs that provide unique buffs and effects. However, recent titles have reworked the system, raising uncertainty about the role herbs will play in future installments.
The Resident Evil franchise is renowned for its immersive approach to survival horror. From its inception, Resident Evil introduced innovative gameplay mechanics, such as interactive typewriters for saving progress and the inclusion of various plants for healing purposes. Tying saves to specific items like ink ribbons compelled players to treat each item as a precious resource, underscoring the game's survival elements. Similarly, the discovery of different herbs to heal characters and address other ailments became a defining characteristic of the franchise.
Why Herbs Are Healing Items In Resident Evil
The healing system has remained largely consistent throughout each new installment of the game. In most Resident Evil titles, players have relied on Herbs to gain unique benefits. Green Herbs are used to recover health, Red Herbs enhance the effects of Green Herbs when combined, and Blue Herbs are utilized to counteract toxins in the body. However, recent additions to the RE timeline, such as RE7 and RE Village, have made significant changes to the way Herbs function. It remains uncertain whether Herbs have become an overused gameplay element or if they will continue to play a role in future installments.
In the Resident Evil lore, Herbs are known as medicinal plants that are found in the Arklay Mountain region of the American Midwest. Each Herb has its own distinct properties that are linked to its color. These potent medicinal Herbs have been carefully cultivated by the Umbrella Corporation and can be found in various locations across the franchise, such as Rockfort Island and Umbrella's Antarctic base featured in Resident Evil Code: Veronica.
Different varieties of Herbs can also be found in various locations worldwide, such as Spain in RE4, Africa in RE5, and China and Eastern Europe in RE6. It is unclear whether these international Herbs are cultivated or by whom. Similar to the Arklay Herbs, these other Herbs are ground into a powder and consumed or applied topically.
The gameplay mechanics revolving around Herbs have evolved over time. In all Resident Evil games until RE6, Herbs and First Aid Sprays are the primary healing items. The only other source of healing is chicken eggs in RE4 and RE5. In an attempt to bring innovation to the Herb system, RE6 introduced Herbs that need to be converted into edible tablets before use, but this addition did not significantly enhance gameplay. The most significant update to the healing system was seen in RE7 with the introduction of crafting First Aid Medicine.
First Aid Medicine can be obtained in the game world or crafted by combining a Herb with Chem Fluid. The use of Chem Fluid for ammo and other resources encourages players to make strategic decisions. In RE7, Herbs could be used on their own for healing when Chem Fluid was not available. Resident Evil Village expands on this by requiring the combination of Herbs with Chem Fluid for use. The emphasis on crafting enhances the value of Herbs and places more responsibility on the player.
Resident Evil 9 could further develop this system by introducing multiple colored Herb varieties, along with Chem Fluid, offering additional crafting options. Building upon Village's hunting and fishing mechanics, RE9 could provide alternative methods of healing similar to RE4 and RE5. Depending on the story and setting of RE9, players may have the option to purchase healing items, cultivate herbs, or explore other unique approaches. Whichever direction RE9 takes, it must embrace creativity in order to innovate this beloved feature.
Resident Evil 9 is rumored to be in development.
