Resident Evil 9 And Its Identity Crisis Is a Blessing in Disguise

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To devoted followers of the series, Resident Evil 9 (formerly known as Requiem), may seem to be juggling various themes. However, this perceived “confusion” is precisely what makes it intriguing and exciting.

Rather than straddling two major genres, Requiem delves deep into survival horror and third-person action, skillfully merging them. To put it straightforwardly, Capcom’s decision to focus on this blend was indeed a shrewd move.

Who Is The RE9 Protagonist?

The game presents a fresh lead character, Grace Ashcroft, who is an FBI analyst unexpectedly drawn into a chilling enigma unfolding within a hotel steeped in pain and foreboding.

In the initial stages of the game, she is left with minimal defense, just a lighter, a screwdriver, and a fuse, while a terrifying creature follows her relentlessly in the shadows. These tense moments mirror the fear and solitude reminiscent of Resident Evil 7’s opening and the beginning of Village.

Or, more concisely: The initial gameplay presents her with limited protection (a lighter, screwdriver, fuse) as a menacing creature prowls nearby in darkness, echoing the terror and loneliness found in early sections of Resident Evil 7 and Village.

However, Grace isn’t merely a clone of Ethan Winters. She’s more relatable, as she grapples with personal issues like her mother’s murder, mysterious occurrences tied to her background, and wounds that haven’t entirely mended. Her game segment primarily focuses on brain-teasing puzzles, suspenseful moments, and the chilling feeling of being under constant surveillance.

The storyline surrounding Grace seems to be developing further complexity, and there’s a strong likelihood that Leon S. Kennedy will reappear. Although Capcom has not officially confirmed it, leaks and hints from the franchise suggest that Leon will return in the second half, embodying the signature style and intensity associated with Resident Evil 4.

In this scenario, what was once considered a “crisis” by some, turns out to be a shrewd decision on Capcom’s part. The rumor is that they are planning to introduce a switch between first and third-person perspectives, not just for accessibility or player preference, but also as a strategic move that aligns with the game’s dual nature.

Will Requiem Deliver the Best of Both RE Worlds?

Yes, both these experiences exist within the same game.

In this game, you encounter a blend of suspenseful horror that builds gradually and thrilling gunfights, and it offers an immersive experience of both aspects without requiring a choice. The narrative of Grace explores profound emotions such as grief and fragility.

If it turns out as expected, Leon’s role should provide an exciting spectacle complete with the signature roundhouse kicks, dazzling firework sequences, and the immersive third-person fight scenes that have become synonymous with Resident Evil games.

It’s a delicate balance, but Capcom appears prepared to navigate it. Fans of Resident Evil are divided over what they envision for the series. Some prefer the suspenseful ambiance from the initial games and RE7, while others are attracted to the cinematic flair and player autonomy in the RE4 Remake.

The situation is tricky, but Capcom looks ready to manage it. Resident Evil fans have different opinions about what they want for the series. Some enjoy the scary atmosphere of the original games and RE7, while others are attracted to the movie-like feel and player choices in the RE4 Remake.

Instead of choosing a single direction and potentially upsetting half their audience, Capcom is embracing the full spectrum of the franchise’s personality – a decision I believe is the right call.

The whispers that Raccoon City will offer a semi-open world setting, steering clear of becoming too expansive like a sandbox, hint at the game’s ambition to provide diversity and contrast rather than making concessions.

Could This Really Be the Perfect End for the OG Timeline?

If it’s true that Resident Evil 9 serves as a farewell for the original timeline, as some fans speculate, then it would be fitting for Capcom to incorporate elements from across the entire spectrum of the game series’ essence.

Grace and Leon could be two aspects of a single entity, embodying contrasting qualities such as fear and courage, loneliness and determination, tension and disorder – yet harmoniously blended without causing any sense of identity confusion.

The design aims to provide a satisfying conclusion by combining all the distinctive aspects that have made Resident Evil famous into a single, bold adventure.

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2025-06-12 08:42