Resident Evil 9 Could Be Open-World

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The hype surrounding the next Resident Evil game is steadily building now that rumors have emerged about Resident Evil 9’s significant shift in gameplay design.

Leaks suggest that the upcoming entry will adopt a more open approach to exploration, departing from the tight hallways and creepy corners that have defined the series.

Here, we will delve into the recurring trend of Capcom modifying the Resident Evil gameplay structure, a move that often stirs concerns among dedicated fans due to potential risks involved.

Reinvention Per Era (Fixed Camera Angles)

For a brief history lesson, the Resident Evil games have never adhered to a single formula.

Sure, ‘Horror’ was always at the core, but Capcom consistently mixed its scares with completely new styles—with a different camera perspective.

This is why, over the years, the series has shifted from one camera angle to another.

Initially, the consistent camera perspective in the primary game sequences limited the player’s freedom of motion, enhancing the feeling of confinement and fear due to uncertainty about what might be hiding nearby.

Co-op Action Horror

After the success of Resident Evil 4, the team ventured into co-op territory with Resident Evil 5 and 6, which arguably inflicted the most damage on the franchise due to its tonal whiplash. It was no longer ‘Survival Horror,’ as Capcom leaned into the prevailing trend of action games that could potentially sell more.

It’s great that they took the lesson to heart and acknowledged their mistake. In response, they provided updated versions of the Modern Renaissance titles as a gesture of apology.

First-Person Perspective

Capcom’s decision to switch to a first-person perspective with Resident Evil 7 was unexpected and generated much conversation, as it marked a departure from the third-person view of previous games. This change was not met with controversy like the action-focused Resident Evil 5 and 6, but rather sparked debate due to its success in a Resident Evil game, which both new and longtime fans appreciated.

In simple terms, both Resident Evil 7 and 8 significantly grew the player community and served as a reminder to long-time fans that the series continued to generate fresh, innovative concepts.

Remake Era

In the new versions, a third-person perspective has become an interesting approach. We no longer have to deal with the constraints of narrow hallways and complicated camera positions as in the past.

The third-person approach provided a more frontal assault of scares, as long as Capcom’s level designers knew how to create long, dark hallways with Zombies, Mr. X, and Lickers lurking around every corner.

Survival Horror Is Evolving

Capcom’s rumored ‘Open World’ attempt with Resident Evil 9 suggests they’re once again trying something new to compete in the ever-competitive survival horror market. More and more horror franchises have left their mark on the genre, such as the return of Konami’s Silent Hill and indie titles like Frictional’s Amnesia and Red Barrels’ Outlast.

Capcom has to innovate. If the open world can shake things up in Resident Evil 9, it might become another masterpiece in the series. If it doesn’t, it could spell disaster for the franchise.

As one of the leaders in the horror genre, it’s no surprise that Capcom continuously reinvents the wheel for its 29-year-old franchise. Resident Evil remains true to its roots despite the numerous shifts that have shaken its foundation.

Despite the changes Capcom has implemented over the years, fans have appreciated the radical shifts in perspective, which is why the franchise remains a household name in horror to this day.

Resi has evolved and continues to mutate into different forms—albeit with some risks. And what better way to see the latest Resident Evil 9 with a massive transformation of its established formula?

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2025-03-17 20:33