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.
In this piece, let’s discuss Capcom's insistence on continually reinventing the Resident Evil formula despite the massive risk it poses to its loyal fanbase.
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.
click to enlarge
+ 5This is why, over the years, the series has shifted from one camera angle to another.
In the first three mainline titles, the fixed camera angle gave players a restricted sense of movement, adding to the claustrophobic dread of not knowing what lurked around the corner.
Co-op Action Horror
click to enlarge + 5After 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.
Fortunately, they learned their lesson, which we’re glad to see them admit. As an apology, they delivered the modern RE titles.
First-Person Perspective
click to enlarge + 5With Resident Evil 7, the first-person perspective took everyone by surprise. It was the beginning of Capcom’s comeback to the survival horror genre and was not as controversial as the 'action-focused' 5 and 6, but it certainly sparked discussion for weeks. Not because it was bad, but because the first-person angle was so effective in a Resident Evil game that both new and old fans embraced it.
Resident Evil 7 and 8 did wonders in expanding the player base while reminding veteran fans that the series still had original ideas to offer.
Remake Era
click to enlarge + 5With modern remakes, the third-person camera angle was another intriguing direction. Gone are the days of limited hallways and tricky camera angles.
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.
click to enlarge + 5As 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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