It’s been nearly four years since Resident Evil Village graced consoles and PC, and fans of the survival horror franchise have been patiently waiting for the next mainline entry. While Capcom has kept busy with spin-offs like Resident Evil Re:Verse and remakes such as Resident Evil 4 , the highly anticipated sequel has remained elusive—until now. A prominent leaker claims we might finally get our first glimpse of Resident Evil 9 sometime this year, and it’s shaping up to be a game that could redefine the series.
According to Dusk Golem, a well-known figure in the world of horror game leaks, Resident Evil 9 is “almost definitely” coming into the spotlight this year. The reason for its delayed reveal, the leaker suggests, lies in the sheer ambition of the project. Golem describes Resident Evil 9 as a “big reinvention of the series,” akin to the groundbreaking introductions of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 7 . These earlier titles redefined the franchise with their bold innovations, and Resident Evil 9 is reportedly poised to do the same.
“The thing I think people will realize when RE9 is revealed is the reason this game is taking so long is because it’s like a big reinvention of the series, to the same level as RE4 & RE7,” Golem explained. “It’s not going to play just like RE7/RE8 or the Remakes, it’s trying new things & very ambitious. It will almost definitely be revealed this year, so just hold tight.”
A Game Unlike Any Other
Details about Resident Evil 9 remain scarce, and much of what is known comes from speculation and rumors. One of the more intriguing tidbits is the possibility that the game could adopt an open-world format. While this idea has sparked excitement among fans, it also raises questions about how Capcom will balance the series’ trademark survival horror elements with the freedom and exploration typical of open-world games. Could Resident Evil 9 deliver the same tense atmosphere and strategic gameplay while embracing a more expansive world?
Golem’s leak paints a picture of a game that pushes boundaries, experimenting with new mechanics and storytelling approaches. This aligns with the studio’s history of reinventing the series, from the third-person perspective and cinematic storytelling of Resident Evil 4 to the first-person immersion and psychological horror of Resident Evil 7. If Resident Evil 9 indeed follows in this tradition, it could introduce groundbreaking features that set it apart from its predecessors.
The Man Behind the Vision
One of the most concrete pieces of information about Resident Evil 9 comes from Capcom itself. During the Capcom Next showcase last year, Koshi Nakanishi, the director of Resident Evil 7 , revealed that he is leading development for the next mainline entry. Nakanishi’s involvement is a strong indicator that Resident Evil 9 will maintain the high standards set by Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village .
In his remarks, Nakanishi expressed the challenges of following up on such a successful title. “It was really difficult to figure out what to do after (Resident Evil 7),” he admitted. “But I found it, and to be honest, it feels substantial. I can’t share any details just yet, but I hope you’re excited for the day I can.” His cryptic message leaves fans buzzing with anticipation, eager to learn more about the project.
Nakanishi’s leadership brings a sense of continuity to the series. His work on Resident Evil 7 was widely praised for revitalizing the franchise, blending traditional survival horror elements with modern gameplay mechanics. If Resident Evil 9 follows in this vein, it could once again redefine the genre and set a new benchmark for the series.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Resident Evil franchise has always been defined by its willingness to evolve. From the tank controls and fixed camera angles of the original games to the dynamic movement and immersive storytelling of recent entries, Capcom has consistently pushed the boundaries of what survival horror can be. Resident Evil 4 introduced third-person shooting and cinematic cutscenes, while Resident Evil 7 embraced virtual reality and first-person immersion.
Each iteration has built upon the strengths of its predecessors while introducing fresh ideas. Resident Evil Village expanded on these innovations with its gothic village setting, werewolf-like creatures, and interconnected gameplay mechanics. If Resident Evil 9 is indeed a “big reinvention,” it could take the series in entirely new directions, challenging players with unfamiliar threats and innovative mechanics.
A Year of Anticipation
As the gaming community waits for the official reveal of Resident Evil 9 , speculation runs rampant. Will it retain the first-person perspective of Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil 8 , or will it adopt a third-person viewpoint reminiscent of Resident Evil 4 ? Could it incorporate elements from both perspectives, creating a hybrid experience? Will the game’s scope allow for multiplayer modes or cooperative play, as seen in Resident Evil Village?
Regardless of the answers, one thing is clear: Resident Evil 9 is shaping up to be a landmark title in the series. With Koshi Nakanishi at the helm and the promise of a reinvention, the stage is set for a game that could redefine survival horror once again. Fans can only hope that Capcom delivers on its promise of a substantial and ambitious experience.
For now, all we have are whispers and hints, but the anticipation surrounding Resident Evil 9 is palpable. Whether it’s an open-world adventure, a return to traditional survival horror, or something entirely unexpected, the game has the potential to captivate audiences in the same way Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil 8 did. As we wait for the official reveal, one thing is certain: Resident Evil 9 is destined to leave a lasting impact on the franchise and the gaming world as a whole.
Stay tuned, stay hopeful, and brace yourself for what promises to be an unforgettable journey into the dark heart of survival horror.
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