Resident Evil is one of the most famous video game series. With a legion of fans spread across the globe, any news about a new title generates a wave of speculation. Now, Resident Evil 9 is in the spotlight, even without an official announcement from Capcom .
- Resident Evil 9 could recapture the psychological horror and mechanics of RE7
- Resident Evil 9 is expected to be delayed until 2026
In recent months, several rumors have surfaced, suggesting possible protagonists, setting, and even a new villain. Will we finally see Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine together on a new mission? Will the game have an open world? And what will the next biological threat be? Check out everything we already know about the highly anticipated Resident Evil 9!
Leon and Jill are back? Who will be the protagonists of Resident Evil 9?
One of the most talked-about rumors suggests that Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine will be the main protagonists. If this is true, it will be the first time the two have shared the spotlight in a game in the franchise.
Leon hasn't starred in a new title since Resident Evil 6 (2012), while Jill hasn't had a central role since Resident Evil 5 (2009). The return of these iconic characters would be a gift to fans, especially considering that the latest games have focused on Ethan Winters.
In addition to them, it is speculated that Chris Redfield and Barry Burton may appear in the plot, offering support to the protagonists. However, their participation would be secondary, serving more to expand the narrative.
What will the game's story be?
Since Resident Evil 7, Capcom has brought a darker and more terrifying approach to the franchise. However, Resident Evil 9 may be the final chapter of this new phase, concluding the storyline begun in the seventh game.
Rumors suggest that the story will be linked to the organization that created Eveline, the biological weapon from Resident Evil 7. Now, this group is allegedly producing mass clones of the character, representing a global threat.
The main villain this time would be a mysterious antagonist named Mr. Simon, responsible for coordinating the new organization and its biological research. On the other hand, it is still unknown whether he will be a new character or someone already known from the franchise.
Setting: Resident Evil 9 may feature a more open map
Each game in the series takes players to a new setting, and Resident Evil 9 will be no different. Leaked information indicates that the game will be set in a fictional rural town on a Southeast Asian island, inspired by Singapore.
In addition to the main city, players will be able to explore various terrifying environments, such as:
- Abandoned forests
- Dark and claustrophobic caves
- Sinister laboratories
- A mysterious temple
- A biological weapons factory
Furthermore, another major new feature could be the implementation of open-world elements. Capcom has already shown interest in this mechanic with Dragon's Dogma 2, and there are rumors that the game will have larger, more explorable areas, moving away from the classic linearity of the franchise.
The biggest investment in the franchise's history
Capcom traditionally releases two major AAA games per year, but Resident Evil 9 may break that pattern. Rumors suggest the game has the largest budget in the franchise, surpassing even Resident Evil Village.
Development reportedly began in 2018, making it the title with the longest production cycle in the series. Therefore, this reinforces the idea that Capcom is preparing something truly ambitious for fans.
Will Resident Evil 9 be the biggest game in the saga?
With so many rumors circulating, the game promises to be one of the biggest and most ambitious games in the franchise. Therefore, the possibility of bringing back familiar characters, a story connected to the previous games, and more open gameplay puts Capcom in a challenging position.
If the leaks are correct, the new game could mark the triumphant return of Jill Valentine and Leon Kennedy. Furthermore, it could solidify the franchise as one of the biggest names in horror gaming. Now, all that remains is to wait for the official announcement to find out what's really coming!