Summary
While recently doing promotion for a new mobile version ofResident Evil 7: Biohazard, lead developer Koshi Nakanishi hinted thatResident Evil 9was already in the works at famed developer Capcom. While not yet officially confirmed, knowing that anRE9is likely in developmenthas many online pondering where the story may go next. The events of 2021’sResident Evil: Villageseem to have put a definite end to Ethan Winters' story. The game’s DLC,Shadows of Rose, picks up 16 years after the events ofVillage, focusing on a teenage Rose Winters, the daughter of the deceased Ethan.
WhenBiohazardwas released in 2017, it was a reboot of sorts for the series, seeing it reimagined from a first-person perspective. The game also returned to the franchise’s horror roots, shying away from the more action-heavy elements that had come to define the series, starting withResident Evil 4in 2005. The end result was celebrated as a positive evolution forResident Evil, honoring its past while also innovating its gameplay and story elements. Returning to the franchise was Chris Redfield, a staple character since the series’ debut in 1996, butmaybe it’s time to move on from Redfield.
First Resident Evil 9 Details & Next RE Remakes Seemingly Leaked By Retailer
A retail listing may have just leaked the first details surrounding Resident Evil 9 and other potential Resident Evil remakes for PS5.
Rose Winters Would Make An Excellent Protagonist For RE9
Her Telekentic Abilities Make For Interesting Story Elements & Gameplay
The story of the Winters Family played out through the events ofBiohazardandVillage, and made for an immensely compelling plot.Villagein particular saw a narrative focused around the rescue of an infant Rose from the Four Lords, ending with Rose being taken under the protection of Redfield and the BSAA. TheShadows of RoseDLC drives that story forward, set ahead in time, and focusing on a teenage Rose who is maligned and ostracized for her strange abilities she acquired through exposure to the toxic Mold. Her abilities have opened up fertile ground for both stories and mechanics.
Rumors indicate thatResident Evil 9may take place in Southeast Asia, a first for the franchise.
There’s a compelling argument to be made thatRE9should kill off Redfield, and while that would certainly be a significant moment for the franchise’s lore,there have been many successfulREtitles without him.Rather than kill him, Redfield could take on a supporting role, operating more as a mentor to the young Rose Winters. This would be especially applicable if the next game takes place after the events ofShadows of Rose. If it were to do so, Redfield would be well within his mid-60s, and past his prime physically. He would still be a valuable asset to any team.
Chris Redfield Would Still Be Beneficial In A Mentor Role
Redfield Is About Age 64 In Shadows Of Rose
Redfield has fought hard against bioterrorism since first encountering the Umbrella’s T-Virus in the first game. Few would have the insight he does into how to combat such a threat, and the villains that wield it.Shadows of Roseshows he has taken on a protector and mentor role in her life. With her abilities and access to the Realm of Consciousness,Rose represents an exciting new way in which to view and interact with the world ofResident Evil.She is an excellent protagonist to carry the story forward, and Redfield could shine in a more backseat role.
TheResident Evilfranchise has never been short of surprising, with its ability to introduce new characters and ideas with each installment. The talented developers at Capcom are exceedingly capable of telling more great stories with Redfield at the head of the narrative. IfShadows of Roseproves to be the finaleof Rose Winters’ story, so be it, but the ideas introduced by her character will hopefully stick around. The Realm of Consciousness is an endlessly fascinating concept, and it would be great to see such an idea influenceResident Evil 9, whether Rose Winters is there or not.
Resident Evil 9
Resident Evil 9 is an upcoming release and the next installment in the mainline Resident Evil franchise. Not much is known about the title at the moment or who will be the main protagonist.
