Resident Evil 9 is currently surrounded by significant excitement, even though it hasn’t been formally unveiled yet. Following the dramatic events of Village, fans are eager to see where Resident Evil 9 will transport them next. Despite the official silence, a flood of leaks and rumors has surfaced, fueling expectations and speculation about what’s in store, though it’s wise to approach these with caution until an official word is given.
The only certainty about Resident Evil 9 right now is that development is underway. Directed by Koshi Nakanishi, who helmed Resident Evil 7, the game is in capable hands. However, neither he nor Capcom have disclosed any specific information about the narrative, setting, or main character. We might be in for a longer wait than anticipated, but once a trailer does drop, questions about the gameplay perspective will presumably be a major focus.
Resident Evil 7 and Village took a bold step by shifting to a first-person viewpoint, a departure from the series’ traditional third-person perspective. This was significant because it was the first time in the main series where players didn’t see the protagonist in third-person. With newcomer Ethan Winters leading the charge in these entries, the change made sense, as he was a fresh face in the universe. Rumor has it that Resident Evil 9 might see a return to third-person, especially if the protagonist is more familiar and seasoned.
Some whispers even suggest that Resident Evil 9 might introduce a new breed of zombies that have a peculiar affinity for the moon. Whether that’s true or not remains to be seen, but it’s certainly intriguing.
Rumors about familiar faces returning have added another layer of excitement. There’s strong internet chatter suggesting that beloved characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine could make their comeback. If this is true, it would make a first-person perspective somewhat contentious, as fans have deep attachments to these characters and might not want them hidden behind a first-person view. In Ethan Winters’ case, it was easier to accept the first-person perspective, but Jill and Leon are too iconic to receive the same treatment without potential backlash.
The possibility of seeing another installment with dual protagonists is thrilling, but a first-person angle could undermine this dynamic. With Ethan’s story seemingly concluded after Village and the Shadows of Rose DLC, his return feels improbable unless there’s an unexpected twist in the narrative.
The Shadows of Rose DLC opted for a third-person mode, indicating that the series could pivot back to its roots. Village even added a third-person view as an option for players, hinting at gameplay flexibility that fans might see continued in Resident Evil 9.
With three years elapsed since Village, speculation and anticipation are mounting. While the Winters family storyline has been engaging, there is a strong temptation to bring back the iconic heroes that originally captivated players. So far, only Chris Redfield has been involved in this saga, and many hope the next game will expand on this with more familiar faces.
Though an official announcement for Resident Evil 9 seems distant, Capcom might surprise everyone with an unexpected reveal. With so many questions and rumors swirling, any new information will hopefully address what player perspectives will dominate in the upcoming release.
