Summary
The plot, setting, and game design pillars ofResident Evil 9are mostly under wraps for now, but there’s an argument to be made for Capcom introducing a new protagonist, similar to how the franchise brought Ethan Winters into the fold in 2017’sResident Evil 7. There are a number of benefits to this route, especially if Capcom wantsResident Evilto retain the first-person perspectiveof its seventh and eighth entries, and if it wants to continue leaning into horror.
He may not be a fan-favorite, but Ethan Winters helpedResident Evilbring a lot of new tools to the table. The series went on a bit of a hiatus following the controversialResident Evil 6, and this lapse in releases allowed Capcom to reevaluate the identity of the franchise, which ultimately led to the bold choices on display inResident Evil 7, including the first-person perspective, narrowed scope, and return to survival horror fundamentals. This sort of ‘soft reboot’ of the franchise was built around Ethan Winters, in some ways, and whileResident Evil 9doesn’t need to institute the same kind of revolutionary changes asResident Evil 7, it may be wise for it to take a similar approach with its protagonist.
Why Introducing a New Protagonist Could Help Resident Evil 9
Keeping Resident Evil First-Person
Though the recentResident Evilremakeshave offered great third-person gameplay, it’s hard to argue that the first-person perspective doesn’t bring its own unique strengths to the table. The heightened tension and immersion that comes along with viewing the experience directly through the character’s eyes, not to mention the increased emphasis on precision aiming and more granular exploration, has helped make the modern, mainlineREgames considerably more unique and refreshing. If Capcom wants to retain this style, it would probably work best with a new protagonist.
It’s not 100% confirmed, but the events ofResident Evil Village, alongside comments made by Capcom’s Kento Kinoshita aboutVillage’s DLC concluding the “Winters family saga”, suggest that neither Ethan norRose Winters will star inResident Evil 9. Many fans have speculated that the next game will feature a legacy character, like Chris or Leon, but this could feel a bit awkward if the newer games stick to the first-person perspective. TheseResident Evilcharacters boast iconic visual designs and specific combat techniques (more physicality, more fluid and athletic movement, etc.) that make their gameplay better suited to the third-person perspective. In essence, playing as a character like Chris, Leon, or Jill is all about embodying an already established character, which is an end that is served well by the third-person POV. So, to continue the trend of FPS gameplay,RE9may need a fresh protagonist.
Resident Evil’s Horror Revival
The Winters saga releases are arguablythe most horror-focusedResident Evilgames, and not just because they are first-person. When it comes toResident Evilstars, they are almost all highly trained members of special forces units such as the BSAA or the Division of Security Operations. This can make for enjoyable gameplay, but it undermines a lot of the franchise’s horror elements, as there is never any real doubt about the heroes' ability to deftly handle the high-stress situations they find themselves in. Ethan Winters, on the other hand, is introduced as something of an everyman, a normal person who has found himself embroiled in a nightmarish situation with no training or relevant experience to fall back on.
Ethan may not have hadwhat it takes to be aResident Evilmascot, but his relatable, blank slate persona elevated the terror of the unknown, makingResident Evil 7andVillagefar scarier and more interesting than if they starred a highly capable legacy character. It doesn’t seem like Ethan will be coming back, butResident Evil 9should use him as the blueprint for its protagonist—although adding a little more personality might not hurt.
Resident Evil Village
WHERE TO PLAY
Ethan Winters finds himself in an entirely new nightmare in Capcom’s latest installment of the acclaimed Resident Evil franchise. Whether you’re defending against Lycans in the grim dwellings of the village or exploring the lavish Castle Dimitrescu, the meticulously designed environments immerse you in this eerie world, powered by Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine. Run from, hide or face off against a diverse cast of terrifying village inhabitants in dream-like - no, nightmarish - situations and fight your instincts to push through classic horror-based sequences. Also, be sure to check out “The Mercenaries” that unlocks once you’ve finished the campaign, a fast-paced and arcade-like game mode which challenges players to blast away enemies against the clock.
