Capcom has been on a roll with its iconicResident Evilfranchise these past few years. In 2017,Resident Evil: Biohazardrelaunched the series to new heights, and the recentResident Evil 4remake was critically acclaimedas a stunning reinvention of a beloved classic. Naturally, it’s expected that the mainline series will eventually releaseResident Evil 9, with rumors mounting that it’s already in active development.
It remains to be seen whenResident Evil 9sees the light of day, but there are multiple avenues in which Capcom can take the franchise based on plot threads set up inResident Evil Village. Instead of simply choosing one creative direction for this inevitable next installment, the team behind theResident Evilseries should look to another iconic horror franchise for inspiration in how to tackle the story and pacing of the game.
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Silent Hill Ascension’s Interactive Drama Style
When it comes to the most popularsurvival horror franchises in video games, few others can rivalResident Evilas closely asSilent Hill. Both of these series began on the PS1 and set several foundations for the genre going forward. The main difference between the two is thatResident Evilfeatures more physical threats whereasSilent Hillhaunts the player with cerebral and thematic horrors. Because of this, the latter series tends to be far more plot heavy, with deeply psychological tales that can be dissected to understand every terrifying layer.
Taking this concept of having so many storytelling possibilities literally, the upcomingSilent Hill Ascensionslooks to tackle providing players with a branching narrative. Similar to otherinteractive drama games likeHeavy RainandThe Quarry,Silent Hill Ascensionwill put the choices in the hands of the player, with decisions both big and small affecting the story and creating entirely new avenues for how the rest of the game will unfold. This style of game is ambitious and a huge undertaking writing-wise, but if pulled off correctly always gives the title a ton of replayability and allows players to shape the plot however they choose.
Resident Evil 9 and the Power of Player Choice
Turning attention toResident Evil 9, it’s unclear exactly what form the game will take but Capcom has a lot of opportunities on the table. With so many characters,biohazard threats like the T-Virus, and villains all introduced over the franchise’s storied history, it may appear daunting for choosing what to include. However, ifResident Evil 9chooses to be a grand culmination of everything established so far, it would be wise to take a page fromSilent Hill’s book in terms of balancing things out.
This is not to suggest thatResident Evil 9should play like an interactive drama, as both its first-person and third-person gameplay styles have been fine-tuned to perfection over the last few years. This inspiration should instead be incorporated into the concept of choice and give more freedom to the player. Although a divisive entry in the series, the ninth game could make another attempt at whatResident Evil 6attempted a decade ago, with three different campaigns that follow different characters that all somehow interconnect by the end.
Capcom has nailed down a perfect tone and balance between action and horror with theResident Evilseries lately. Tossing in that extra option to directly influence the direction of the plot would be enticing and giveResident Evil 9a whole new layer of depth not seen in previous entries in the series. It would be a creative gamble, but ifrumors about the epic scale ofResident Evil 9prove to be true, giving fans more options for how to experience the storyline would be an exciting new addition to the franchise.
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