“Stop! Don’t come any closer!”
For the first time in several years, 2024 will pass without a new Resident Evil game release. This is disappointing for fans who have come to expect Capcom’s nearly clockwork delivery of a new game, whether they be new mainline entries or remakes of classics. The last several years have been a golden period for the franchise, from Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in 2017, which revived the series with a first-person perspective and a renewed focus on horror, to the remakes of Resident Evil 2 (2019), Resident Evil 3 (2020), and Resident Evil 4 (2023). Despite the strong momentum, 2024 seems to be a year of silence. For older fans like me, who only played the first three entries, this feels like an opportunity to reflect on the franchise’s past and maybe reconsider where it stands now. After all, it’s been a while since I last ventured into the world of Resident Evil. Back then, I was deep into the atmospheric tension and puzzle-solving of the original trilogy, but when Capcom shifted the series with the over-the-shoulder perspective, I stepped away.
What is Resident Evil?
If you’re like me and remember the Resident Evil games as they were in the ‘90s, you’ll recall how they helped define the survival horror genre. The classic fixed camera angles, claustrophobic environments, and resource management created a slow, tense experience that made every corner a potential death trap. The Spencer Mansion in the original, the desolate streets of Raccoon City in Resident Evil 2, and Nemesis’ relentless pursuit in Resident Evil 3 left a lasting impression. At the time, Resident Evil was more about surviving with what little you had, solving puzzles, and figuring out how to escape than blasting through enemies.
But over the years, Resident Evil evolved, constantly reinventing itself. Starting with Resident Evil 4 (2005), Capcom introduced an over-the-shoulder perspective that brought the action closer and created a faster, more intense combat style. For me, this shift felt like a departure from the methodical, puzzle-based survival horror I loved. The increased focus on action — while well-executed — wasn’t what I was looking for at the time. I drifted away from Resident Evil, exploring other games and leaving the franchise behind.
For a long time, I felt that Resident Evil had shifted too far away from what made the original trilogy great. But as I’ve dived back into survival horror, I’m realizing that Resident Evil has remained the icon of the genre for a reason. Maybe it’s time to give it another chance.
Resident Evil release timeline
1996: Resident Evil
1997: (No release)
1998: Resident Evil 2
1999: Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
2000: Resident Evil Survivor, Resident Evil – Code: Veronica
2001: Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica, Resident Evil Gaiden
2002: Resident Evil (remake), Resident Evil Zero
2003: Resident Evil: Dead Aim, Resident Evil Outbreak
2004: Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2
2005: Resident Evil 4
2006: Resident Evil: Deadly Silence
2007: Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
2008: (No release)
2009: Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
2010: (No release)
2011: Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
2012: Resident Evil: Revelations, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Resident Evil 6
2013: (No release)
2014: (No release)
2015: Resident Evil: Revelations 2
2016: Umbrella Corps
2017: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
2018: (No release)
2019: Resident Evil 2 (remake)
2020: Resident Evil 3 (remake), Resident Evil: Resistance
2021: Resident Evil Village
2022: Resident Evil Re
2023: Resident Evil 4 (remake)
Why I Stepped Away: The Over-the-Shoulder Perspective
The over-the-shoulder camera introduced in Resident Evil 4 is what initially put me off. It felt like the series was moving away from its roots — away from the slow, strategic pacing and toward something more action-heavy. I wasn’t alone in this feeling; many old-school fans had similar reactions when Capcom made the switch.
For me, the original Resident Evil games were all about tension. Limited resources, fixed camera angles, and challenging puzzles that made you feel like you were constantly on the edge of survival. Moving to an over-the-shoulder camera, while more immersive in some ways, removed that distance — the detachment that made the horror feel more psychological.
But now that I’m looking to get back into survival horror, it might be time to revisit the series and see if that shift in perspective is as bad as I remembered. After all, the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes were praised for updating the originals while keeping the horror intact. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing.
Where to Start: The Modern Resident Evil Era
So, where does that leave me, a fan of the classic games, trying to get back into Resident Evil? With the franchise’s rich history and multiple remakes, there’s no shortage of places to start. Here’s what I’m considering:
- Resident Evil 2 (Remake): This seems like the most logical entry point for someone like me. The 2019 remake modernized the game with an over-the-shoulder perspective but kept the core survival horror intact. It’s as close as I’ll get to reliving the original experience while still stepping into the modern era.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: While the first-person perspective is a huge departure from what I remember, this game has been praised for its return to survival horror. The creepy atmosphere and puzzle-solving feel like a callback to the original trilogy, but with a fresh twist.
- Resident Evil Village: As a direct continuation of Resident Evil 7, Village blends horror and action in a first-person format. It might be a bit more action-packed than I prefer, but it’s still considered one of the best survival horror games of recent years.
What’s Next: Resident Evil 9 Rumours and Remakes
The rumours surrounding Resident Evil 9 are another reason I’m thinking of diving back into the franchise. If the rumours hold true, the next entry is expected to release in 2025 and could continue the storylines started in Resident Evil 7 and Village. But there’s more to be excited about beyond just the next mainline game.
There’s been quite a bit of speculation and rumour about Resident Evil 9, but Capcom has yet to officially confirm many details. Here’s what we know so far:
- Development and Release Date: Credible leaks suggest that Resident Evil 9 has been in development since late 2018, with rumours pointing toward a release in the second half of 2025. Some earlier leaks even hinted at a January 2025 release, but this is unlikely given how close we are to the end of 2024.
- Story and Setting: While details are scarce, some leaks indicate the game might take place on a fictional rural island inspired by Southeast Asia, specifically Singapore. This island setting could offer a claustrophobic, isolated environment similar to the village in Resident Evil 8 – perfect for survival horror. There’s also speculation about supernatural creatures, like Wendigos, making an appearance.
- Protagonists: Following the conclusion of Ethan Winters’ storyline in Resident Evil Village and its DLC Shadows of Rose, it’s unclear who the protagonist of Resident Evil 9 will be. Some rumours suggest that Rose Winters, Ethan’s daughter, could take the lead, leveraging her supernatural abilities. Others speculate that Chris Redfield could return as the main character, given the storyline involving the BSAA and bio-weapons introduced in Village.
- Gameplay: Based on the direction Capcom has taken with recent entries, it’s likely that Resident Evil 9 will continue with the first-person perspective that worked well in Resident Evil 7 and Village. The RE Engine, which has powered the last several Resident Evil games, will likely continue to deliver stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.
While it’s still early, it seems Capcom is building up to a big reveal, possibly at an event like Tokyo Game Show or The Game Awards. If you’re thinking about getting back into survival horror, Resident Evil 9 could be a fresh start, particularly if you’re intrigued by the combination of horror and new settings.
Capcom’s recent success with remakes — particularly Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 — suggests that more remakes could be on the horizon. A Resident Evil Code: Veronica remake is highly requested by fans, and for someone like me who enjoyed the puzzle-heavy elements of the early games, that could be the perfect next step. There’s also talk of a potential remake of Resident Evil Zero, which I never played, so that could be another way to revisit the series’ roots.
The Future’s… Evil, Resident Evil
I’ve avoided Resident Evil for years, mainly because I didn’t like the direction the series took with its over-the-shoulder action gameplay. But now that I’m looking to get back into survival horror, there’s no better place to start. The franchise has evolved, but that doesn’t mean it’s lost what made it special. Whether it’s jumping into the Resident Evil 2 remake, trying something completely different with Resident Evil 7, or waiting to see what happens with Resident Evil 9, I’m ready to give this iconic series another go.