We’ve already seen some new developments in the previous episode that may outline Capcom’s vision for the next installment in the franchise.

Resident Evil has always been a sci-fi based action-thriller (with a much greater emphasis on action in some episodes), and while the latest installment, Resident Evil: Village, continued in that vein, it also had dark fantasy elements. Ethan Winters also fought creatures like werewolves and vampires (but there was an explanation for that, as the Cadou parasite and mold changed his opponents), and there was a lot of potential there. So the franchise can continue to stick to its sci-fi roots while also starting to implement fantasy themes, and the combination of the two genres can create a unique experience.

However, if the fantasy twist remains in Resident Evil 9, one thing might have to change: the weapons. They didn’t really fit in with Resident Evil: Village, so perhaps a bow and arrow, sword, or other medieval tool would have been more appropriate. Think about it: how well would a sniper rifle, a pistol, or even a grenade launcher have fit in? Not really, right?

This could have twisted the gameplay in other ways, as a crossbow could not be reloaded in seconds, and a sword would be a good idea to replace the knife. For example, a fight with Lady Dimitrescu on the roof of the castle would have been very exciting. Besides, it should be mentioned that Capcom’s other franchise, Monster Hunter, which has become especially popular in the last 6-7 years, has also generally stuck to the same few weapons, and Resident Evil is the same, as almost all games without exception featured a pistol, rifle, or even a magnum.

There were rumors earlier that Resident Evil 9 would be fantasy-inspired again, with bioweapons that could resemble monsters from folklore. So maybe the usual firearms will be there, and they’ll be used in a very limited way, and then we’ll have our cake and eat it too.

Source: GameRant