As we dive into 2025, there’s a thrilling buzz surrounding the latest installment of the Resident Evil franchise, aptly titled Resident Evil 9. Fans are eagerly anticipating what Capcom has in store, especially after the spine-chilling experiences offered by its predecessors. And guess what? Resident Evil 9 seems to be pulling the same tricks that made our hearts race in earlier games, and honestly, that’s a good thing!
Think back to some of the most memorable moments in the series: Jack and Marguerite Baker from Resident Evil 7, the imposing presence of Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil 8, Mr. X stalking the halls of the Raccoon City Police Department in the Resident Evil 2 Remake, and of course, Nemesis from the Resident Evil 3 Remake. You might think that after all these years, this ‘big thing that follows you around’ formula would become stale. But let’s be real—every game managed to bring something fresh to the table.
In Resident Evil 7, we first saw Capcom reimagine this formula, introducing human-level threats like Jack and Marguerite. These characters were deadly yet flawed, making them all the more terrifying. Their AI was cleverly designed, allowing players to exploit their weaknesses while still keeping the tension high. By the time we reached the remakes, Capcom was clearly more confident, and Mr. X emerged as the ultimate stalker. His eerie music and terrifying silhouette became iconic, making encounters with him feel uniquely intense.
Now, as we gear up for Resident Evil 9, it’s clear that Capcom is ready to surprise us once again. In a recent demo preview, players got a taste of a new stalker that feels more rooted in survival horror. Enter Grace Ashcroft, the new protagonist who wakes up in a claustrophobic space resembling a twisted medical facility. The atmosphere is thick with tension as Grace, suspended upside down, manages to escape her grim fate and begins her journey toward freedom.
But the usual Resident Evil puzzles stand in her way—finding keys, fuses, and navigating through dark corridors filled with dread. As she stumbles through the shadows, it becomes painfully obvious that she’s not alone. The antagonist is a bug-eyed, mutated woman, clearly a product of some horrific experimentation, likely infused with a new strain of the T-Virus. You know the drill: keep moving, stay alert, and don’t let her catch you.
However, Capcom has seemingly anticipated every move players might make. Just when you think you’ve figured out the pattern—“Oh, I’ll just head to the light”—the stalker crawls into the ceiling vents, cutting off your escape. It’s a relentless game of cat and mouse, and you quickly realize that trying to outsmart the game may lead to brutal consequences. Every strategy you devise is met with a punishing end, showcasing how Capcom has evolved its approach to horror.
The demo showcases a revamped lighting engine that heightens the sense of dread. The atmosphere feels more oppressive, and the tension is palpable. This experience reminded many players of Alien: Isolation, where survival is the name of the game. In this particular playthrough, Grace is left defenseless—her only options are to pick up items and run from danger. This realistic approach is refreshing; when faced with such a terrifying foe, what else would you do?
One hit from this new menace, whom I’ve cheekily dubbed “Mrs. Zombie Nightgown,” and you’re toast. The mechanics might appear similar on paper to previous stalkers, but the combination of survival horror elements, a more immersive environment, and cutting-edge graphics technology makes for a captivating experience. As you navigate through your surroundings with only a flickering lighter for guidance, the unpredictable stalker adds an extra layer of anxiety, creating moments of sheer horror akin to those early hours of Resident Evil 7.
And let’s not forget, this demo was just a taste of what’s to come. We’re left wondering how the experience will evolve as the game progresses. Will the sense of dread dissipate once players get a better understanding of their surroundings? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Capcom is confident about Resident Evil 9 and its ability to deliver heart-pounding moments of terror.
In conclusion, it’s evident that Capcom isn’t running out of ideas. The decision to reintroduce a stalker enemy reflects a commitment to their design philosophy while pushing the boundaries of horror gaming. While Resident Evil 8 may have veered towards action in its later stages, here’s hoping that Grace’s journey will lean heavily on survival horror elements, capturing the essence of what made us fall in love with the series in the first place. As players, we can’t wait to see how Capcom continues to innovate and terrify us in this next chapter of the Resident Evil saga.
