Summary
Resident Evilis currently back to being a major front-runner for horror games. Following a bit of a rocky road in the early to mid 2000s, developer Capcom made a course correction forResident Evilwith 2017’sRE7. From then onward, the series has steadily re-established itself as an industry leader. Many fans are probably familiar with the originalResident Evilcreator and director, Shinji Mikami. Mikami was a driving force forREuntil 2010, when he left Capcom and formed Tango Gameworks. The next title under his vision with the new studio was the psychological horror/thriller,The Evil Within,in 2014. Naturally, it was compared toREin many ways, both good and bad.
AfterThe Evil Within 2in 2017, Mikami’s next title with Tango, 2022’sGhostwire: Tokyo, was released without as much fanfare. But, like its most recent game,Hi-Fi Rush,GW:Tbecame something of a sleeper hit following its release.Ghostwirewas regarded as having some creative ideas and clever spins on the horror genre and gameplay that generally hit more often than missed. In this regard,Resident Evilhas a number of connections toGW:Tand reasons to take a few cues from it to spice things up in the nextREentry.
Tango Gameworks was acquired by Microsoft in 2021, the first Japanese-based studio to be under its banner. However,Shinji Mikami’s departure from Tango Gameworks was announced early in 2023.
Resident Evil 9 Should Look to Ghostwire: Tokyo for Inspiration
Ghostwire: Tokyo’s Use of Japanese Supernatural Folklore
Ghostwire: Tokyo’s design draws from Japan’s history of supernatural stories and entities. These spirit “Visitors” – ghosts, demons, and more otherworldly terrors – haunt the eerily empty streets of its world and attack the living on sight. Some of these figures are likely recognizable to Western audiences, with others being slightly more obscure, but all channeling a coherently recognizably scary vibe. Paranormal partner protagonists, Akito and KK, must work together in this surreal situation, making use of Dr. Strange-like hand sigils and gestures that invoke a range of elemental/supernatural powers to banish the terrors.Ghostwire’s embrace of Japanese folklore, superstition, and somber fairy tales made it stand out against similar games, giving it a fresher feel and unique tone.
How Resident Evil 9 Could Pull from Ghostwire: Tokyo’s Elements
With Capcom now in a favorable position followingRE Villageand theRE4remake, thenextResident Evilis hotly anticipated, and many fans are currently speculating about where it will go next and how it will continue its streak. The recentREgames, especiallyVillage, lie on the dark fable/supernatural scale of horror aesthetics, much closer toGhostwirethanRE’s typical sci-fi body horror fare. Given that the relationship between them is, at least in some ways, noticeably similar, it might make sense for Capcom to look to one of its previous visionaries for inspiration for the next title in the series he played a big part in building.
One consideration isifResident Evil 9is in first person again, it could have more melee options, and perhaps expand to a limited but similar sign combat system toGhostwire: Tokyo, which would add a bit of flair to combat mechanics and change the standard formula.REcould also dip deeper into the well of Japanese-influenced horror and lore the wayGhostwiredid, incorporating enemies and story beats that are more directly in tune with its flavor. It would be a good way for Capcom to honor both its history and Mikami, while pushingREinto new territory again.
Though not officially confirmed,Resident Evil 9is thought to likely be next in development for the series.
