Capcom isn’t known for leaving obvious hints or connections from one Resident Evil game to the next. Each installment typically concludes its storyline with finality, leaving the plot of the next game uncertain. However, Resident Evil 9 seems poised to break away from this tradition, potentially signaling a significant departure from the established narrative format of the series.
It remains uncertain whether Capcom will release a Resident Evil 5 remake before or after Resident Evil 9. Speculations about the next remake point to Resident Evil 5, given the conclusion of Resident Evil 4 and its Separate Ways DLC. The potential remake's critical factor would be the inclusion of co-op, and if Resident Evil 9 introduces modern co-op first, it could have profound implications for both the mainline and reimagined titles within the franchise.
The Significance of Co-op in a Resident Evil 5 Remake
Co-op Integration as a Vital Element for a Resident Evil 5 Remake
In the context of remakes, Resident Evil 2 needed to faithfully recreate the Raccoon City Police Department, while Resident Evil 3 focused on capturing the essence of Nemesis, and Resident Evil 4 emphasized the atmosphere of the village. Similarly, if a Resident Evil 5 remake is in the works, implementing a seamless two-player co-op experience becomes crucial.
Considering that Sheva serves as an NPC AI in single-player mode, Capcom may opt to rely on this approach rather than developing a modern co-op system, especially if a potential Resident Evil 6 remake follows the Resident Evil 5 remake. However, the franchise could adopt a direction that ensures co-op becomes a recurring feature, possibly preceding its inclusion in Resident Evil 5, depending on the franchise’s development timeline.
Resident Evil 9's Potential to Redefine the Series
The Experimental Role of Co-op in Resident Evil 9
Introducing co-op in Resident Evil 9 would mark a significant departure from the series' conventions. If co-op gameplay becomes integral to the franchise once again, it would make sense for Capcom to explore and refine this feature across multiple titles. While mainline installments and remakes have historically operated independently, the potential inclusion of co-op in Resident Evil 9, a Resident Evil 5 remake, and a hypothetical Resident Evil 6 remake could pave the way for a co-op trilogy over the foreseeable future.
Resident Evil 9 might feature Chris Redfield and another character as playable protagonists, potentially setting the stage for a subsequent Resident Evil 5 remake. However, to avoid direct comparisons, Resident Evil 9 needs to ensure its unique atmosphere, character dynamics, gameplay, and setting distinguish it significantly from its potential remake counterpart.