While the Resident Evil franchise has been known to keep its fans intrigued, the rumours surrounding Resident Evil 9 gives assurances that the next installment is no different. Though none of the details has been confirmed by Capcom, leaks and insider reports have painted an exciting yet terrifying picture of what longer-time fans of the series may expect. One can expect returning characters, new villains, and a new, mysterious storyline.
Familiar Faces: Playable Characters Leon and Jill
Rumours say that Resident Evil 9 will introduce two familiar old faces on the protagonist’s front: Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine. Both characters have a rich history in the franchise: this time, they will be taking their biggest challenge yet on a dark, remote island. Leon-last seen in Resident Evil 6-has aged a bit, reputedly showing mournful signs, perhaps due to the burden of all his past missions, bearing scars of battle fatigue and experience but still just as determined.
Jill Valentine is claimed to glimmer her look from Resident Evil 3 Remake-sporting a look familiar yet modern. Jill seems to have kept her firmness and combat skills intact. A cool, nimble Jill, more than ready to grapple with new threats, is what we expect from Jill. The combination of Leon and Jill will allow Resident Evil 9 to bring together the thrilling dual-protagonist rescue, representative of the series’ best moments.
Returning Allies: Chris Redfield and Barry Burton
The leaks don’t stop there! Also, well-known faces like Chris Redfield and Barry Burton are rumoured to make a major return. Chris will be in a supporting role and has a continuing basis at the centre of Resident Evil Village. Barry Burton returns as a fan favourite since Resident Evil 1, but not much has been confirmed about him. Together, their inclusion promises to weave decades of series lore in a narrative bursting with callbacks and new revelations.
Playtests Imply A Cadre Of New Enemies And Murky Locations
Playtests that took place a few months ago have already leaked the following: Resident Evil 9 will introduce some nasty new enemies. In one test, played in April, Jill Valentine was said to have taken on the role of the main character in a deserted hospital. This environment was pervasively horrific and categorized by allusions to the past horrors with Jill facing a massive monster called “Goatman.” This thing is described as an enormous beast with a big axe and is one of her major antagonists. The monster chases Jill through dark corridors, inserting a constant reader’s sense of dread and tension.
Another in September placed Leon S. Kennedy at the helm. This time, a nefarious research lab stood in for the series’ origins in biological horror. Leon’s main antagonist was a witch-like seductress with bizarre powers. Reputed to be a charming yet lethal foe, the witch is rumoured to use a combination of mind games and powers reminiscent of dark magic to trap and confuse Leon.
Both tests reveal a key point of the plot; both Jill and Leon are infected with the Mutamycin virus. In battling the infection, they, alongside persecute the mysterious villain’s causing intention behind the creation of new Eveline clones. This threat ties the game’s story to the events of Resident Evil 7 and Village hinting at a larger narrative between multiple entries in the series.
A Remote Island and Fresh Conspiracy
Resident Evil 9 is on a remote island teeming with mysteries yet to be explored. Leon and Jill will arrive at this island to investigate the reports of unsettling experiments and disappearances, together finding a conspiracy that could have global implications. The dilapidated landscape of the island will provide an ideal setting for the burgeoning horrors of the game, with entangled forests shrivelling ruins and dark underground facilities.
Treat These as Rumours With A Grain Of Salt
Though these whispers have piqued fans’ interest, Capcom has still not reacted to confirm their existence. The information involving Leon, Jill, new beasts, and returning characters from Resident Evil is fundamentally nothing more than unverified leaks and supposed playtest reports. Should one or more of these rumours happen to be true, Resident Evil 9 may shape out to be the most thrilling and ambitious entry of the franchise yet.
As always, fans are advised to stay tuned for official announcements from Capcom, and in the meantime, they should view these rumours with cautious optimism. Until then, anticipation for Resident Evil 9 continues to build, and survival horror fans can only hope for an adventure worthy of the franchise’s profound history.
