Resident Evil 9 Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
Few gaming franchises command the kind of loyalty and anticipation that Resident Evil does. Since its debut in 1996, Capcom’s survival horror series has redefined the genre multiple times. Now, with Resident Evil 9 on the horizon, the question buzzing across the fanbase is simple: Can it live up to the hype? With whispers of open-world mechanics, returning icons, and a “game-changing” approach, Resident Evil 9 carries the burden of both legacy and expectation. Here’s a breakdown of what we know, what we’ve played, and whether it’s worth the buzz.
The Setting: A New Location, A New Tone
Welcome to the Island
Set on a mysterious island rumored to be based on Japan’s real-life volcanic Miyake-jima, Resident Evil 9 sets the tone with isolation, dread, and environmental hostility. Toxic gas clouds, abandoned settlements, and native folklore bring a fresh horror vibe that’s a welcome change from the European and American backdrops of recent games.
Atmosphere and Visuals
The RE Engine continues to shine, delivering hauntingly detailed environments and eerily lifelike character animations. Lighting effects, in particular, play a major role—flashlights cut through dense fog while shadows creep across crumbling hallways. The visual direction leans more into supernatural horror than previous entries, without abandoning the core sci-fi underpinnings.
Gameplay: Innovation Meets Legacy
Open-World Elements Introduced
The biggest change in Resident Evil 9 is the introduction of semi-open-world exploration. Unlike the corridor-heavy layouts of previous games, this title gives players more freedom to roam and discover side quests, hidden lore, and resource stashes.
It’s not a fully open world like in Elden Ring or Horizon: Forbidden West, but it offers a degree of autonomy that feels refreshing for the franchise. Think of it as the best parts of Resident Evil Village expanded.
Combat and Resource Management
Combat remains tight and nerve-wracking. You’ll still count every bullet, but you’ll now have more strategic options. Crafting plays a bigger role, and new enemy types (including unpredictable mutants and stealthy stalkers) force you to constantly rethink your approach.
The third-person camera returns, making combat feel more grounded and visceral. However, there’s also an optional first-person mode—allowing players to customize their horror experience.
Characters: New Faces and Familiar Heroes
Return of Fan Favorites
Long-time fans will be thrilled to see the return of Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine, both woven seamlessly into the game’s narrative. Their personalities are intact, but the writing also reflects their weariness and evolution after years of fighting bioterror.
Strong New Additions
New characters, like enigmatic guide Yui and villainous doctor Aoki, bring emotional weight and intrigue. The antagonist in particular offers a compelling mix of charisma and cruelty, reminiscent of Albert Wesker’s early menace.
Voice acting across the board is superb, contributing to the cinematic feel of the game.
Horror Elements: Back to the Roots
Psychological and Environmental Terror
Where Resident Evil 7 focused on body horror and Village leaned into Gothic fantasy, Resident Evil 9 marries both with a dose of psychological dread. Claustrophobic interiors contrast with wide, desolate exteriors, and sound design ensures you’re never fully at ease.
Jump scares are used sparingly but effectively, and ambient noises—from distant screams to creaking floorboards—create a lingering sense of paranoia.
Puzzles and Exploration
Classic puzzle-solving is back with a vengeance. From cryptic statues to code-locked doors, exploration is not just rewarding but essential. These mechanics harken back to the series’ early days and add layers of depth to the slower-paced moments.
Technical Performance and Platforms
Smooth Across Consoles
Resident Evil 9 runs smoothly on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with support for ray tracing and 60 FPS modes. Load times are nearly nonexistent, and the game makes smart use of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on the PS5.
No PC Version (Yet)
Surprisingly, the game is currently a console exclusive, with no confirmed release date for PC. This decision has disappointed some fans, especially given the strong modding community on PC platforms.
What Could Be Improved
While Resident Evil 9 is a fantastic entry, it’s not flawless:
Inventory UI could use more refinement; it still feels clunky at times.
Side quests, while intriguing, sometimes lack narrative payoff.
The lack of co-op mode may disappoint fans who enjoyed team-based mechanics from older titles.
That said, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise polished experience.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
Capcom has once again proven that it understands its audience. Resident Evil 9 doesn’t just ride on nostalgia; it builds on the franchise’s best elements while embracing bold new ideas. With excellent pacing, top-tier production, and a meaningful story, it stands as one of the strongest entries in the series.
So, is it worth the hype? Absolutely. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a newcomer to survival horror, Resident Evil 9 delivers an unforgettable experience.