Resident Evil 9 Needs a Nemesis-Type Stalker for Open-World Success

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Summary

  • Capcom’s future plans for Resident Evil remain undisclosed post the success of RE4 Remake.
  • Rumors suggest Resident Evil 9 will mark a major reinvention, possibly going open-world.
  • RE9 may want to have a Nemesis-type stalker in an open-world setting instead of one like Mr. X to remain effective.

For a while now, Capcom has kept quiet about its future plans for the Resident Evil series. Since the highly successful release of the RE4 Remake in 2023, fans have been eagerly waiting to discover what the next installment, believed to be the ninth numbered one, will bring.

Despite the lack of official confirmation, numerous whispers and leaks persist about Resident Evil 9. A well-known figure in the industry (Dusk Golem) suggests that this installment could be a “significant overhaul.” Though such claims should always be met with skepticism, there’s some merit to this idea given the longstanding speculation about Resident Evil transitioning into an open-world format. If true, Capcom might need to reconsider and refine how a pursuer-type enemy would function within this new setting by drawing inspiration from RE3’s Nemesis rather than Mr. X from RE2.

A noteworthy piece of news is that Capcom has shared a celebratory video marking the sale of over 10 million copies of the Resident Evil 4 Remake, which appears to subtly hint at potential developments for Resident Evil 9.

If Resident Evil 9 Has a Pursuer in an Open-World, It Might Work Better More Like Nemesis Than Mr. X

Resident Evil 9’s “Big Ambitions” Might Mean Its Stalker Also Needs to Evolve

Besides the buzz surrounding an open-world setting for Resident Evil 9, which has stirred some debate among fans, unverified reports from different quarters have suggested a few intriguing possibilities:

Or simply:

Beyond the open-world speculation causing a stir among Resident Evil 9 fans, there are unconfirmed hints about other aspects of the game from various sources.

  • Legacy characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Leon Kennedy returning as leads
  • Set on a remote island centered on a moon-worshipping cult
  • Titled Resident Evil Apocalypse

If an open-world game design allows for the possibility of a pursuer, and such a scenario arises, the design should adapt accordingly to maintain its sense of danger and impact. The monster Nemesis could serve as an excellent model for achieving this.

Why Resident Evil 9 May Want to Channel Nemesis Instead of Mr. X for its Pursuer

In a potential Resident Evil 9 scenario, even if Mr. X serves as the series’ iconic pursuer, it might not be suitable to have him around when the game introduces a traditional stalker-type enemy in an open world setting. The fear Mr. X instills in games like RE2, particularly the remake, stems from his habit of intruding into areas that were previously deemed safe havens, disrupting the sense of security they offered and compelling players to adapt. This tactic is highly effective due to the deliberately confined level design in RE2, which amplifies the tension created by Mr. X’s unpredictable movements within the narrow spaces. Consequently, his intimidating presence generates such terror.

In my gaming experience, the Nemesis from Resident Evil 3 Remake feels more scripted, which was a point of criticism as it made him seem less organic and spontaneous compared to other enemies. However, I’ve come to understand that this was true in the original game as well. You’ll often encounter Nemesis at specific locations or events, typically leading up to a chase sequence that ultimately ends in a boss fight.

If Resident Evil 9 shifts towards an open-world setting, it might offer players a broader playfield, potentially allowing them to evade a pursuer like Mr. X more easily. This could lessen the perceived threat that such a stalker presents, as its effectiveness is tied to smaller, linear levels. The core behavior of Nemesis would likely fit better in an open-world Resident Evil (RE). Capcom might enhance this by incorporating more pre-set encounters similar to Nemesis, but spacing them out further and perhaps including multiple-stage battles with the latest stalker throughout. By making the newest pursuer more like Nemesis instead of Mr. X, they could maintain the fear factor in the upcoming game.

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2025-04-30 15:34