Capcom’s latest entry in the long-running survival horror franchise arrives with high expectations and even higher scrutiny. Resident Evil 9 attempts something ambitious by blending two distinct gameplay styles into a single, interconnected narrative. That ambition deserves recognition. However, while the game delivers moments of genuine tension and excitement, it struggles to fully realize the strengths of either approach, leaving a final product that feels strong, yet uneven.
For newcomers, the experience likely feels fresh and engaging. The opening sections, particularly those centered on Grace, stand out as some of the most effective survival horror sequences in recent memory. These segments lean heavily into the atmosphere, limited resources and vulnerability. Tight level design and deliberate pacing create a sense of dread that recalls the franchise’s roots. Every hallway feels dangerous, and every decision carries weight. That design philosophy works, especially for players unfamiliar with the series’ evolution.
For longtime players, those same sections highlight what the rest of the game lacks.
Once the narrative shifts toward Leon Kennedy, the game pivots sharply into a more action-oriented style. That transition does not always land smoothly. The shift often feels abrupt, sometimes occurring before the player has fully settled into the previous gameplay loop. Instead of building the tension established early on, the game resets its identity. That design choice creates a sense of fragmentation, as if two separate games exist within one story but never fully connect.
The issue does not stem from the individual gameplay styles themselves. Both approaches function well in isolation. The problem lies in how the game alternates between them. By trying to serve two distinct experiences at once, the game limits how far either one can develop. Previous entries in the series succeeded because they committed to a clear direction. Here, that focus feels diluted.
Leon’s sections in particular draw comparisons to earlier titles that executed similar ideas more effectively. The combat feels serviceable but lacks depth. Weapon variety remains limited, and the upgrade system does not offer the same level of strategic customization seen in past entries. Encounters often rely on repetitive enemy types, which reduces tension over time. Where earlier games built intensity through variety and escalation, this installment leans too heavily on familiar patterns without meaningful evolution.
Enemy design presents another mixed result. Early encounters showcase personality and unpredictability, especially in Grace’s segments. Later sections lose that edge. Enemies begin to feel more generic, both in appearance and behavior. The lack of variety becomes more noticeable as the game progresses, particularly in Leon’s campaign. That shift undermines the sense of danger that defines the series at its best.
Level design follows a similar trajectory. The game favors condensed, focused environments rather than sprawling interconnected spaces. That approach can work when paired with strong replay incentives. However, the game does not provide enough reasons to revisit those areas. Without additional modes or dynamic elements, the environments begin to feel restrictive rather than intentional.
Replay value stands as one of the game’s most significant weaknesses. Earlier entries in the franchise built longevity through features such as alternate scenarios, unlockable modes and arcade-style challenges. This installment lacks those components at launch. A single playthrough, which lasts roughly 11 to 12 hours, does not offer enough variation to encourage repeated runs. The absence of modes like Mercenaries or an arcade-style challenge system feels especially noticeable given the game’s structure.
That limitation becomes more apparent when considering the price point. At $80, players expect a more robust package. While the campaign delivers a polished experience, the lack of additional content leaves some feeling that the value does not match the cost. Future updates or downloadable content could address this concern, but in its current state, the game feels incomplete in terms of long-term engagement.
Despite these shortcomings, the game succeeds in several key areas. The dual-style approach, while flawed in execution, introduces an interesting twist on the survival horror formula. By shifting from vulnerability to action more abruptly than previous titles, the game challenges player expectations. That design choice does not always work, but it demonstrates a willingness to experiment.
The narrative also benefits from this structure even if the gameplay does not fully support it. The intertwining perspectives of Grace and Leon create moments of overlap that add context and depth to the story. Some argue that separating the campaigns would have provided more player agency, allowing individuals to choose their preferred style. Others believe the shared narrative justifies the structure. Both perspectives carry weight, which reflects the complexity of the design choices at play.
Small quality-of-life features could have improved the overall experience. A chapter select option, for example, would allow players to revisit specific sections without committing to a full replay. That addition would also give players more control over which gameplay style they engage with, addressing one of the game’s core issues. As it stands, the linearprogression limits flexibility.
The game reaches its strongest moments when it leans fully into one identity. Grace’s early sections deliver focused horror with clear intent. Later segments, particularly those set in more recognizable franchise locations, show glimpses of the variety and creativity that define the series. However, those moments remain inconsistent. The game rarely sustains that level of quality across its full runtime.
Ultimately, Resident Evil 9 stands as a good entry in the franchise, but not a defining one. It offers an enjoyable experience with flashes of brilliance yet struggles with cohesion and depth. The ambition to merge two gameplay styles deserves credit, but the execution falls short of its potential.
A final score lands a 7-8 out of 10. The game provides solid entertainment and introduces ideas worth exploring in future installments. However, it does not reach the heights of the series’ best entries. For new players, it serves as an accessible entry point. For longtime fans, it offers a mixed experience that may not fully satisfy expectations.
Whether the game earns its current level of praise remains an open question. Future updates, additional modes, or expanded content could shift that perception. For now, the game succeeds as a worthwhile, though imperfect, addition to the Resident Evil legacy.
