The rumor mill has been working overtime when it comes toResident Evil 9, especially this past week. A new round of leaks have made some bold claims about the game’s possible story. One of the most notable leaks and rumors to arise aboutResident Evil 9earlier this year involves a possible switch to an open world map. This has yet to be confirmed by Capcom, but this would be a huge change of form for the franchise. Although compelling, this also puts the anticipated title in a tricky spot, especially when comparing it to theSilent Hill 2remake.
In a year that lacked the presence of aResident Evillaunch,Silent Hill 2’s highly anticipated remake proved itself as one of 2024’s strongest horror titles. Due to its beloved status,Bloober Team’s adaptation ofSilent Hill 2faced a lot of skepticism at first, but the developer brought a beautifully-crafted and horrifying remake to life. The remake nailed its horror elements, especially when forcing players into cramped quarters.Resident Evilhas done this quite well, too, but if the franchise moves to an open world approach, it could potentially be far too risky.
The Silent Hill 2 Remake Reinforces How Effective Linear Horror Stories Can Be
Silent Hill and Resident Evil Keep Players Closed In
When it comes toSilent Hill 2, one of the most iconic aspects of the game’s setting is the eerie and constant fog that permeates the town. However, some of the most fear-inducing locations within the game are close-quarters moments where players have to explore through cramped, poorly-lit buildings.Silent Hill 2’s successful approach to horroris elevated through these indoor-focused levels, as it fills players with impending dread. These settings truly make one feel trapped and helpless, which is something that a few recent entries in theResident Evilfranchise have done effectively, too.
TheSilent Hill 2remake sold one million copies in its first four days.
Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 7was a massive departure from the franchise’s previous entries, but it ultimately was for the best, as it reignited a love for horror in the series. Trapped in the Baker house, players have to survive in a claustrophobic environment where a terrifying run-in with the Baker family could be waiting around every corner. It’s a sweat-inducing experience, makingResident Evil 7one of the scariest chapters. Additionally,the remake ofResident Evil 2did a good job at making indoor environments nerve-racking, as well. From the narrow walls to obstacles, the Raccoon City Police Station emphasizes the same helplessness asResident Evil 7andSilent Hill 2.
Resident Evil 9’s Rumored Open World Could Fail Where Silent Hill 2 Succeeded
Balancing Open World Exploration With Anxiety-Inducing Horror
There have been plenty ofrumors and leaks aboutResident Evil 9recently, and the open world claims have been some of the most intriguing. Unfortunately, this could also keep the game from feeling as scary asResident Evil 7orResident Evil 2’s remake, if true. It’s incredibly hard to create a sense of trapped helplessness in an open world setting, which could take a significant amount of tension out of the story.
Rumors aboutRE9suggest it will be set on an island. If it’s open world, this could still create the sense of being trapped.
Until Capcom officially reveals what’s in store forResident Evil 9, any news regarding an open world approach is pure speculation. While compelling, it is also worrying. Of course,Silent Hill 2also faced plenty of doubt, and that turned out to be a hit. IfResident Evil 9features an open world, it’s not impossible to bring claustrophobic scares to the forefront, but it will definitely be a greater challenge.
Silent Hill 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Investigating a letter from his late wife, James returns to where they made so many memories - Silent Hill. What he finds is a ghost town, prowled by disturbing monsters and cloaked in deep fog. Confront the monsters, solve puzzles, and search for traces of your wife in this remake of SILENT HILL 2.High-end Graphics and SoundWith ray tracing and other cutting-edge technical enhancements, the world of SILENT HILL and its unsettling ambiance is even realer than before.And with the inclusion of new, immersive soundscapes, you’ll feel like you’re standing in the thick of it.Larger EnvironmentsExplore locations and buildings that were once inaccessible, or are newly added in the remake. Enjoy the same acclaimed story, even while you experience the town of Silent Hill with fresh eyes across an expanded map.Over-the-shoulder CameraThe remake moves from the original’s fixed-camera viewpoints to an over-the-shoulder perspective, putting you closer to what James sees, for a more thrilling, more immersive experience as you explore the town and come face-to-face with monsters.Evolved Combat GameplayFamiliar weapons like the steel pipe and handgun make their return, but now with an updated combat system. Avoid attacks with carefully timed dodges, aim down sights, and more, making monster encounters more engaging and nerve-wracking than ever.
