RE9 Embraces Addictive Fear Feature

The first Creator’s Message for Resident Evil Requiem highlights its signature blend of chilling terror that keeps players hooked. Discover how it compares to earlier franchise installments and ties into the overarching narrative.

Resident Evil Requiem Creator’s Message #1

Pushing the Series Forward

Director Koshi Nakanishi describes Resident Evil Requiem (RE9) as a bold evolution for the franchise, centering on its "addictive fear" philosophy. During Capcom’s June 26 presentation, Nakanishi and fellow developers revealed core insights about the game’s vision.

The team focused on crafting terror that compels players to continue despite their fear, explained Nakanishi. Producer Masachika Kawata recalled experimenting with concepts like online multiplayer and open-world designs early in development, which were ultimately abandoned after recognizing fan preferences.

The series has experimented with diverse horror approaches – RE7’s unrelenting psychological dread, RE2 Remake’s gameplay-driven tension, and RE4 Remake’s action-horror hybrid. For RE9, Nakanishi expands on RE7’s terror concept with heightened intensity.

"This ‘addictive fear’ means players might feel terrified yet unable to put the controller down," he noted. Overcoming these moments delivers immense player satisfaction.

Grace Ashcroft Embodies Classic Horror Protagonists

Introducing new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, Kawata describes her as embodying classic horror hero tropes. Art Director Tomonori Takano contrasts Grace with previous superhuman leads – she survives through ordinary human resilience, which becomes central to her appeal.

Producer Masato Kumazawa aims for Grace to resonate as deeply as Ethan Winters did in RE7, forging strong player bonds through shared adversity. "She’s relatable on a fundamental level," Kumazawa emphasized.

The team prioritized lifelike facial animations and expressive hair physics to shape Grace’s personality. Leveraging RE Engine upgrades and PRAGMATA’s Strand technology, Takano proudly declared her visual design "a triumph."

A Requiem for Raccoon City’s Legacy

In a PlayStation Blog interview, Kumazawa unpacked Resident Evil Requiem’s layered symbolism. The title serves multiple narrative purposes – mourning Grace’s maternal loss eight years prior while honoring Raccoon City’s tragedy.

"Players will discover richer interpretations upon completion," Kumazawa hinted. Departing from the Winters family saga, RE9 revisits Raccoon City – a poetic choice for the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

Third-Person Mode Implemented By Popular Demand

The third-person perspective wasn’t originally planned but was added due to community requests. "Data showed players typically engage with one perspective exclusively," Kumazawa explained.

Developing dual perspectives proved extraordinarily challenging, effectively requiring parallel game development processes for mechanics, UI, and sound design. Scheduled for February 27, 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, RE9 bridges classic and modern horror experiences.