When Resident Evil Village ended with that tantalizing glimpse of Chris Redfield investigating the BSAA’s use of bioweapons, many fans expected Resident Evil 9 to pick up that thread immediately. The final scenes showed Chris discovering that the BSAA had been deploying bioweapons instead of human soldiers, setting up what seemed like a major conspiracy storyline that would drive the next entry. However, as we’ve learned more about RE9: Requiem, it’s become clear that Capcom is taking the story in a completely different direction – one that returns to Raccoon City and introduces new protagonist Grace Ashcroft. While this might disappoint some fans hoping for immediate answers about the BSAA conspiracy, it’s actually perfectly in line with Capcom’s storytelling approach throughout the series’ nearly three-decade history.
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Capcom’s Long History of Unresolved Cliffhangers
Director Koshi Nakanishi recently addressed this exact concern in a comprehensive interview, explaining that this approach is nothing new for the franchise: “I think it’s a common experience with Resident Evil games where we don’t exactly pick up the exact thread that was left on the previous game. You know, [RE6] ended on a sort of tease of Jake, the character from that game, possibly seeing where he might go next. And then Resident Evil 7 was totally different protagonist, for example.”
This pattern has been remarkably consistent throughout the series’ history, creating a web of unresolved storylines that could theoretically be picked up at any time. Consider these significant examples:
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Resident Evil 6’s Jake Muller Setup
Perhaps the most glaring example of an abandoned cliffhanger is Jake Muller from Resident Evil 6. The game ended with Jake, Albert Wesker’s son, establishing himself as a freelance mercenary fighting bioterrorism incidents around the world. The final cutscene showed him taking on contracts to help people affected by bioweapons, leveraging his superhuman abilities inherited from his father’s viral enhancements. This setup was so obvious that many fans assumed Jake would become a recurring character, possibly even the protagonist of RE7. Instead, he vanished completely from the series, with no mentions or references in subsequent games.
The Sherry and Jake Dynamic
RE6 also established a compelling relationship between Sherry Birkin and Jake Muller – two characters with unique viral immunities that could have driven fascinating future storylines. Sherry, infected with the G-Virus as a child in RE2, had developed incredible regenerative abilities. Jake possessed antibodies that made him immune to the C-Virus. Together, they represented a new generation of characters who could survive in bioweapon-infested environments in ways that traditional protagonists couldn’t. The game strongly hinted at a romantic relationship developing between them, and their combined abilities suggested they could be perfect partners for future bioterrorism investigations. Yet this dynamic was completely abandoned, leaving fans to wonder what happened to both characters.
Code Veronica’s Steve Burnside Mystery
While not exactly a cliffhanger, Steve Burnside’s fate in Code Veronica created questions that remain unanswered decades later. After being infected with the T-Veronica virus and apparently dying while saving Claire, Steve’s body was taken by Albert Wesker, who stated he might be useful for his plans. This clear setup for Steve’s potential return – possibly as a bioweapon or test subject – was never explored in any subsequent game. The 2023 rumors about Steve getting a personality overhaul in a potential Code Veronica remake suggest Capcom might finally address this loose thread, but it’s taken over 20 years to even consider it.
The Umbrella Chronicles Revelations
Even the Chronicles games, designed to fill in backstory gaps, created their own unresolved elements. The destruction of Umbrella’s Russian facility and various character fates established in these games have never been properly followed up in mainline entries, despite containing significant story developments.
The RE7/RE8 Exception That Proves the Rule
Interestingly, Resident Evil 7 and 8 represent the rare exception to this pattern – they’re the only two mainline games that directly continue each other’s story with the same protagonist and supporting cast. As one content creator noted in their analysis: “Seven and eight were the only two games where eight was like the direct sequel of something which was seven. It was the direct sequel from seven. Those are the only two games that were basically connected.”
This direct connection was unusual for the series and created expectations that this new approach might continue. The Winters saga told a complete story arc across two games, following Ethan’s journey from RE7’s Louisiana bayou to Village’s European setting, culminating in his sacrifice to save his daughter Rose. This narrative cohesion was refreshing for long-time fans who had grown accustomed to fragmented storylines.
However, this exception actually makes the shift away from the BSAA storyline in RE9 even more notable, while simultaneously representing a return to the series’ traditional approach of jumping between different storylines and protagonists.
The Pattern of Franchise Reinvention
Looking at the series’ history, each numbered entry has often served as a soft reboot or significant pivot point:
- RE1 to RE2: Moved from the isolated mansion to an urban outbreak
- RE2 to RE3: Expanded the Raccoon City incident with new perspectives
- RE3 to RE4: Completely overhauled gameplay and moved to a rural European setting
- RE4 to RE5: Shifted to co-op action in Africa
- RE5 to RE6: Attempted a globe-spanning action epic
- RE6 to RE7: Returned to horror roots with a completely new perspective and protagonist
- RE8 to RE9: Another perspective shift while returning to series origins
This pattern suggests that major narrative shifts aren’t anomalies – they’re fundamental to how Capcom approaches the franchise’s evolution.
Returning to Mainline RE Story Elements
Nakanishi explained the reasoning behind focusing on Raccoon City instead of the BSAA in detail: “Although, at the end of Village, we saw Chris Redfield at the BSAA in action. We decided to return to the more general mainline story of the series for this entry. So, it’s looking towards Raccoon City. And after so many years not having seen this location, catching up on where we’re at with that and picking that up as the main thread.”
This decision represents a conscious choice to:
Reconnect with Series Origins
Raccoon City represents the foundation of everything that defines Resident Evil. The location where the T-Virus outbreak first reached public attention, where Umbrella’s crimes were exposed, and where legendary characters like Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and Jill Valentine had their defining experiences. By returning to this location 30 years later, RE9 can explore the long-term consequences of those original events in ways that previous games haven’t addressed.
Explore Untold Stories
The game’s synopsis mentions a “hidden truth” about the Raccoon City incident, suggesting that even after decades of games, movies, and supplemental material, there are still secrets to uncover. This approach allows Capcom to revisit their most iconic setting while justifying it with new revelations rather than simple nostalgia.
Bridge Old and New
Grace Ashcroft’s connection to Alyssa Ashcroft (a character from the often-overlooked Outbreak games) demonstrates how RE9 aims to honor deep-cut series lore while introducing new characters. This approach satisfies longtime fans while providing entry points for newcomers.
Focus on Government Conspiracy Elements
RE9’s emphasis on government cover-ups and hidden truths returns to themes that were central to early games but haven’t been fully explored in recent entries.
Different Directors, Different Visions
The change in creative leadership from Village to RE9 cannot be understated in understanding this narrative shift. Nakanishi, who directed RE7 and is now directing RE9, was not involved in Village’s development. This change naturally brings different priorities and storytelling approaches.
Nakanishi’s Horror Philosophy
Nakanishi has consistently demonstrated a preference for psychological horror over action spectacle. His approach to RE7 emphasized claustrophobic tension, resource scarcity, and genuine terror – elements that defined classic Resident Evil games. In interviews about RE9, he’s mentioned wanting to create a “roller coaster” of tension and release that exceeds previous entries in the series.
Thematic Consistency
Nakanishi has shown particular interest in exploring themes of family, trauma, and the cost of survival. RE7 dealt with a dysfunctional family corrupted by bioweapons, while RE9 focuses on a daughter uncovering the truth about her mother’s death. This thematic throughline suggests a director more interested in personal stories than global conspiracies.
Connections to Previous Work
There are strong hints that RE9 will connect to RE7 through the Connections crime syndicate, potentially providing closure to storylines that Nakanishi himself established. This personal investment in resolving his own narrative threads makes more sense than picking up another director’s cliffhanger.
The BSAA Story Isn’t Dead – Just Dormant
Nakanishi was careful to reassure fans that abandoning the immediate BSAA storyline doesn’t mean those characters and plots are gone forever: “It doesn’t mean those other characters aren’t out there somewhere getting on with business, but we’re just not showing you just yet… So rest assured and I’m sure Chris is out in action somewhere in the world but for now we’re not really looking at him and we’re looking at somewhere different.”
This statement suggests several possibilities:
Future Mainline Entries
The BSAA conspiracy could easily serve as the foundation for RE10 or beyond, especially if Capcom decides to return to Chris as a protagonist.
DLC or Spin-off Content
The investigation could be explored in downloadable content, similar to how “Not a Hero” DLC for RE7 provided closure to Chris’s story in that game.
Multimedia Expansions
Capcom has increasingly used CGI movies, novels, and other media to explore storylines that don’t fit into mainline games. The BSAA conspiracy could be perfect for this treatment.
Background Integration
RE9 might include documents, files, or references that provide updates on the BSAA situation without making it the central focus.
Why This Approach Actually Benefits the Series
While some fans might be frustrated by unresolved cliffhangers, this approach actually serves the series well in several important ways:
Maintaining Narrative Flexibility
By not being locked into direct sequels, each game can explore different themes, tones, and gameplay styles without being constrained by previous setups. This flexibility has allowed the series to reinvent itself multiple times over nearly three decades.
Creating a Living World
When characters and storylines continue “off-screen,” it creates the impression of a larger, more complex world where multiple events are happening simultaneously. This approach makes the Resident Evil universe feel more realistic and expansive.
Preventing Character Overexposure
Constantly following the same characters and conflicts could make the series feel stale or reduce the impact of major story moments. By rotating focus between different protagonists and storylines, Capcom keeps each appearance feeling special.
Allowing for Organic Story Development
Rather than forcing connections between games, this approach allows stories to develop naturally over time. When characters do return, it’s because their story has something meaningful to contribute, not because they were set up in a previous cliffhanger.
Supporting Long-term Series Longevity
Multiple ongoing plot threads mean multiple potential directions for future games, ensuring that the series can continue evolving without running out of story possibilities.
What This Means for RE9’s Identity
Instead of a BSAA investigation thriller featuring established characters, RE9 is positioning itself as:
A Return to Horror Roots
The game emphasizes survival horror over action, featuring a vulnerable protagonist who must grow stronger throughout her journey rather than starting as a capable action hero.
An Exploration of Legacy and Trauma
Grace’s investigation into her mother’s death provides a personal stakes narrative that grounds the larger conspiracy in emotional reality.
A Bridge Between Eras
By featuring locations and characters from throughout the series’ history while introducing new elements, RE9 serves as both a celebration of the franchise’s past and a foundation for its future.
A Focused Narrative Experience
Rather than trying to juggle multiple ongoing storylines, RE9 can tell a complete, focused story that serves its themes and characters effectively.
The Broader Pattern in Gaming
This approach isn’t unique to Resident Evil. Many long-running game franchises use similar strategies:
- Grand Theft Auto typically features new protagonists and locations
- The Elder Scrolls advances the timeline significantly between games
- Assassin’s Creed has moved between different historical periods and characters
These approaches allow franchises to stay fresh while maintaining core identity elements that define the series.
Looking Forward: What Fans Can Expect
For fans disappointed about the BSAA cliffhanger, it’s worth remembering that Resident Evil has always been about patience and long-term storytelling. The Chris/BSAA plot will likely be resolved eventually – just not in the way or timeline many expected.
In the meantime, RE9 offers the opportunity to:
- Explore new corners of the RE universe
- Return to the location that started everything
- Experience classic survival horror gameplay with modern design sensibilities
- Discover what “hidden truths” about Raccoon City have remained buried for three decades
As the series approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026 (the same year RE9 releases), this blend of new stories with classic locations might be exactly what Resident Evil needs to continue evolving while honoring its roots. The BSAA conspiracy isn’t going anywhere – it’s simply waiting for its proper time to shine, just like so many other storylines that have enriched the Resident Evil universe over the years.
Rather than seeing this as abandoning Village’s setup, fans might consider it as Capcom returning to what has always made Resident Evil special: the willingness to surprise players and explore new directions while never forgetting where the series began.
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