Resident Evil 10: Everything We Want

Right after you’ve played Resident Evil Requiem, or the ninth installment in the long-running survival horror series, is the best time to ask yourself, “What would you like to see in the next one?” Considering all the titles that have come before, of course. But of course, the trajectory that the survival-horror genre is taking moving forward. 

It’s always been the standard set by Resident Evil that the best tension comes from helplessness in the face of danger. In gaming, that’s running low on resources, ammunition especially, having to rely on weak weapons that break easily, and getting trapped in enclosed spaces while trying to get away.

As the franchise grew, Capcom devs began to add more combat. They expanded the world to feature more open-ended areas. And the atmosphere, well, that has always remained sweetly heavy and suffocating. Let’s get to it, though, on matters Resident Evil 10, here’s everything we want.

10. Different Game Modes

Requiem offers a single-player first-person or third-person campaign. How cool would it be, though, to play other game modes after you’re done with your run? Perhaps a PvP mode? An asymmetrical Dead by Daylight scenario where online players try to survive a vicious monster like Nemesis? You could choose characters from the iconic heroes we’ve seen in the past.

9. Tie Up Loose Ends

Listen, trying to make sense of the full Resident Evil storyline might leave you pulling your hair out in frustration. It’s unsurprising with long-term franchises, with the advice being to just have fun with it.

But some things are consistent enough to keep track of. Characters often return over the years, as do the plotlines. In Requiem, we’re in Raccoon City yet again, and it’s nice to see the plot holes from the past finally tied up. 

But so many more plot holes remain that Resident Evil 10 can potentially explore. Hint: What are the fates of Natalia Korda (Resident Evil: Revelations 2), Jill Valentine (Resident Evil 5), and Rose Winters (Resident Evil Village)?

8. Polish Up Boss Fights

There’s a special skill that comes with designing absolutely fantastic boss fights. And Resident Evil just hasn’t gotten there yet. And it makes sense, given that it’s primarily a survival horror. 

But some of the bosses are already so gnarly and terrifying. Why not go the extra mile? Bosses shouldn’t just have a beefed-up health bar, but actually take skill to beat. They need varied attack patterns that surprise you. 

7. No, no to Open World

Some games are about going out of your way to explore. See something cool tucked away in a hidden corner somewhere, and you just can’t help but comb through its nook and cranny. But survival horror is about paying attention to your surroundings, not so that you can discover its secrets, but so that you can be ready to run if a monster creeps out of nowhere.

It’s the little need for exploration and “running away” parts that work better with enclosed environments rather than an open world. The claustrophobic halls and corridors that trap you if you make a wrong turn are what Resident Evil 10 needs more of. 

6. More Survival Horror

Debate it all you want, but survival horror is the foundation that makes Resident Evil irresistible. It’s the DNA of the franchise, and toning it down just doesn’t help. Resident Evil 6 tried to lean too much into action, and Capcom paid the price. So, moving forward, Resident Evil 10 and future entries need to stay the course.

5. Dual Protagonists

Choosing to go with co-leads for Resident Evil Requiem must have been a risky decision, given that all other titles that came before featured single protagonists. Yet, the idea is so well-done in the recent entry that I most definitely wouldn’t mind it becoming a series trope. 

Series favorite and seasoned agent Leon S. Kennedy and new lead and inexperienced FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft star in Requiem. Both have different skillsets that go on to inform the survival horror versus action-heavy subparts, respectively. 

Perhaps changing the protagonists to keep the new storyline fresh. Iconic hero Jill Valentine is a great idea, skilled in combat and violence, or bringing back Chris Redfield. Or introducing another new character from the young generation of the Resident Evil universe, like Grace.

4. Polishing the Story

The story is one of the strongest parts of Resident Evil. And this time, Requiem outdoes itself. Yet, it’s not all the way there. The pacing at the start is slow, before Leon and Grace’s paths meet, and it picks up the pace.

3. New Ideas, Take Risks

Another issue is the heavy reminiscing about the past. Sure, the references in Requiem will surely delight veterans. And it was the celebration of the series’ 30th Anniversary only recently. 

But I’d also like to see Capcom take more risks in the future, experimenting with new ideas, whether it’s completely out-of-the-box characters, monsters, or environments, and some shocking plot twists here and there.

2. Brain Racking Puzzles

I love me some clever puzzles. Some of the puzzles in Requiem are good. But others are too straightforward and often fetch quests. And in the heat of the moment, it can be really daunting not to figure out a puzzle quickly enough. Now, how about if they were a touch more complex? What if they balanced the obvious and the out-of-the-box thinking?

1. Local Split-Screen/Online Co-op

I get it, Resident Evil is designed to be a single-player survival horror experience. But hey, the franchise has already taken the step to have dual protagonists. And the next logical feature I can think of is local split-screen and online co-op.

Capcom is already experimenting with the idea. They just have to iron out a few kinks, ensuring that the horror elements remain just as tense in multiplayer. 

Thinking of the Justin Timberlake In Time movie, when he had to run to save Sylvia before her time ran out, and he wasn’t successful. There’s so much tension that can be explored there, having to save each other in the nick of time.