Capcom has announced its intention to draw inspiration from the original Resident Evil titles to enhance the challenge of boss encounters in the upcoming ninth installment, Requiem.

Game director Koshi Nakanishi emphasized that the focus will be on engaging players’ intellect rather than purely on combat skills. “Boss battles will certainly be a part of the game,” Nakanishi explained. “However, rather than defeating foes with flashy combat techniques as seen in shooter-centric games, we’re aiming for a more classic Resident Evil approach, where players will need to navigate closed environments and solve challenges using their wits.”

The new main character, Grace Ashcroft, plays a crucial role in this design. Unlike Leon Kennedy, a seasoned fighter known for his uncanny ability to handle threats, Ashcroft begins her journey unarmed and vulnerable. Nakanishi previously noted that “Leon Kennedy, in many ways, isn’t ideally suited for horror,” highlighting the different approach taken with Ashcroft, who starts the game with minimal combat skills but will grow stronger through her experiences.

“A key aspect of the Resident Evil franchise is that characters who start out frightened ultimately become more resilient as they face terrifying circumstances,” Nakanishi remarked. “Initially, Grace is overwhelmed by fear, but as events unfold, she finds her strength and learns to confront her enemies.”

During a recent conversation at Gamescom, Nakanishi shared insights on gameplay pacing. Notably, he was the director behind Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, which many consider one of the best-paced titles in the series. “My methodology remains consistent for this project…” he stated, elaborating further on his vision.

Resident Evil Requiem is set to be released on February 27th of next year.