Resident Evil 9’s director reveals there was a ‘phantom Chapter 2’ that was cut ‘in the process of finalising the game’s structure’

Resident Evil Requiem has quickly ascended to the top of my list as the most captivating modern installment in the Resident Evil franchise. Clocking in at a concise 10 hours, it masterfully kept me engaged with its thrilling zombie encounters and intricate puzzles. Just when I thought the experience couldn’t be enhanced, I discovered there was even more depth to the game.

Unveiling the Phantom Chapters

In a recent interview with Denfaminicogamer, director Akifumi Nakanishi revealed intriguing insights about the game’s development. He mentioned a previously unannounced ‘Chapter 2’ that was cut from Resident Evil 7, which involved a transition from the first annex to the main building. Surprisingly, he also disclosed that a similar phantom Chapter 2 existed for Resident Evil Requiem.

Nakanishi elaborated on the creative process behind the game’s structure, stating, “In the process of finalising the game’s structure, we make a lot of choices, like ‘Let’s move this scene further in the story,’ ‘Let’s cut this part out completely,’ or ‘Let’s add a different element here.’” He expressed a sense of nostalgia for what could have been, suggesting that an additional chapter featuring Leon’s escapades in Raccoon City would have added significant value.

While I appreciate the thrill of playing as Leon, I found that Raccoon City sometimes lacked the perfect blend of horror and action that the Hospital section so effectively delivered. I often longed for the adrenaline rush of playing as Grace, navigating her challenges and raising my heart rate with each encounter.

Nakanishi acknowledged the complexities of game development, noting, “Of course, the person who produced it will be disappointed and may even get angry, but if the result is good, everyone will be satisfied. Conversely, that means we have to take responsibility for the result.” The final product has certainly not disappointed, and while I yearn for more time spent with Grace or perhaps even another character, the structure that Requiem ultimately embraced has proven to be quite effective.