Resident Evil 9, also known as Resident Evil Requiem, dominated last week’s gaming scene with its nostalgic yet fresh gameplay featuring fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy, receiving high praise and strong player engagement. In contrast, Bungie’s Marathon server slam and Horizon Hunters Gathering’s closed testing struggled with declining player interest and less compelling gameplay, highlighting Resident Evil 9’s clear superiority.
Last week marked a significant moment in gaming, highlighted by the release of Resident Evil 9, also known as Resident Evil Requiem, which dominated the scene and overshadowed other events like Bungie’s Marathon server slam and the closed testing phase of Horizon Hunters Gathering. The reviewer, AZ from Heel versus Baby Face, expressed immense excitement for the new Resident Evil installment, especially due to the return of fan-favorite character Leon S. Kennedy. After nearly five years since the last main entry, Resident Evil Village, this new game brings back a familiar face and a gameplay style reminiscent of the beloved Resident Evil 4, blending nostalgia with fresh elements.
Resident Evil 9 features two main playable characters: Grace, a new FBI agent, and Leon. The first half of the game focuses heavily on Grace, whose character and voice acting were criticized for not matching her supposed training and role, detracting somewhat from the experience despite her gameplay being solid and horror elements engaging. The second half shifts to Leon, now 51 years old, whose gameplay is more action-oriented and satisfying, with a wide arsenal and finishing moves that elevate the game’s pace and excitement. The narrative, while not the most complex in the series, effectively revisits the ruins of Raccoon City and weaves in meaningful callbacks that resonate with long-time fans.
In terms of reception, Resident Evil 9 was a major success, peaking at over 344,000 concurrent players on launch weekend and maintaining strong numbers days later. The game received an 88 critic score on Metacritic and an impressive 9.5 user score, reflecting widespread enthusiasm. The PlayStation platform, traditionally the home of Resident Evil, likely saw robust sales, further cementing the game’s success. The reviewer ultimately rated the game an 8.75 out of 10, praising its fun and engaging experience despite some flaws in character development and story.
In contrast, Bungie’s Marathon server slam, held just before Resident Evil 9’s release, struggled to maintain player interest. Although the free event attracted an initial peak of around 143,000 players, numbers steadily declined throughout the weekend, dropping to 69,000 by the final day. The reviewer found Marathon’s gameplay slow and sluggish, lacking the excitement needed to captivate players, and expressed doubts about the game’s $40 price point and long-term appeal, especially in competition with other extraction shooters like Ark Raiders, which offer more accessible gameplay and better player retention.
Finally, Horizon Hunters Gathering’s closed testing showed a similar pattern of declining participation across test sessions, though the sample size and access numbers remain unclear. While the game still has ample time before launch to build interest and improve, the initial data suggests challenges in maintaining player engagement. Overall, Resident Evil 9’s triumphant release clearly outshone the other gaming events of the week, reaffirming the franchise’s enduring popularity and the strong draw of iconic characters like Leon S. Kennedy.