The Resident Evil franchise has undergone a series of permutations over the course of its decades-long tenure. From the early days of tank controls and crude graphics all the way to the photorealistic and action-movie qualities of the modern games and remakes, the franchise has exhibited a surprising degree of flexibility, shifting and reforming in whatever manner is necessary for success and innovation. Now, with Resident Evil 9 expected to take things in a new direction yet again, it will be interesting to see what else comes along to transform the series' identity.