Resident Evil Requiem Had a 'Phantom' Chapter That Capcom Cut

Capcom removed an entire chapter from Resident Evil Requiem that was originally set to take place shortly after the game's opening. According to director Koshi Nakanishi, the studio cut a 'phantom' Chapter 2 during development, similar to how they previously cut a chapter from Resident Evil 7.

'I've mentioned in interviews before that there was a phantom Chapter 2 for Resident Evil 7 that was cut during development,' Nakanishi told Japanese site Denfaminicogamer via machine translation. 'It was a scene where you move from the first annex to the main building, but actually, there was also a phantom Chapter 2 for Resident Evil: Requiem.'

Unfortunately, Nakanishi didn't elaborate on what this cut chapter would have involved or which of the game's two characters it would have followed. However, he did explain why Capcom often removes content that doesn't meet their standards.

'In the process of finalizing the game's structure, we make a lot of choices, like moving a scene further in the story, cutting it out completely, or adding a different element. Of course, we don't just suddenly cut things at the end of development; we often make repeated revisions during the initial rough draft stage. In that process, it's quite common for entire chapters to disappear.'

'It's similar to editing text or video,' Nakanishi continued. 'We shoot a lot of footage, arrange it, and think about whether the intended message comes across, how the tempo and interest are, and then we cut out anything unnecessary. Surprisingly, sometimes the overall result is better if certain elements are omitted. Subtraction is really important. 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.'

It's intriguing to speculate where this chapter might have fit. The game begins with Grace Ashcroft exploring Wrenwood Hotel, then briefly introduces Leon in an action-heavy sequence on Wrenwood's busy streets. The action then moves to the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, where Grace is captured. After a long section there, players get more of Leon before the pair head to Raccoon City.

The first third of the game heavily focuses on Grace, making it possible that Leon once had a larger role. Perhaps a more substantial section on the Wrenwood city streets was planned, or more of Rhodes Hill was meant to be included. Leon's gameplay feels limited to keep tension high while Grace remains underpowered. Hopefully, more details will emerge later.

Elsewhere in the same interview, Nakanishi reflected on Requiem's viral 'Final Puzzle' mystery, which fans solved within the game's first few days. 'Wow, that was quick,' Nakanishi said when he saw the solution, having previously thought it would last 'for at least two weeks.' Other Capcom developers, meanwhile, believed no one would notice it at all.

Next up for Resident Evil Requiem is a new mode arriving next month, which Nakanishi has said will require players to have beaten the main game to access.