The unofficial master of Resident Evil lore has shared his insights on Resident Evil Requiem, a major new addition that expands Capcom's long-running horror series with fresh narrative twists. If you haven't heard of TheBatman, it's time to get acquainted. As the creator of a comprehensive timeline that traces all Resident Evil events from around 4.5 billion years ago, TheBatman appears to possess unparalleled knowledge of the franchise and its characters.
His timeline now consists of PDF documents organized chronologically, detailing the series' history from ancient times up to 2020, with more updates on the way. The entire project spans thousands of pages, drawing information from mainline games and various spin-offs.
But how does the recent release of Resident Evil Requiem—a game aimed at tying up loose ends and revisiting beloved story arcs—affect this vast lore? As expected, TheBatman has a lot to say, particularly about the 'retconning' of Raccoon City's presumed total destruction by a missile (though not a nuclear one) at the conclusion of Resident Evil 3.
Continue reading for IGN's interview with TheBatman, where he discusses the franchise's future direction (given its already extensive lore), the inconsistencies introduced by recent remakes (which seem likely to persist), and, most crucially, whether the most knowledgeable Resident Evil fan supports Team Ada or Team Claire.
IGN: How much progress have you made on the timeline recently, considering the series' busy release schedule?
TheBatman: I've been quietly updating it behind the scenes, adding new details, refining existing information, and aiming to make it more concise and readable. Incorporating Requiem's elements has been enjoyable, though some story points have posed challenges as they alter aspects of RE lore dating back decades. Once the Requiem story DLC launches, I plan to release two versions: one centered on the remakes and another based solely on the original games, allowing fans to choose their preference.
IGN: That's intriguing—how significantly do the remakes impact the established lore? Are we at a stage where canon needs to be divided to accommodate them?
TheBatman: It depends on how deeply you delve into the details. The core story beats of each game remain largely intact, so the broader canon isn't heavily affected. I believe this aligns with Capcom's approach to remake storytelling. However, for those like me who focus on finer plot points, issues arise. For instance, does Brad Vickers die by Nemesis in the original RE3 or by zombies in Bar Jack in the remake? Does Marvin Branagh get bitten during Desperate Times in Outbreak File 2 or by zombie Brad in Remake 3? Does Krauser collaborate with Wesker in RE4? While many may not care much about these minor details, as someone dedicated to organizing the lore cohesively, it becomes tough to integrate everything without splitting the canon. That's why I opted for two separate timelines—to include every story point fittingly, which isn't feasible if forcing original and remake timelines together.
In the Remake 2 and 3 versions, the Raccoon City incident doesn't escalate until September 25th, with police responding to only their third 'cannibal disease' case that month. Yet, by that same date in the originals, several Outbreak scenarios have occurred, martial law is in effect, and the military has blockaded the area. Thus, differences in sub-plots are substantial, even if key events stay similar.
IGN: How do you regard spin-off games in terms of canon? Requiem includes elements from the Outbreak spin-offs, which fans have previously criticized for lore inconsistencies.
TheBatman: Requiem's use of Outbreak characters and lore is interesting, but those games' events don't fit the remake timeline due to contradictions or altered details in Remake 2 and 3. For example, the CG series Infinite Darkness features Nick Apostolides and Remake 2's Leon but reverts to his original RE2 backstory of being late on September 29th—changed in Remake 2 to starting on September 25th and being told to stay away.
Another aspect is that many finer plot details come from Japanese-exclusive supplemental materials like books and websites, which enrich the narrative. The remakes lack such materials, making some plot points confusing without original context. I don't view the remakes as replacements; the original games remain crucial.
IGN: Your timeline is impressive but massive. Where should a fan new to the series' lore begin to explore deeper?
TheBatman: I recommend starting with the discovery of the Progenitor Virus and Umbrella's founding. The period leading up to the Mansion Incident provides intricate details on the T-virus program, the dynamics between Spencer, James Marcus, and Edward Ashford, the origins of Albert Wesker and William Birkin, and the backgrounds of Raccoon City and Arklay Mansion. Anyone with a keen interest in the lore will gain more from future playthroughs by reading this backstory.
IGN: Which game would you suggest for someone who has only played Requiem?
TheBatman: The Remake of RE2 makes sense. It introduces Leon and lets players experience Raccoon City, including the police station and orphanage, before the bombing. For newcomers who started with Requiem, going back to see the full outbreak retrospectively would be a unique, almost prequel-like experience. I also advocate for the original RE2, which I consider one of the greatest games ever made.
IGN: What are your thoughts on Requiem's story and its revisitation of earlier series elements?
TheBatman: I enjoyed much of it. The Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Centre was a fantastic setting, and Grace Ashcroft was a great new character. Leon's journey was well-handled—he retains his wit and skills but comes across as more jaded and reflective of his age. I was concerned about repeating his infection struggle from RE4, but they executed it well. Nick Apostolides delivered an excellent performance, and it was wonderful to see Sherry back, working closely with Leon. Themes of loss and regret were effectively portrayed. As someone opposed to Wesker's return, I expected to dislike Zeno, but his subtle differences made me appreciate him.
Since RE7 and Village focused on Ethan's story with minimal old lore, returning to Umbrella's core storyline in Requiem was refreshing. I was skeptical about retconning Raccoon City's destruction, but revisiting its sun-bleached ruins and the police station evoked emotions. It's not just Leon returning after 28 years; for fans of the original RE2, it felt the same. I wish Claire and Jill had been involved, but I understand Capcom's focus on Leon's narrative.
I commend Capcom for keeping so much secret in today's leak-prone environment. Reveals like Zeno and Hunk's return made the final third of the game full of surprises.
IGN: What is Requiem's biggest reveal that alters our understanding of the series?
TheBatman: The new revelations about Oswell Spencer have sparked controversy. His themes of atonement and regret over past actions don't sit well with some fans, given his history of scheming and villainy. While there might be genuine remorse, I suspect he was manipulating Alyssa with Grace, and more secrets remain. I don't think EPLIS resulted from a sudden change of heart but was a failsafe in case he lost control of the T-virus and Umbrella. Post-Raccoon City, the story shifts to global bioterrorism, and Spencer's actions in Requiem show him outsmarting enemies from beyond the grave, fitting his character perfectly.
Retroactively adding The Connections to the series history is also significant. With Wesker gone since RE5, the franchise has faced a villain void, making the storyline disjointed. Characters like Chris have become more generic without personal stakes. Capcom tends to introduce and discard villains quickly, so having a recurring enemy like The Connections is promising—I hope they stick around.
IGN: Is there anything about Umbrella or Raccoon City you wish had been revealed?
TheBatman: I hoped for an explanation of why Raccoon City wasn't completely destroyed. The global announcement of its obliteration could have been a cover-up for ARK's secrecy. If the government sealed the area, who would know? I'd prefer that over an unquestioned retcon. It would also have been nice to see how other survivors, like Outbreak characters, Ada, or Carlos, fared over the years, especially with Raccoon City Syndrome as a factor.
I wanted Requiem to elaborate more on Umbrella's collusion with the U.S. Government, a promise unfulfilled in Resident Evil 6. Their uneasy alliance, with mutual blackmail potential, is a rich backstory that games often overlook. The government's attempt to acquire William Birkin sparked the conflict, and there's much untold depth.
Finally, I thought Requiem would provide more on 'Blue Umbrella' from RE7's end, but its absence in Village and Requiem suggests it wasn't meant to be major.
IGN: What does the game's ending tease with the Wolves?
TheBatman: It clearly references Chris Redfield's Hound Wolf Squad from Village. Chris's absence at the end of Requiem hints at future developments. The game mentions corrupt government factions with The Connections controlling the B.S.A.A., tying into Village's cliffhanger where the B.S.A.A. deployed bio-weapons. Chris and his squad went rogue to capture Miranda, so The Connections likely see them as a threat.
IGN: Where might Requiem's expansion head?
TheBatman: I'd love to see Chris and Jill reunited. Chris's absence when Hound Wolf Squad saved Leon raises questions about his whereabouts—perhaps investigating the original mansion ruins, which could involve Jill. It was odd that Claire, Ada, and Carlos weren't referenced in the base game; while they might not appear in DLC, some insight into their current status, especially regarding Raccoon City Syndrome, would be welcome. Zeno's activities in the first half and his background need elaboration—his Wesker-imitation currently adds little to the story, so I hope Capcom has plans for him.
IGN: What would you like updated or expanded in a potential Code Veronica remake?
TheBatman: The subplot of Umbrella's three founders—Spencer, Marcus, and Ashford—is fascinating. We know about Spencer and Marcus, but Edward Ashford remains a mystery; I hope the game explores his character and ambitions. Another dangling thread is the 'rival company' Wesker worked for, key until RE4's end but then fading. Brief references to H.C.F. in RE7 and Requiem exist, but a Code: Veronica remake could fully explain them.
IGN: And most importantly, are you Team Ada or Team Claire?
TheBatman: I believe Leon's heart is with Ada. Apologies to Claire fans!
Thanks to TheBatman for his time. For more, listen to him on The Resident Evil Podcast.
