Highlights
- The iconic relationship between Leon and Ada in the Resident Evil series adds a romantic touch to the fear and suspense of the survival horror genre.
- Leon and Ada's dynamic has evolved throughout the series, from Ada initially being hesitant about Leon's presence to them developing a dramatic relationship marked by sacrifice and confession of feelings.
- With the rumored development of Resident Evil 9, fans hope to see the continuation of Leon and Ada's cat-and-mouse relationship, as well as potential appearances from other beloved characters like Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield.
The delicate blend of tension with a sprinkle of blood-pumping excitement has been the staple in the survival horror genre. From the early days of Leon S. Kennedy to the relatively recent Ethan Winters' bone-chilling encounters with Jack Baker and Lady Dimitrescu, Resident Evil has thrived by bringing players face-to-face with gruesome creatures and zombies. Even in the midst of fear and suspense, there's potential for romantic undertones, and the iconic relationship between Leon and Ada contrasts the lurking dangers in the franchise's earlier installments. With speculation surrounding Resident Evil 9's development, enthusiasts hope to see this longstanding cat-and-mouse relationship continue in the series' next edition.
It's been a while since Leon and Ada made an appearance in Resident Evil's mainline installments, dating back to Resident Evil 6, where they featured alongside the BSAA captain, Chris Redfield, and the mercenary Jake Muller, as players pulled out all the stops to halt a worldwide bioterrorist attack. Ada played an unusual role by assisting Leon in defeating the National Security Advisor Derek Simmons, the mastermind behind the attack on the president. Interestingly, Ada also encounters her clone, Carla Radames, before destroying her developmental lab with Leon's help. While newcomers to the series might think their cordial nature in this title is the norm, seasoned fans know this wasn't always their relationship dynamic.
Leon and Ada Could Spice Up Resident Evil 9
The Leon-Ada saga began in Raccoon City in Resident Evil 2, where there were a series of T-virus outbreaks in the city, contaminating drinking water and leading to the zombification of a significant portion of the city's residents. Amidst the chaos, Leon, a rookie police officer, stumbled upon Ada, who was on her own mission. She was spying on the Umbrella Corporation, a front company notorious for concealing its involvement in the production of biological weapons for militaries worldwide. Not wanting to reveal her dangerous motives to a random stranger, Ada told Leon she was looking for her boyfriend, John.
It became evident that Ada wasn't too keen on Leon's presence, even when he asserted his duty as a police officer to protect her. Leon even went as far as taking a bullet intended for her during an encounter with Annette. Still, Ada wasn't too interested in returning the favor, leaving him unconscious to go after Annette to learn more about the Umbrella Corporation and the new G-virus. However, as Resident Evil 2's story unfolds, Ada returns to tend to the injured Leon, marking the start of their dramatic relationship.
It was later revealed to Leon what Ada's true mission was, but this wasn't the end of their intertwined fates. Following a heated fight with a Tyrant, Ada is severely wounded while attempting to save Leon. Barely clinging to life, she confesses her feelings for Leon, and the two share a kiss. He sorrowfully leaves her for dead, believing she won't survive her wounds, but Ada manages to beat the odds, and the duo teams up to battle against a Super Tyrant. With the Winters family's story arc now concluded, Capcom has an opportunity to build on the storytelling triumph of Resident Evil Village, and revisiting Leon and Ada's rocky journey could chart a new course for the Resident Evil franchise.
With rumors that beloved characters in the series like Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield may make another appearance in the new survival horror saga, it shouldn't surprise many if there is Leon-Ada drama infused in Resident Evil 9's features and overarching storyline. Even horror tales need a helping of normal human emotions, and their return might serve as a redemption arc for their relationship, allowing them to reprise their roles as they did in Resident Evil 6, albeit in a game that might hopefully have a more favorable reception than their last appearance in the series.
Resident Evil 9 is rumored to be in development.