Resident Evil Requiem Could Be the Franchise's Definitive Horror Experience
Capcom's upcoming release, Resident Evil Requiem, is shaping up to deliver a truly terrifying experience that expertly merges the series' dual horror identities. This ninth main instalment appears poised to strike a remarkable balance between heart-pounding action and tense survival elements, potentially making it the most compelling entry in the legendary franchise to date.
A Dual Protagonist Approach That Actually Works
The game introduces players to two distinct perspectives that represent different aspects of Resident Evil's DNA. On one hand, we have the return of Leon S. Kennedy, the seasoned government agent who first appeared in 2005's Resident Evil 4. Thirty years after the Raccoon City outbreak, Leon remains a capable fighter who knows his way around a viral crisis and firearms.
Contrasting sharply with Leon's experience is newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst who finds herself completely out of her depth when confronted with the horrors of Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Centre. This medical facility serves as the primary setting for the preview, creating an unsettling atmosphere that feels fresh for the series.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics That Keep Players Guessing
During a three-hour hands-on preview, several clever gameplay innovations became apparent. One particularly notable change involves how enemies function - when a chainsaw-wielding zombie falls, another can immediately pick up the weapon, creating continuous threats that keep players on edge. This subtle but significant alteration serves as Capcom's way of telling veterans: "Think you know what to expect? Think again."
The game introduces a blood collector device that Grace acquires about halfway through the demo. This tool allows players to create more powerful ammunition, enhanced herbs, and effective injector devices, including one that can eliminate larger stalker enemies with a single strike. This mechanic represents a natural evolution of the franchise's excellent crafting and inventory management systems.
Atmospheric Setting That Heightens the Horror
Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Centre proves to be a masterfully designed location that capitalises on medical horror tropes while adding unique Resident Evil twists. The infected here aren't typical invaders but rather former workers and patients who cling to their previous roles in disturbing ways. This creates genuinely unsettling encounters, such as a suited, flesh-eating manager who bellows "you're fired" in a chilling tone or a cook who repeatedly slams his cleaver while players attempt to sneak past.
The setting's familiarity becomes both comforting and terrifying as players explore both the West and East wings, solving puzzles and unlocking new areas. While the core formula remains recognisably Resident Evil, the medical environment and dual protagonist structure provide enough innovation to feel fresh without alienating long-time fans.
Seamless Perspective Switching Enhances the Experience
Perhaps most impressively, the transition between Leon's action-oriented third-person segments and Grace's more claustrophobic, survival-focused sections feels remarkably natural. Players can choose between first- and third-person perspectives for both characters, though the preview suggests each protagonist benefits from their default viewpoint.
Leon's sections channel the intense action of Resident Evil 4, complete with roundhouse kicks and powerful weapons like his new firehouse axe that can open paths inaccessible to Grace. Meanwhile, Grace's segments evoke the atmospheric dread of Resident Evil 7's Baker household, forcing players to slow down, explore carefully, and conserve resources.
Narrative Intrigue That Leaves Players Wanting More
The preview raises numerous compelling questions that suggest a complex narrative awaits. What exactly is the nature of Leon's mysterious black neck infection? Why does the sinister Dr. Victor Gideon show such particular interest in Grace as a patient? How will these two protagonists' stories intersect beyond their shared location?
While Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Centre serves as the primary setting for the preview, there are strong indications that this represents just one of several locations players will explore throughout the full game, similar to how Resident Evil 2's RPD station or Village's Castle Dimitrescu functioned within their respective narratives.
A Promising Future for Horror Gaming
Based on the extensive preview, Resident Evil Requiem appears positioned to deliver the best of both horror worlds without compromising either approach. The game manages to honour the franchise's legacy while introducing meaningful innovations that keep the experience feeling fresh and unpredictable.
Capcom has demonstrated remarkable confidence in blending the series' different horror strands, creating an experience that could potentially satisfy both action-oriented players and those who prefer slower, more atmospheric survival horror. The return to Raccoon City elements, combined with new characters and mechanics, suggests this could become a landmark entry in the survival horror genre.
Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC platforms.
