You'll love it if:
- You like the dual-protagonist structure of a game
- You enjoy survival horror with action elements
- You’re a Resident Evil fan who likes series lore
- You like tense exploration and atmospheric settings... oh, and fighting zombies, duh
Not for you if:
- You dislike switching between different playstyles during a campaign
- You want pure horror with little action
- You’re not interested in story-heavy games tied to past titles
Few franchises in gaming carry the type of legacy Resident Evil does. For nearly three decades, Capcom’s iconic survival horror series has evolved from fixed-camera terror to cinematic action spectacles while somehow maintaining its identity. With Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry, following my beloved Resident Evil Village, the series attempts something ambitious: to honor its past while pushing the franchise forward into a brand new era.
The result is a game that feels both familiar and daring. Resident Evil Requiem blends classic survival horror tension with explosive action, offering a narrative and gameplay structure that constantly shifts tone and perspective. It is a bold experiment that mostly succeeds, delivering some of the most memorable moments the series has seen in years.
While not flawless, this installment stands as a testament to how Capcom continues to refine the formula that has defined the genre for decades. Capcom just never fails to surprise us fans, and usually in the best ways possible!
TL;DR
Resident Evil Requiem is a thrilling and atmospheric return to form for the series. Its dual-protagonist structure creates a dynamic blend of tense survival horror and intense action, while its environments, puzzles, and enemy design showcase the franchise at its creative best. The story occasionally stumbles, and the latter half leans heavily into action, but the overall experience remains gripping and memorable. For fans of the series and survival horror in general, it’s one of the most compelling entries in years.
A Story Rooted in Legacy
At the heart of Resident Evil Requiem lies a narrative that seeks to conform to the franchise’s long and complicated history. Rather than serving as a soft reboot, the game builds upon decades of lore, tying together lingering story threads and exploring the consequences of past outbreaks.
The story revolves around two central characters: veteran series icon Leon S. Kennedy (aka the heartthrob) and newcomer Grace Ashcroft. Their paths intersect as they investigate a mysterious biological threat connected to survivors of previous outbreaks and a shadowy organization pursuing a dangerous new pathogen.
Grace represents the investigative side of the narrative. Her storyline focuses on uncovering secrets, navigating eerie environments, and slowly piecing together the mystery behind the outbreak. Leon, on the other hand, embodies the franchise’s action-heavy evolution, bringing a more aggressive playstyle and cinematic set pieces into the mix, and I must say I loved the variety. It sort of brings back memories of Resident Evil 4, where you could play as Ashley in some parts, making it a very pleasant throwback.
At the same time, this dual perspective allows the story to explore different emotional tones, from creeping dread to intense confrontations, while gradually revealing a larger conspiracy that spans the series’ history.
Two Playstyles, One Journey
One of the defining features of Resident Evil Requiem is its dual-protagonist structure. Each character offers a distinct gameplay experience, and the contrast between them is one of the game’s greatest strengths.
Grace’s segments lean heavily into traditional survival horror. Resources are scarce, enemies are unpredictable, and exploration plays a major role. Players must carefully manage ammunition, solve environmental puzzles, and navigate interconnected locations filled with hidden threats. The tension in these sections is palpable, often evoking the slow-burn dread of classic Resident Evil titles. In other words, it had me losing it…
Leon’s gameplay in Resident Evil Requiem, on the other hand, shifts the tone dramatically. His missions emphasize combat and mobility, placing players in larger encounters that test reflexes and strategic thinking. Weapons are more plentiful, enemies arrive in greater numbers, and the action is faster and more cinematic.
This contrast creates a rhythm that keeps the experience fresh. Just when the slow tension of exploration becomes overwhelming, the game transitions into a high-energy sequence that releases the pressure, only to gradually build it again.
The result is a carefully balanced blend of horror and action that reflects the evolution of the franchise itself. At the same time, we can’t ignore the fact that Leon looks absolutely amazing in this game and had us fans losing it on TikTok. But let’s focus on the game review, shall we?
Modern Horror Atmosphere
If there is one area where Resident Evil Requiem excels without question, it is its atmosphere. The game’s environments are hauntingly detailed. Players explore abandoned medical facilities, decaying urban ruins, and claustrophobic corridors that feel alive with danger. Lighting plays a crucial role, casting long shadows and creating moments where players hesitate before stepping into the darkness.
Sound design further amplifies this tension. The faint shuffle of footsteps, the distant metallic echoes, and the unsettling ambient noises will constantly keep you on edge. Sometimes the game’s most terrifying moments occur not during combat, but during quiet exploration when the threat is only implied. Besides, that’s something the franchise knows how to do best, and has been doing it for decades.
Enemy design also contributes significantly to the atmosphere. The infected creatures encountered throughout the game behave in unsettling ways, occasionally displaying remnants of human behavior that make them even more disturbing than they already are. Altogether, these elements create a world that feels oppressive and unpredictable, a hallmark of the best survival horror experiences. Meaning if you haven’t played this game yet, you’re in for a ride, my friend.
Refined and Satisfying Combat
The combat in Resident Evil Requiem follows the steps of the mechanics developed across recent entries in the series, and that’s a good thing. Weapons feel impactful and responsive, and the game introduces a variety of context-based actions that allow players to react during different encounters. Whether delivering a precise headshot or finishing off an enemy with a brutal melee move, the moment-to-moment combat feels fluid and extra satisfying.
The game also encourages experimentation. Players can approach encounters in different ways, such as carefully conserving ammunition, setting traps, and trying to be discreet, or facing enemies directly with powerful weapons.
Boss fights also deserve special mention. These encounters often serve as dramatic highlights, combining mechanical challenges with striking visual design. Each major enemy requires players to adapt their tactics, thus preventing combat from ever becoming repetitive and boring (yes, RE 6 we’re looking at you).
Can Anything Ever Be Flawless?
As much as I adore this game, I have to be honest, despite its many strengths, Resident Evil Requiem is not without its flaws. The most noticeable issue is the shift in tone during the latter half of the game. While the early sections focus heavily on survival horror, the later chapters lean more into action-oriented gameplay. This transition can potentially disrupt the balance between styles and, for some players, may feel abrupt and slightly undermine the tense atmosphere established earlier.
As I mentioned earlier, the story occasionally struggles to balance its ambitious scope. With so many connections to previous games, the narrative can become convoluted at times, especially for players unfamiliar with the franchise’s history. The campaign’s length may also leave some fans wanting more. Although the experience is tightly paced, it can feel relatively brief compared to other modern AAA titles. Don’t get me wrong, these shortcomings don’t ruin the experience, but they do prevent the game from achieving peak perfection.
A Celebration of the Franchise
What ultimately makes Resident Evil Requiem stand out is how confidently it embraces the legacy of the series. Throughout the campaign, players will notice subtle callbacks to earlier titles, from environmental design choices to narrative references that longtime fans will immediately recognize. Yet these elements rarely feel like simple nostalgia.
Instead, the game uses its past as a foundation for new ideas. By combining familiar mechanics with modern design philosophy, Capcom creates a title that respects its roots while still feeling fresh. This delicate balance is not easy to achieve, but Resident Evil Requiem pulls it off with remarkable confidence, and we fans appreciate it immensely.
Resident Evil Requiem – Conclusion
Resident Evil Requiem is not just another sequel. It is a reflection of everything the series has become. By blending tense exploration, intense action, and a story deeply rooted in the franchise’s history, the game delivers an experience that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. While its narrative occasionally falters and the pacing shifts in its latter half, the overall journey remains gripping from start to finish.
More importantly, Resident Evil Requiem demonstrates that even after decades of evolution, the survival horror formula still has room to grow. For longtime fans, it serves as a powerful tribute to the franchise’s legacy. For newcomers, it offers a thrilling glimpse into why Resident Evil has remained one of gaming’s most influential series to date. In the end, Resident Evil Requiem lives up to its name, as a haunting reminder that the horror is far from over.
Huge thanks to CDMedia for the review copy we used.