Resident Evil Requiem: A Bold Hybrid of Action and Atmosphere
The ninth mainline entry in the storied Resident Evil franchise, Requiem, arrives with a clear and ambitious mission: to bridge the gap between the series’ high-octane action era and the suffocating, hide-and-seek tension of its survival horror roots. After spending four hours with an early build of the game, it’s evident that Capcom isn’t just picking a side; they are effectively splitting the experience down the middle. By utilizing two distinct protagonists—series veteran Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft—the developers have created a dual-layered gameplay loop that feels like a “greatest hits” collection of the franchise’s evolving mechanics.
A Tale of Two Playstyles
The contrast between the two leads is the cornerstone of the Requiem experience. Grace, an FBI analyst with a tragic connection to the series’ lore, represents the “pure” survival horror side of the coin. Her segments are claustrophobic and resource-starved, reminiscent of the harrowing hallways of Resident Evil 7. Playing as Grace demands a methodical approach; players must prioritize stealth, solve environmental puzzles, and engage in frantic resource management where every single bullet feels like a luxury.
Leon, on the other hand, brings the “power fantasy” back to the forefront. Returning to the fray as a grizzled D.S.O. agent, his sections channel the kinetic energy of Resident Evil 4. While the game allows players to toggle between first-person and third-person perspectives at will, Leon’s combat-heavy encounters feel tailor-made for the over-the-shoulder view. This structural split ensures the pacing remains brisk, constantly rotating the player between the vulnerability of a victim and the lethal efficiency of a professional monster hunter.
Iconic Settings and New Threats
The demo kicked off with Leon entering a massive medical facility. Longtime fans will immediately feel at home here; the cavernous main hall serves as a classic Resident Evil hub, echoing the architectural DNA of the Spencer Mansion and the Raccoon City Police Department. It features all the series’ staples: branching wings to explore, cryptic locked doors, and an eerie silence that practically guarantees a massive ambush is waiting just around the corner.
The “ambush,” as it turns out, does not disappoint. Shortly after taking control of Leon, I was swarmed by nearly fifteen infected medical staff and patients. This encounter showcased the game’s brutal new melee system. Leon now sports a hatchet capable of lopping off limbs or delivering precise headshots. There’s even a parry mechanic for those with perfect timing. In a particularly chaotic moment, I managed to reclaim a running chainsaw from a “resourceful” zombie, though I quickly learned the hard way that a dropped power tool remains a hazard—I took significant damage simply by bumping into the spinning blade.
Nuanced Horror and Dark Humor
Perhaps the most surprising evolution in Requiem is the behavior of the “common” infected. The zombies here possess a level of individuality rarely seen in the genre. Their behavior is often dictated by who they were before the infection. For instance, a hulking “Chef” zombie remains tethered to his kitchen, refusing to chase the player into the corridors. Another zombie, eyes bandaged and still attached to an IV drip, reacts solely to sound. I was able to navigate past him by throwing an empty bottle to distract him—a move that resulted in him accidentally killing another nearby zombie in his confusion.
These vignettes add a layer of environmental strategy and even a dash of campy humor, occasionally bringing to mind the “zombie-paradise” vibes of Dead Rising. Whether it’s an undead executive “firing” an employee by devouring them or a specialized boss fight in the rafters of a building, the game rewards players for observing their surroundings rather than just pulling the trigger.
Bridging the Generation Gap
Set thirty years after the initial T-Virus outbreak, Requiem serves as both a nostalgic trip for veterans and a fresh entry point for newcomers. While the narrative—revolving around the mysterious Dr. Viktor Gideon and the lingering shadow of Umbrella—retains the series’ signature “B-movie” charm, the gameplay is where the real depth lies.
The inclusion of the “Requiem” handgun, a high-caliber weapon Leon eventually passes to Grace, perfectly symbolizes the game’s design philosophy. It is a tool of absolute power, yet it initially arrives with only a single bullet. In Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom asks the player to balance that power with the constant, nagging fear of what happens when the magazine runs dry.
