Resident Evil Requiem Review: A Masterful, if Familiar, Fusion of Horror and Action

The year is 2026, and the ashes of Raccoon City are calling players back. Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom’s ninth mainline entry, arrives with the ambitious promise of a definitive bridge between the series’ survival-horror past and its action-packed present. It’s a dual-protagonist sequel that pits a stealth-focused newcomer against the franchise’s most iconic veteran, all set against the haunting, overgrown backdrop of the series’ most infamous location. The question looming over this homecoming isn't just whether the terror can be resurrected, but whether this polished fusion offers enough new ideas to justify another journey into the heart of darkness. After a 10-15 hour campaign, the answer is a confident, if slightly safe, yes.

A Tale of Two Survivors: Grace & Leon's Dueling Campaigns

The core innovation of Resident Evil Requiem is its dual-protagonist structure, which isn't just a narrative device but a fundamental gameplay schism. This isn't a simple character swap; it's two distinct horror philosophies playing out within a single, interwoven narrative.

You first step into the worn boots of Grace Ashcroft, a new FBI analyst and the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil: Outbreak. Her connection to the series' past is more than familial; her gameplay is a deliberate callback to the tense, resource-scarce roots of survival horror. Playing from a default first-person perspective, Grace’s toolkit is one of desperation and cunning. Ammunition is a luxury, and direct confrontation is often a death sentence. Instead, you’ll rely on throwable distractions, environmental traps, and explosive chemicals crafted from scavenged parts. Her campaign is a methodical, nerve-shredding experience where every creaking floorboard and distant groan ratchets up the tension, perfectly channeling the legacy of the Outbreak titles.

In stark contrast stands the returning Leon S. Kennedy. His sections are a masterclass in the evolved, action-horror language Capcom has refined since Resident Evil 4. From a fluid third-person perspective, Leon is a powerhouse. He enters scenarios with a full arsenal, a reliable parry system, and the confidence to meet threats head-on. His gameplay is aggressive, dynamic, and deeply satisfying, feeling like a direct evolution of the mechanics perfected in the RE4 Remake. This dichotomy—Grace’s vulnerable stealth versus Leon’s empowered combat—creates phenomenal replayability and ensures the 10-15 hour campaign never feels monotonous.

Narratively, their paths are tied to Raccoon City’s lingering ghosts. Grace is investigating the mysterious circumstances of her mother’s death, a personal quest that leads to her abduction by a rogue former Umbrella scientist. Leon, forever burdened by his failure to save the city, is drawn back to confront his guilt and the new horrors festering in the ruins. Their stories converge in compelling ways, offering a fresh lens through which to view the series’ most tragic setting.

The Heart of Survival: Gameplay Mechanics & Pacing

Requiem’s mechanics are a finely tuned engine designed to serve its dual identity. The deep crafting system is a highlight, going beyond simple herb mixing. Unique components like infected zombie blood become crucial resources, allowing you to synthesize specialized ammunition or potent healing agents from scrap metal and chemicals. This system feeds directly into the glorious, anxiety-inducing return of tense inventory management. Every slot counts, forcing constant, stressful decisions about what to carry for the unknown challenges ahead—a classic pillar of horror that remains incredibly effective.

A standout feature is the seamless, player-controlled camera toggle. At any point, you can switch between first-person and third-person perspectives. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a transformative tool. Exploring a dark corridor as Grace in first-person is utterly terrifying, while swapping to third-person can offer a tactical advantage in a crowded room. This flexibility respects player preference and adds a unique layer of control to the experience.

The pacing, however, is a tale of two halves. The first act, particularly Grace’s exploration of the decaying Rhodes Hill Hospital and Care Center, is masterful. It’s a slow-burn symphony of dread, environmental storytelling, and desperate survival. Enemy variety shines here, with zombies displaying unsettlingly unique behaviors that keep you on edge. The large-scale bioweapon boss fights are consistently spectacular, demanding both strategy and reflexes.

The critique emerges in the back half, primarily during Leon’s sections. While his action is thrilling, the narrative momentum begins to feel rushed, barreling toward a conclusion that doesn’t quite land with the weight of the setup. It’s here that the game’s otherwise impeccable rhythm stumbles slightly.

Strengths & Shortcomings

Resident Evil Requiem is, without doubt, a premium production. The RE Engine delivers arguably the series' best visuals yet, with grotesque detail in every creature and haunting beauty in the overgrown ruins. The fusion of survival-horror tension and action-horror catharsis is executed with precision. Character development, especially for Grace, is strong, and the core gameplay loop is incredibly tight and satisfying.

Yet, for all its polish, the game plays it safe. The primary criticism is a lack of major innovation. It brilliantly refines the formulas of recent titles but doesn’t significantly advance them. This feeling culminates in a final act that some have described as “nonsense,” featuring a final boss fight that feels heavily recycled from past encounters, undermining the narrative’s build-up.

The Verdict: Value & Final Thoughts

Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27, 2026, for $69 (with a Deluxe Edition at $89) on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The value proposition is a point of discussion. The campaign’s length is solid, and high replayability is offered through two distinct endings, unlockable costumes, and a brutal "Insanity Mode." However, the notable absence of a Mercenaries mode or any substantial post-launch content at launch is felt. While Capcom has hinted at future DLC, the initial offering may leave action-focused fans wanting more beyond the credits.

Resident Evil Requiem stands as a polished, thrilling, and confident sequel. It is a triumphant homecoming to Raccoon City that expertly executes the blend of horror and action Capcom has spent a decade perfecting. It stumbles in its final hours and chooses refinement over revolution, but the compelling dual-campaign structure and masterful core gameplay deliver one of the series' most consistently engaging and replayable experiences. For longtime fans, it’s an essential journey. For the franchise, it’s a proof of concept that leaves us hungry to see where this fused identity evolves next—hopefully with the courage to innovate as boldly as it refines.

Tags: Resident Evil Requiem, Video Game Review, Survival Horror, Capcom, PS5