Resident Evil is back, baby. Capcom’s bold, dual-natured entry has embraced the series’ split identity between both survival horror and explosive action. By dividing its campaign between two distinct protagonists, it creates a dynamic rhythm that constantly shifts tone, mechanics, and pacing.
Newcomer to the series, Grace Ashcroft, features sections that lean heavily into the classic survival horror that fans of the older RE games have sorely missed. Exploration is deliberate and tense, with tightly designed environments that loop back and reward careful observation. Resources are scarce, encouraging restraint and thoughtful planning rather than reckless confrontation. Every encounter feels risky, and puzzles are woven naturally into the setting, evoking the methodical dread that defined the franchise’s earliest chapters. These sequences thrive on atmosphere: dim lighting, unsettling sound design, and claustrophobic spaces combine to create a heart-stopping dread whenever you stumble into a new environment.
In sharp contrast, Resident Evil veteran Leon S. Kennedy’s campaign embraces bombastic spectacle, which perfectly captures his experience with “zombie” outbreaks in previous titles. Encounters expand in scale and accelerate in pace. Leon moves with flashy lethality – burying hatchets in skulls, sweeping roundhouse kicks, and an arsenal so diverse it would make John Wick blush. All of this combined leads to a combat style that feels both brutal and effortlessly cool. Gunplay is responsive and crisp, and enemy encounters escalate into chaotic firefights that demand rapid decision-making. The shift in perspective and style keeps the overall experience varied, preventing repetition and giving each character a distinct identity.
Visually, Requiem stands out with richly detailed environments and striking use of lighting. From shadow-drenched corridors to explosive set pieces, the presentation enhances both suspense and spectacle. Environmental storytelling is strong throughout, grounding the horror in tangible, decaying spaces while giving the action sequences cinematic flair.
The narrative threads together past elements of the franchise while introducing new stakes. Character moments land best during quieter interludes, where tension simmers, and motivations feel personal. However, the tonal shift between the slower horror opening and the more action-heavy latter sections can feel abrupt, slightly diminishing the sustained dread established early on. As the campaign progresses, spectacle increasingly takes precedence over vulnerability, altering its emotional texture.
Despite this imbalance, Resident Evil: Requiem succeeds in capturing what makes the series enduring. While the two halves don’t always blend seamlessly, the contrast ultimately reinforces the franchise’s unique identity. The result is a memorable instalment that honours its roots while confidently leaning into modern action design.
