The promotional campaign for “Resident Evil Requiem” has heavily focused on nostalgia, highlighting the return of beloved character Leon Kennedy to Raccoon City, the iconic setting of the series’ origin. In this ninth main installment, developer Capcom has honed its gameplay mechanics to a nearly flawless level.
The game delivers spine-chilling scares and exhilarating action sequences, although at times, the two aspects do not seamlessly integrate, resulting in an adventure that hesitates to explore new territories in favor of revisiting familiar grounds.
The story begins with Grace Ashcroft, a young FBI agent investigating peculiar deaths at a condemned hotel, where she had witnessed her mother’s murder years ago. As she confronts the villain Victor Gideon, a former Umbrella scientist, Leon pursues Gideon in search of answers to a mysterious illness.
The Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center serves as a central setting reminiscent of classic “Resident Evil” locations, offering a mix of horror and puzzle-solving elements. Players navigate Grace through this labyrinthine facility, encountering diverse zombie foes that retain their unique characteristics from before death.
While Grace’s sections focus on survival horror and strategic evasion, Leon’s segments provide intense action reminiscent of past titles in the series. The game’s later stages, however, fall short compared to the brilliance of the Care Center, featuring familiar backdrops that may disappoint long-time fans.
Despite some shortcomings in the narrative and antagonist development, “Resident Evil Requiem” excels in gameplay and atmosphere, making it a must-play entry in the series. The game is set to release on various platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and Sony PlayStation 5, catering to mature audiences.