Resident Evil Requiem Review: The pinnacle of Survival Horror’s newest chapter

When it comes to Resident Evil, we can almost always expect an engaging story full of tension and horror, and this time is no different.

Resident Evil Requiem, released on February 27, 2026, features the veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy accompanied by the new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, in a horrifying new adventure. Requiem is exactly what we are diving into today!

Technical Specifications

Initial Release Date: February 27, 2026

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now

Genre: Survival horror, action-adventure

Designer: Isamu Hara

Developer: Capcom

Studio: Capcom

Official Trailer

Upon starting the game for the first time, we are introduced to a narrative set in 2026 amidst a mysterious wave of deaths. We meet the new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, who is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, one of the leads from Resident Evil Outbreak and Resident Evil Outbreak File #2.

As we get to know her, it becomes clear she isn't just a character created to fill a slot. She carries the weight of her mother’s past, which is a detail long-time fans will certainly appreciate. This connection also serves as a bridge for newcomers being introduced to the saga’s universe through Grace. The game immediately ramps up the mystery, investigation, and terror, especially since we see it through the eyes of an inexperienced character.

Right at the start, we step into Grace's shoes. It’s evident she is a fresh addition to the series who is both timid and inexperienced in the field. She is tasked with investigating one of several deaths seemingly linked to a virus. We soon discover the victims were Raccoon City survivors, and the excitement of revisiting such a symbolic location hits early on.

These opening moments make it clear that the game seeks to reclaim the classic survival horror traits we know so well. Instead of kicking off with intense action sequences, the initial experience is slower-paced and focused on exploration.

One of the standout features of this beginning is the sense of vulnerability. Playing as an inexperienced protagonist truly makes you feel powerless, even against a single zombie. This is a feeling the series hasn't prioritized this heavily in quite some time. This fear of the unknown is effectively channeled through her perspective.

While evading enemies, we meet the main villain, who boasts a strong presence and is well-developed. It’s always better when you know exactly who you’re up against.

After the initial tension with Grace, the game shifts gears significantly when you take control of Leon. Unlike the new protagonist, Leon turns zombies into a joke with his arsenal, agility, and experience. This brings back the feel of familiar titles and sets aside Grace's vulnerability. While a single zombie gave me a reason to run while playing as Grace, I felt almost invincible as Leon. He is faster and stronger, shifting the game's focus from horror to action in a way that feels balanced for the player.

Additionally, a new feature in Requiem is that zombies occasionally show glimpses of their past lives. Unlike previous iterations where they were just slabs of meat to bludgeon or bypass, you now have to deal with the fact that they were once real people.

Still in this first part of the game, there are several puzzles to solve. My only slight disappointment is that they are few and far between, appearing mostly in the early and middle stages. As a puzzle lover, I wish there were many more!

Moving forward into new environments like the hospital, the claustrophobic atmosphere of the hallways is ever-present. This is a clear homage to classic games where dodging enemies to save ammo in tight spaces was essential. This highlights the balance between characters because Grace tries to avoid combat and remain cautious, while Leon eliminates monsters with ease.

One of the greatest gifts to us as players is revisiting Raccoon City. Seeing the city in ruins, steeped in memories from the classic games and remakes like Resident Evil 2 (2019) and Resident Evil 3 (2020), was a unique moment. Raccoon City's streets seem frozen in time, exactly as I remembered them. Capcom uses nostalgia wisely by bringing back iconic settings updated for the modern engine so they don't feel out of place.

Overall, the game attempts to balance two major eras of the franchise while introducing the terror of inexperience. I’ve seen comments online about Grace being too dramatic, screaming too much, or panicking. However, if we stop to think about what it would actually be like to face horrific, rotting undead for the first time, wouldn't it be terrifying?

That is exactly what Requiem delivers. While it offers a survival and tension-filled atmosphere that feels like a real experience, it also includes direct action moments reminiscent of more recent entries. It is a finely tuned balance that keeps the campaign interesting throughout.

Atmosphere

The game is truly dark, requiring constant use of the flashlight in certain sections. Players control it manually, which is a first for the series.

The environments, such as the city chaos, the clinic, and Raccoon City, have unique and expertly crafted atmospheres. They convey feelings of fear, mystery, and even a certain sadness for the past, creating a strong connection with the player.

Camera

You can switch between first-person and third-person perspectives with both protagonists. Each mode offers a distinct gameplay style.

The first-person view provides a more terrifying and immersive experience, while the third-person view offers more agile and dynamic gameplay. The recommendation is to use first-person for Grace and third-person for Leon, but players are free to choose at any time.

After testing both modes with both characters, I’d say the experience isn't hindered if you ignore the recommendation. The game adapts well to each player's style, whether they prefer immersion or agility.

Audio

The audio is virtually flawless. During the clinic segments, for instance, you can pinpoint enemy locations with precision thanks to the sound design.

Footsteps, groans, and mumbles echo so organically that it feels like they are actually traveling through the environment to reach the player’s ears. This doesn't just build tension; it triggers genuine anxiety about what lies around the next corner.

Pros

- Fluid and realistic animations

- Immersive audio

- Captivating and engaging story

- Deep character development

- Excellent balance between horror and action through character swapping

Cons

- Movement speed feels a bit sluggish at times

- Some segments feel longer than necessary

Resident Evil Requiem is an exceptionally well-made game and a gift for both long-time fans and newcomers. It features great characters and a well-constructed new protagonist who serves as a legacy to a lesser-known entry in the series.

Rating: 10/10

The game brilliantly bridges the past and the future. It carries the weight of the series' name with responsibility while pushing the plot forward in an innovative and engaging way. Highly recommended!