Resident Evil Requiem

Resident Evil Requiem elicits different emotions for its two protagonists. For Grace: dread, anxiety, and responsibility. For Leon: heroism, badassery, and can't this guy ever get a break? Every aspect of the game is a masterfully crafted culmination of the current era of the series, from Resident Evil VII's horror revitalization to Resident Evil 4 Remake's proud refinement of the beloved classic's action horror.

Right off the bat, the game presents the player with the choice of whether they'd like to play in first person or third person. It recommends playing in first person as Grace to amplify the horror experience and third person for Leon to amplify his action. This concept alone informs the player that the game cares about both, which the series has struggled with in the past, and clues you into the clever way they strike a balance between the two very different experiences.

Swapping between Grace and Leon is a genius way to vary the tension, effectively playing hot potato between the series' two distinct identities. Grace’s sections lean into pure survival horror with exploring an infested and interconnected medical facility and slow, sneaky sequences of hiding from The Girl, a new stalker enemy who unnerves the player by breaking long-established series rules early on. Her loop mirrors the meticulous exploration and tight resource management of Resident Evil 2 where every zombie is a terrifying roadblock. Just as the stress peaks, the game switches to Leon to cleanse your palette. Leon’s experience is pure, Resident Evil 4-esque action-horror, complete with kicks, quips, and lots of gun clips. His moveset turns zombies into mere speedbumps, and Requiem gamifies the carnage by rewarding you with points to upgrade your arsenal. This rhythmic shift ensures the horror remains impactful without ever becoming exhausting.

Grace is probably the most vulnerable of the Resident Evil ladies, but she makes up for it with her tenacity and intelligence. She is incredible at thinking on her feet even while dealing with crippling anxiety. A personal highlight was when she outsmarted one of the villains by slamming a door to make him think she ran into a neighboring hallway while she actually hid behind furniture in the same room. On top of that, Grace's performance might be the absolute best in the series. On the other side, we have Leon. I love Leon, you love Leon, we all love Leon, and he is just as compelling as ever here. He carries a weary, seasoned energy that shows just how much he has been through, yet he maintains that signature dry wit. His weaponry is particularly exquisite this time around. While his new magnum being named Requiem is a clever red herring, I think the real star is Leon’s new axe, which as a first for the series is permanent as he can infinitely repair it on the spot. The cherry on top is the way he uses the thing, such as jumping onto large creatures to jam the axe into their heads, which never gets old.

The locations feel like a love letter to the series' architectural DNA. The Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center serves as the game’s mansion, which is a sprawling sanatorium full of intricate, item-gated puzzles and atmospheric dread. Navigating its pitch-black wards with nothing but a flickering lighter is peak survival horror. However, the true standout is the return to the Raccoon City ruins. While brief, seeing the iconic R.P.D. as a decaying BSAA outpost is a haunting reminder of the series' roots that facilitates Leon’s high-octane set pieces while maintaining a claustrophobic edge.

Narratively, the game acts as a bridge between old-school lore and the modern era. Grace Ashcroft is an excellent emotional anchor who provides a vulnerable perspective on a world Leon has grown calloused to. The story revolves around a secret buried beneath Raccoon City that ties back to Spencer’s final legacy. What makes the writing special is how it handles Leon, because he isn't just an action hero here, but struggles with a Spoiler that adds a ticking clock to his mission. This brings a layer of desperation and atonement to the role that feels entirely earned.

Ultimately, the level of polish and mechanical prowess make this a delight to play from start to finish. While Resident Evil Requiem may lack some of the extreme highs of previous entries, it also avoids the frustrating lows that have occasionally plagued the franchise. This balance creates a much more even and consistently enjoyable experience that immediately became my favorite of the series. It is a triumphant closing of a chapter that offers something for veteran fans and newcomers alike.