The marketing campaign for “Resident Evil Requiem” has heavily emphasized nostalgia, showcasing the return of fan-favorite character Leon Kennedy to Raccoon City, the iconic setting of the series. In this ninth main installment, Capcom has honed its gameplay to a near-perfect level. The game delivers bone-chilling scares and thrilling action sequences, though at times the blend feels slightly disjointed, leading to an adventure that leans on familiar themes rather than embracing new territory.
The story kicks off with FBI agent Grace Ashcroft investigating mysterious deaths at a condemned hotel, a location tied to her past trauma. She crosses paths with the main antagonist, Victor Gideon, a former Umbrella Corporation scientist involved in sinister experiments. Meanwhile, Leon is on the trail of Gideon while battling a mysterious illness, leading both characters into the dangerous Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, reminiscent of classic “Resident Evil” environments.
Players navigate Grace through the facility’s eerie corridors, solving puzzles and evading unique zombie threats that retain characteristics from their former lives. In contrast, Leon’s segments offer fast-paced, action-packed gameplay reminiscent of “Resident Evil 4,” with intense combat scenarios and witty one-liners.
While the early sections at the Care Center shine with atmospheric tension, later parts of the game, including familiar settings like sewers and labs, may feel less innovative. A standout addition is Leon’s journey to the ruins of Raccoon City, introducing fresh combat dynamics against agile zombies. The narrative primarily revolves around Gideon’s pursuit of a mysterious entity called Elpis, with character development for Grace and introspective moments for Leon.
Despite some shortcomings, “Resident Evil Requiem” excels in gameplay execution, character growth, and nostalgic callbacks, making it a compelling addition to the series. While it prioritizes closure over groundbreaking storytelling, the game offers a rich experience for fans and newcomers alike. “Resident Evil Requiem” launches on various platforms and is rated M for Mature audiences.