Resident Evil Requiem – Thirty Years of Survival Horror, Perfected

The ninth Resident Evil is a project that only a series with a long history, dozens of experiments, and multiple shifts in creative direction could have produced. Resident Evil Requiem was originally conceived as a gift to fans. Like engineers at the Umbrella Corporation creating unstoppable mutants, the developers at Capcom selected the brightest ideas and references from past entries and combined them into a special title celebrating the series’ 30th anniversary. The game is not flawless, but it skillfully leverages nostalgia and accumulated experience to delight longtime fans.

Resident Evil 9 begins as a noir detective story, opening with a string of mysterious deaths. The case is investigated separately by the story’s protagonists: FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and the beloved special agent Leon Kennedy. Over the years, Leon has endured so many horrific situations that it’s hard to surprise him anymore. However, this time he is going through a difficult period due to a virus affecting his body. On the other hand, the prospect of a possibly imminent death has hardened him to the point where he gives one hundred percent in any dangerous situation.

The characters’ paths cross when Grace is kidnapped by the enigmatic antagonist Victor Gideon, a man who was once connected to the long-defunct Umbrella Corporation. It is worth noting that Resident Evil games are rarely considered masterpieces of storytelling. However, the plots crafted by Capcom’s writers are always engaging to follow, largely due to their unpredictability and the increasingly frantic pace as the narrative unfolds. Resident Evil Requiem is no exception. In the early hours, when the focus is primarily on Grace — who is encountering zombies and monsters for the first time and has little understanding of what is happening — the story feels relatively dark and serious. In the second half, however, the focus shifts to Leon, and the tone fully embraces blockbuster-style action, complete with spectacular set pieces, the series’ signature theatrical flair, and twists that may not always be logical but are consistently entertaining.

Midway through, Resident Evil Requiem transports players to an apocalyptic version of Raccoon City. From that moment on, the developers bombard the player with references to past entries without pause. These references extend not only to the games but even to CGI films — something few could have anticipated. The level of fan service is off the charts: familiar locations, characters, and monsters appear one after another in the most unexpected scenarios. A tip for fans: at this stage, it’s best to treat the game as a ride full of surprises and not overanalyze what you see or search for strict logic in the events. Also, be sure to check out the Grace Ashcroft cosplay from Resident Evil Requiem on our website.

If you haven’t played previous Resident Evil titles, the campaign will undoubtedly feel less impactful, but it will still remain engaging. At the very least, Grace Ashcroft’s storyline is compelling to follow, as she effectively serves as a guide for newcomers. While she may initially come across as indecisive, she grows significantly as a character by the finale. Additionally, the actress portraying Grace Ashcroft delivers one of the most convincing performances in the history of the series, successfully conveying the terror her character experiences.

Resident Evil Requiem pays homage to its predecessors not only in terms of story and themes but also in its gameplay mechanics and systems. Capcom has chosen to bring together all the most successful concepts that have emerged throughout the series’ history. Given the franchise’s age, the many Resident Evil games differ significantly from one another. Some focus more on survival horror and level design bordering on the metroidvania genre, while others emphasize explosive, cinematic action. Even the camera perspective has constantly evolved — from fixed angles in the classics to third-person and eventually first-person views. It’s only natural that different entries appeal to different groups of fans, and today there is no single definitive answer to what a “true” Resident Evil should be.

Resident Evil Requiem also features two protagonists with fundamentally different mechanics, arsenals, and combat scenarios. In essence, it offers two games in one. Additionally, players can freely switch between first-person and third-person perspectives. Grace’s gameplay, most of which takes place in the Rhodes Hill Medical Center, is a clear homage to Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 7. Players explore the intricate architecture of a vast complex, search for keys and access cards to unlock new areas, count every bullet, and carefully plan how to avoid zombies. Grace’s inventory is limited, leading to frequent backtracking reminiscent of the series’ classic entries.

Moreover, her sections place an even stronger emphasis on survival than many previous horror installments, providing her with only two types of firearms — pistols and the “Requiem” magnum, which is best saved for truly desperate situations. The absence of shotguns and other heavy weaponry forces players to rethink their approach to enemies and rely more on stealth. This is complemented by a robust crafting system that allows players to create useful items such as Molotov cocktails.

One of RE9’s greatest strengths is how, despite the high level of stress — especially for players unaccustomed to horror — the designers carefully alternate to Leon’s segments, allowing players to catch their breath. In Leon’s missions, Resident Evil Requiem becomes something of an evolution of the Resident Evil 4 remake, featuring a similar inventory system, the ability to parry attacks, perform melee finishers, and even incorporate elements reminiscent of Resident Evil 6, such as throwing objects at enemies. While Grace’s sections encourage avoidance and escape, Leon’s episodes push players to actively clear out everything on screen. Capcom has even brought back a reward system: defeating enemies grants in-game currency, which can be used to expand Leon Kennedy’s arsenal. Most importantly, both sides of Resident Evil Requiem complement each other brilliantly, adding tonal and gameplay variety that the developers had previously been unable to achieve within a single title — without creating internal mechanical conflict.

Finally, it’s worth emphasizing that, as a cohesive whole, Resident Evil Requiem is a triumph. Excluding remakes, it is arguably the most interesting and high-quality new entry in the franchise in the past twenty years. Some gamers and critics have criticized it for a lack of fundamental innovation, but the very fact that the developers managed to unite the fundamentally opposing game design philosophies of Resident Evil within a single product is an unprecedented achievement worthy of respect. Resident Evil Requiem is a достойная ode to a series that has delighted fans with a steady stream of memorable games for three decades. Not all of them were flawless, but each served as an important lesson for Capcom — and the result is now before us. Our website features a wide variety of cosplays from many different games — don’t miss out and take a closer look!