Capcom Co., Ltd.’s Resident Evil Requiem is a top survival horror title that combines the first-person isolation from the last mainline entries with the third-person action from the remakes to form one of the best installments in the franchise.
In Requiem, FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft is assigned to investigate a mysterious death at the Wrenwood Hotel, the same location her mother was murdered eight years prior. Meanwhile, operative Leon S. Kennedy heads to Wrenwood to investigate the same pattern of deaths from the same infection.
The game alternates between Grace and Leon for survival horror and action gameplay, respectively. Grace must use stealth, limited ammunition, and craft items to survive. In contrast, Leon can utilize multiple firearms, melee combat, and a trusty hatchet to parry and combat enemies.
The split between the two is a welcome combination between the series recent mainline and remake installments. Grace is frightfully unprepared, slower, and under-equipped. New is a Blood Collector item to collect blood from dead enemies and craft items, including a Makeshift Knife, Hemolytic Injector, Molotov Cocktail, and Bottle of Acid. For purists, Capcom allows users to craft and utilize Ink Ribbons to save their game.
The quiet and brooding pace of Grace’s portion resemble that of Resident Evil VII. The Rhodes Hill Care Center is a worthy location filled with occupational zombies that hold their job positions dearly in the afterlife. From a maniacal chef to an ear-piercing singer, the enemies are cleverly created for maximum impact.
Leon can still craft items like potent herb mixes and ammo. New is wristband that will analyze each kill to grant Leon currency to purchase and customize new weapons. While he is heavily equipped, enemies from traditional biohazard creations to armed soldiers, are superb in challenging users, particularly in confined quarters. A destroyed Raccoon City is well-constructed from desolate exteriors to dark indoor corridors that are definitive and well-purposed.
Antagonists, particularly Dr. Victor Gideon, hold a superb presence in the game and stand out among a long roster of former Resident Evil villains.
The graphics engine is stellar at 60FPS for the PS5, Xbox, and PC. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is extremely impressive at 40 to 60FPS with dips to 30 only in rare and heavy action portions. Sound is top-notch from zombie moans, firearm blasts, and top voice acting.
Resident Evil Requiem is at its franchise best, with tensely crafted survival sequences and high-octane action that hosts a trademark blend of survival and horror.
