Resident Evil Requiem Preview: A New Horror Classic Emerges
GameCentral has enjoyed several hours of exclusive gameplay with Resident Evil Requiem, and it's immediately apparent that Capcom has crafted something special. While previews typically require measured judgement, the quality on display here demands recognition: this appears to be a landmark survival horror title that could define the genre for years to come.
Dual Perspectives: Leon and Grace's Contrasting Gameplay
The game features two distinct playable characters, each offering unique gameplay experiences. Leon S. Kennedy returns with sections that channel the action-oriented spirit of Resident Evil 4, complete with corny one-liners and explosive combat scenarios. Meanwhile, newcomer Grace Ashcroft provides more traditional survival horror sequences reminiscent of Resident Evil 2 and 7's tense, resource-scarce exploration.
By default, Leon's sections utilise a third-person perspective while Grace's employ first-person, though players can switch between views for either character. This dual approach creates a compelling rhythm throughout the experience.
Leon's Action-Packed Opening Sequence
The preview begins with Leon investigating a suspicious sanatorium, armed with the powerful Requiem cannon and a hatchet. The opening sequence demonstrates the game's sophisticated sandbox mechanics through a memorable chainsaw incident that showcases emergent, unpredictable gameplay.
When a chainsaw-wielding zombie drops its weapon, other undead creatures demonstrate surprising behaviour by picking it up themselves. This leads to chaotic, gory moments that feel genuinely organic rather than scripted, including the shocking conclusion where Leon meets his demise through the very chainsaw he hesitated to claim.
Grace's Tense Survival Horror
Grace's sections represent a return to classic Resident Evil tension. Beginning essentially unarmed, players must navigate the sanatorium's eerie corridors while managing scarce resources. The familiar safe rooms return with typewriters and storage boxes, complete with soothing music that provides brief respite from the surrounding terror.
Zombies in Grace's sections exhibit disturbing remnants of their former lives, with a chef muttering about his work and a maid attempting to clean toilets. Some retain light sensitivity, creating strategic opportunities for players who can manipulate environmental lighting.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Resident Evil Requiem introduces several compelling new systems. Players can collect zombie blood for crafting purposes, with unique samples unlocking special items when analysed in the sanatorium's laboratory. A stealth kill device proves invaluable against tougher enemies like the chef, who can withstand headshots from the powerful Requiem cannon.
The game also features 'blister heads' – zombies that appear defeated but can mutate into more dangerous forms. These require careful management, with expensive one-hit-kill injections or strategic dismemberment becoming necessary survival tactics.
Memorable Encounters and Set Pieces
The preview showcases several standout moments that blend tension with dark humour. A grotesque blubber monster provides one of the demo's biggest scares, smashing through door frames while screaming profanities. Other specialised zombies include screamers that can disorient players or even cause heads to explode.
Puzzles maintain the series' trademark eccentricity, while set pieces create deliciously tense situations where players must knowingly trigger awful events, such as reattaching organs to a creature on an operating table.
Minor Criticisms and Overall Impression
While overwhelmingly positive, the preview did note some curious omissions. The inability to close doors seems particularly odd given the wandering zombie threat, and the lack of a dedicated dodge button feels like a missed opportunity for more dynamic combat.
Nevertheless, Resident Evil Requiem appears poised to deliver an exceptional survival horror experience. The sanatorium represents just one location in what promises to be a larger adventure, with Capcom hinting at additional environments beyond what was shown.
Blending Resident Evil 4's action with classic survival horror tension, Requiem could well become one of the year's – if not the generation's – standout gaming achievements. The February 2026 release cannot come soon enough for horror enthusiasts.
Release Details: Resident Evil Requiem launches on 27th February 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, priced at £64.99 with an 18 age rating.
