Resident Evil Requiem Review: A Triumphant Return to Survival Horror Roots
As Capcom's iconic survival horror franchise approaches its 30th anniversary in March, Resident Evil Requiem emerges as a fitting celebration, delivering an experience that ranks as the series' best since 2005. This latest installment honors the legacy of a franchise where characters age in real-time, with fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy now graying at 50, reflecting a journey that began with his rookie days in 1998's Resident Evil 2.
A Legacy of Consistency and Innovation
Growing alongside the stars of Resident Evil has been a remarkably consistent pleasure, despite occasional missteps like Resident Evil Village or the infamous Resident Evil 6. Requiem cleverly borrows a dual-character mechanic from Resident Evil 6 but executes it with precision, avoiding the incoherence of its predecessor. While it doesn't radically advance the franchise, this game impressively proves that the undead formula remains compelling after three decades.
The ongoing narrative, untouched by hard reboots, continues with subtle nods to the original game, yet remains accessible to newcomers. Players follow Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst traumatized by her mother's brutal death, who finds herself entangled with the sinister Victor Gideon. As an everywoman protagonist, Grace's fear and courage drive a story that balances horror with human resilience.
Gameplay: A Blend of Old and New
Requiem offers a dynamic gameplay split between Grace and Leon. Grace's sections, played in first-person like Resident Evil 7, evoke classic survival horror with limited ammo, exploration-focused pacing, and even finite ink ribbons for saving on harder difficulties. A unique crafting system, based on collecting zombie blood, introduces tactical depth through injections that can one-shot enemies or prevent mutations.
In contrast, Leon's segments shine in third-person, reminiscent of the Resident Evil 4 remake, with over-the-top melee combat and gunplay that surpasses many action-focused games. His rounds of roundhouse kicks and hatchet-wielding chaos create visually stunning, gore-filled set pieces, from skyscraper battles to tense encounters.
Technical Excellence and Minor Flaws
With approximately 15 hours of gameplay, Requiem feels perfectly paced, boasting flawless graphics and minimal bugs on base PlayStation 5. However, the absence of ancillary modes like Mercenaries is a notable disappointment, and tonal inconsistencies occasionally clash with the game's schlocky charm. While the final hour feels slightly undercooked, these are minor blemishes in an otherwise stellar package.
Resident Evil Requiem doesn't reinvent the wheel but delivers a polished, entertaining experience that stands as a testament to the franchise's enduring appeal. For fans and newcomers alike, this is the anniversary present the series deserves.
