by Gamatroid 🕹️
GAME FACTS
- TITLE: Resident Evil Requiem
- RELEASE DATE: 2/27/2026
- MSRP: $69.99
- DEVELOPER: Capcom
- PUBLISHER: Capcom
- PLATFORMS: Xbox, PlayStation, Switch 2 and PC
- PLAYED ON: PlayStation 5
RETRO ROOTS
Resident Evil started way back on the very first PlayStation, and it was the reason I had to get a PS1. Most games before that weren't truly scary, and I was more than ready for the next generation of more mature games.
Resident Evil Requiem is the latest entry in this long running game series, and incorporates a lot of features that intend to bring the series back to its roots. One feature, is the game's inclusion of "mansion-like" environments in a clear nod to the original Spencer Mansion in Resident Evil 1. (I didn't see any dogs jump through windows, but Requiem has it's own share of jump scares.)
The original Resident Evil was cheesy like an 80s horror movie, but it was also creepy, bloody and more mature than anything else we had seen to that point. Gamers who had grown up playing since childhood were now in their teen years, or older, and were more than ready for something less childish.
Check out the image below of the review scores EGM gave it back in the day. Almost everyone loved the first Resident Evil. Only "Andy" seemed to have any issues, and clearly he was a Nintendo fan boy from his Mario RPG review, so what can you expect?
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REVIEW
Gameplay & Mechanics
The gameplay is defined by its dual-protagonist system, featuring the seasoned Leon S. Kennedy and the newcomer Grace Ashcroft. This structure creates a compelling mechanical rhythm; while Leon’s segments lean into the refined, kinetic third-person combat seen in the Resident Evil 4 remake, complete with tactical parries and a new, weightier hatchet mechanic, Grace’s chapters pivot toward a tense, first-person survival experience. Her lack of military training necessitates a reliance on environmental manipulation, stealth, and the innovative "Blood Collector" system to manage the terrifyingly persistent Blister Heads.
Controls feel exceptionally responsive across both perspectives, allowing for fluid movement that never sacrifices the "heft" necessary for horror. The balance of challenge is finely tuned, rewarding players who master the parry timing or the intricacies of the hemolytic injector crafting loop. With various difficulty modes and a plethora of post-game unlocks, the game offers substantial replay value that encourages multiple runs to optimize routes and uncover every secret.
Visuals & Art Direction
Resident Evil Requiem is damn beautiful to look at. Visually, the RE Engine continues to push boundaries, delivering a hauntingly beautiful presentation of the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center. The technical quality is staggering, with next-level environmental persistence and visceral gore effects that make every encounter feel impactful.
The art direction leans heavily into the franchise's gothic and industrial roots, using a muted, oppressive color palette that heightens the sense of dread in the derelict hospital wings. This aesthetic is perfectly complemented by the narrative, which serves as a poignant "requiem" for the series' history.
Story & Narrative
The story is surprisingly emotional, focusing on Grace’s personal search for her mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, while Leon grapples with his own trauma as he hunts the shadowy Victor Gideon. The dialogue feels more grounded and less campy than previous entries, though Leon’s signature wit remains intact, delivered through cinematic cutscenes that are as polished as the gameplay itself.
Audio & Music
The immersion is further deepened by a stellar audio design that turns every creaking floorboard or distant, muffled breath into a threat. The musical score is atmospheric and adaptive, swelling during Leon’s bombastic set pieces and receding into a minimalist, unnerving hum during Grace’s more vulnerable moments.
Technical Performance
On a technical level, the game is remarkably stable, featuring near-instant load times and high-performance modes that maintain a rock-solid 60fps even during complex boss fights. The user interface remains clean and intuitive, ensuring that inventory management, a series staple, never feels like a chore.
Innovation & Originality
While the game largely relies on perfected versions of existing mechanics, its innovation lies in how seamlessly it weaves these disparate styles together, setting a new industry standard for dual-protagonist narratives.
Value vs Price
Even at $69.99, given the density of the 12-hour campaign and the high quality of the production, Resident Evil Requiem offers immense value for its price, standing as a polished, definitive celebration of survival horror. No reason to wait on a sale for this one. Just go get it!
VERDICT
Critic Consensus
- 9/10 - Gamatroid
- 9/10 - IGN
- 8/10 - GameSpot
- 9.2/10 - PC Gamer (92/100 raw score)
- 9.75/10 - Game Informer
- 9.5/10 - Destructoid
You can watch my beginning gameplay on PS5 in the YouTube video below:
You can read about how our reviews work here.