Resident Evil Requiem — Review: A Rollercoaster of Emotions Worth Every Moment of the Journey!

Resident Evil Requiem arrives carrying enormous expectations. The return of Leon S. Kennedy to the lead role, the debut of newcomer Grace Ashcroft, the comeback of Raccoon City and Umbrella back in the spotlight. For any franchise fan, this is nostalgia and excitement in equal measure — and the game delivers on most of what it promises.

After more than 30 hours of gameplay — including a 16-hour first playthrough exploring every corner — the conclusion is clear: the journey makes everything worthwhile, even if the ending leaves a slightly bittersweet taste. Let's dive in!

Grace Ashcroft: The Standout Revelation of Resident Evil Requiem

Without a doubt, the greatest highlight of Resident Evil Requiem is Grace Ashcroft. The new protagonist makes a stellar debut and quickly wins the player over with genuine vulnerability and a compelling origin story.

Grace is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, a journalist murdered at Hotel Wrenwood while the protagonist watched in the most traumatic way possible. This layer of pain and trauma gives Grace a human depth that few RE characters possess — and makes you connect with her almost instantly.

Dealing with biological weapons for the first time in her life, the character radiates authentic fear and insecurity, making every horror moment even more intense. Her relationship with Emily, a blind child who appears mid-story, echoes the classic dynamic between Claire and Sherry in Resident Evil 2 — and that is a massive compliment.

The Horror Is Sublime — Exactly What the Franchise Needed

The survival horror sections with Grace are the beating heart of Resident Evil Requiem — and rank among the best the franchise has ever produced. The Rhodes Hill Care Center, the game's main setting in the first half, is a masterclass in level design.

Everything that makes Resident Evil great is here: locked doors that become invaluable shortcuts, relentless pursuers, zombies that can evolve into Pulsating Heads — a stronger variant reminiscent of the Crimson Heads from RE1 Remake — and flawless sound design that makes every scene more terrifying.

The level of tension achieved in Requiem is comparable to — and at times surpasses — what was felt in Alan Wake 2. There are moments of pure desperation where the only option is to pause the game, put down the controller and breathe. That is survival horror in its purest form.

Leon S. Kennedy and the Action Gameplay — RE9's Best and Worst

Playing as Leon S. Kennedy is a nostalgic pleasure. The gameplay resurrects the best memories of Resident Evil 4 Remake, with fluid combat, precise gunplay and that classic feeling of being the most capable agent in any room.

But Leon is also where the game stumbles. The action sequences in the second half are reminiscent — in a not-so-positive way — of Resident Evil 6, the franchise's most criticized entry. The balance between horror and action that works brilliantly in the first half loses some of its discipline heading into the finale.

Two Games in One: The Dual Camera Perspectives

One of the technical highlights of Resident Evil Requiem is the dual camera system. By default, Grace plays in first-person and Leon in third-person — but you can switch at any time from the options menu.

•Grace in third-person: recommended for chase sequences — you can see her running and stumbling more clearly, making the experience more immersive.

•Leon in third-person: the most natural and recommended option for the best combat experience.

•Tip: try mixing perspectives throughout the game for a richer overall experience!

The Problems That Keep Requiem from Greatness

The Finale and Raccoon City

The exploration of Raccoon City in the second half is nostalgic and liberating — but it comes with game design issues. The most frustrating? A point-based weapon purchasing system that completely clashes with the organic progression of the rest of the game. Up to this point, all equipment was found naturally through exploration. This 'merchant' among the city's ruins feels out of place and unnecessary.

Too Few Puzzles and Lack of Post-Game Content

The puzzles, present almost exclusively in the first half, are insufficient for fans who love this classic franchise element. And upon finishing the game, extra content is limited to Insane difficulty and additional challenges — no The Mercenaries mode or any extra content that would make the most of the game's excellent gameplay.

Final Verdict: Is Resident Evil Requiem Worth Playing?

Resident Evil Requiem is a rollercoaster — and a good one. The first half is nearly flawless: genuine terror, brilliant character work from Grace Ashcroft, memorable level design and an atmosphere few games can replicate. The second half stumbles with some game design and narrative issues, but doesn't undo what was built.

The journey makes everything worthwhile. RE Requiem is one of the standout games of 2026 and an important entry in a franchise full of high points. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

✅ PROS:

•Grace Ashcroft is one of the best franchise debuts ever

•Cinematic-level survival horror tension

•Leon S. Kennedy gameplay approaching RE4 Remake quality

•Flawless sound design and atmosphere

•Innovative dual camera perspective system

❌ CONS:

•Finale and second half below expectations

•Action sequences reminiscent of Resident Evil 6

•Too few puzzles, concentrated in the first half

•Point-based shop in Raccoon City feels out of place

•Lack of robust post-game content

🏆 FINAL SCORE: 8/10 — GREAT