Like a zombie on a scientist in an extremely white underground lab, Resident Evil fans have been feasting. There have been missteps, but the series has continued to progress and grow. Since 2017’s Resident Evil 7 Capcom have been on a particularly strong run. How they’ve managed to release so many games of such quality is frankly bonkers.
That run continues with the ninth numbered entry in the series. Resident Evil Requiem manages to merge both main styles of gameplay with a nostalgic bent that makes it clear there’s life in the series yet. It’s not perfect, but it does so much right as it celebrates the series that I can let things slide.
The remake of RE4 was released three years ago, and it’s been five years since the last “new” entry with Village. Time to get excited for what comes next whilst taking the chance to replay 7 and 2R. In that time, I’ve also updated my rankings. Requiem is in there if you fancy taking a look.
Set in 2026, twenty-eight years since Raccoon City was destroyed, Requiem brings back a favourite whilst introducing us a new protagonist. Grace Ashcroft, who some will know has a relationship to a character in a more niche older RE game, is terrified. She’s a New protagonist Grace is…well she’s terrified. In a constant panic as she runs away from things. She is truly surviving a horror, and her story – with links to some of the more niche games in the series – is one of growth and doing the right thing. Ethan Winters was a normal person, but he was effectively an audience proxy. We couldn’t even see his face. Grace is a rounded character from the off. Sure she’s an FBI agent, but she’s not front line and very relatable. She even questions why certain doors are such a faff to open.
Then we have returning hero Leon S. Kennedy. He’s exactly what you think he should be. Older yes, and not operating at 100%. But he’s not running toward the danger. He is the danger! Nick Apostolides continues his work from the remakes of 2 and 4, his love for the character clear. Leon has seen it all before, with his quips and acceptance of things giving me as the player a certain swagger too.
This balance of fear and catharsis is very pleasing, even if sometimes it doesn’t get it right. Not to get far into story, but there are times where it feels the game is leaning a little too far towards Leon. Some more Grace sprinkled through might have helped the story flow a bit better.
But it’s not a dealbreaker. Because even if the balance is a bit wonky, Capcom is showing us that they understand both types of RE, and a game doesn’t have to be one or the other. Both characters control in ways befitting of their personalities and skill levels. Grace shakes and struggles to control more powerful weaponry, whilst Leon can parry…everything (he’s quite ridiculous). Capcom also show that they still know how to design a cracking environment. One that can support both styles.
The Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center is the best environment in both design and style since the RPD. Aesthetically it’s pleasing, but through lighting and a staged unravelling it works perfectly for both protagonists. That balance is on full display as I stride confidently through areas with Leon that even thirty minutes earlier I was tiptoeing around as Grace. It could easily feel disjointed but makes sense as you go. And you won’t find much yellow paint!
There’s a lot here for everyone. I’m not going to get into the details on certain things that we all know happen. Suffice to say I was happy. That replay of 2R set me up rather nicely. I immediately went into a second playthrough, and I know in the future it will get a couple more. There are the usual collectibles and bonuses to collect. As with most REs there’s also a very healthy speed-running community. At some point I’ll be tearing through it with unlimited ammo for sure.
Not to spoil my own ranking article, but Resident Evil Requiem is up there. I’ve been guilty before of saying a new RE is great when it’s very fresh in my mind. This time I’ve waited a bit to see how things settle. My feelings could change in the future of course, but RE9 displays Capcom’s strong grasp of a franchise that is now thirty years old. The continuing remakes have me looking back to old games positively, but I can continue to look forward with excitement too.
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