Resident Evil Requiem Review

For being the title celebrating the 30th anniversary of the series, Resident Evil Requiem is quite the perfect present. Whether it was the scares of the first title in 1996 or the recent action thrill ride of 4 Remake, the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon for survival horror. While recent new entries like 7 and Village took the series in a first-person direction, one thing stayed the same: be the place to go for a scary good time. Luckily, Resident Evil Requiem does exactly that and then some, despite some misses here and there.

The game follows two different protagonists: the newcomer FBI agent, Grace Ashcroft, and veteran government agent (and series regular), Leon Kennedy. Each of them have their own missions, presented in a much different style than the other. Grace’s gameplay is more stealth-focused, delivering more scares (which did get me to literally jump out of my seat) and intensity. Meanwhile, Leon’s missions are action-oriented, with the ex-cop delivering quips alongside bullets to zombies. I played Grace in first-person, and Leon in third-person, and each brought their own perks and quirks that made them stand out.

Both sections intertwine with each other, overlapping or continuing the other’s plotline. As for how it flows together, it does pace-wise for the narrative. However, it can be a touch jarring going from Grace’s careful stealth to Leon’s bombastic action. Plus, Leon’s sections, being more linear shooters, can go way faster than Grace’s at times, which are more open puzzlers. There isn’t much of a disconnect, just a matter of smoothing. In the latter half, it can feel more out of kilter, though story-wise, it does lend to it.

In terms of the narrative, it starts off rather strongly. It slowly builds the stakes up and gives you time to get to know the characters, new and old. Of course, twists and turns are plentiful, with a good bit of them done quite well. Unfortunately, its final act can get a bit much, delivering too much at once and not enough time to digest. While it starts to make sense once the credits roll, it could’ve used a bit more polish to make it more effective. Even still, the ending (in which it has multiple) is sure to cause some controversy, especially as the best choice isn’t the obvious one. No spoilers here, but it does stretch things a bit far, even by RE standards.

The newest character in the series is Grace Ashcroft, the daughter of Outbreak’s Alyssa Ashcroft. While she can be a bit over-the-top with the fear-factor, she does make for a relatable protagonist to go on the adventure with. Let’s be honest: we would all be a Grace if the zombie apocalypse happened, as much as we’d want to be a Leon or Jill. Actress Angela Sant’Albano does a fantastic job bringing the fearful survivor to life. Seeing her journey throughout was one I didn’t expect, but enjoyed, even if it took some sharp turns.

Meanwhile, being reacquainted with ‘rookie cop’ Leon Kennedy was a blast, literally and figuratively. Aiming more towards 4 than 2 for him, he is a badass who handles enemies with deadly accuracy and a bit of flair. Despite his condition and age, it doesn’t stop him from jump kicking zombies or hatcheting creatures of all shapes and sizes. Returning actor Nick Apostolides does another great job, turning up the gruff and grit in his voice while maintaining that signature Leon charm we all love.

Over the years, the series has developed a penchant for embracing the genre it’s in and the campiness it offers. Fortunately, Requiem strikes that line and doesn’t take itself too seriously when it doesn’t have to. I mean, Leon can block chainsaws with a hatchet as he spouts one-liners. It knows what it is and makes light of it in the best way. Still, when things do get serious, especially in Grace’s storyline, it effectively changes the mood, though some instances take a bit more to get through.

The direction for Requiem is top-notch. Director Koshi Nakanishi and the team did a fantastic job recreating the fright and fun the series is known for in a new way. It’s an understatement to say the remakes helped hone that craft. At times, it nails that eerie atmosphere that 7 and Village excelled at. At even rarer cases, it hits the adrenaline-soaked thrills 4 brought, which in it of itself is a feat.

Sound-wise, it’s the perfect headphone game. Zombie groans and creaking around every corner, immersing yourself in Grace’s intense sections. Meanwhile, the epic rush of Leon tearing through crowds of the undead keeps you on your toes and aware. Certain sections towards the end are perfect for those headphone-wearers, as sound plays a huge role in staying alive or being zombie chow.

In the graphics department, Capcom does amazing with the visual quality of the scenes. It’s the perfect seamless transition from cutscenes to gameplay. Characters look great, and the many creeps and creatures are done well, in all their guts and glory. The level of detail in certain areas, like the Care Center and RPD, is incredible. There were a few times where the lighting made character models look a bit off, but it was not too common. Still, the RE Engine continues to get better and better with each game, with Requiem being one of, if not its best, outings.

The scale of Requiem is one akin to a Hollywood film, in a good way. Action is bumped up when needed, as is drama. When it goes all out, it doesn’t skimp on it. Leon’s parts, especially, go big with the setpieces, from a burning church to a sideways destroyed building. It juggles a few genres, as mentioned before, and, like a good film often does, handles it well. It can get a bit sidetracked or lean too heavily, but it keeps you engaged throughout.

On that note, there is a good dose of fan service sprinkled throughout its 12-hour runtime. From slight references to big surprises, it makes it known that the title is for the fans. Still, newcomers will find it a good onboarding ramp to get on, as its dual gameplay styles and tones will satisfy many cravings.