Resident Evil: Requiem(Review)

At long last, the 9th official entry in the Resident Evil franchise has been released. While the series has many different side-pieces and a number of remakes under its belt, the mainline numbered series has held up its reputation since the late 90s. Delivering on and defining the ‘survival horror’ genre in video games set the newest entry up as something the fans were holding their breaths on. ‘Resident Evil 7: Biohazard’ re-emerged as an unexpected return to pure horror after the lackluster delivery of ‘Resident Evil 6’, and then ‘Resident Evil 8: Village’ continued the story we started in 7 while focusing more on the action-heavy side of the series.

So, where does this new game sit, and how does it deliver? I will only have mild game-content spoilers here, but nothing to spoil the story.

‘Requiem’ tells the story of Grace Ashcroft, a young FBI Agent who is sent to investigate a bizarre homicide at a location that has haunted her for years. Upon visiting the scene, she is abducted by a menacing figure named Dr. Gideon. Luckily for her, fan-favorite Special Agent Leon Kennedy has arrived just as he is carrying her unconscious body from the scene, and he begins a hunt to find her. What unfolds is a story that loyally connects the events of parts 7 & 8 with the Umbrella-based roots of the original series.

The game is split between these two main characters. You are allowed to modify the mechanics and playstyles, but the default settings set the audience up for the most immersive experience. Grace’s sections are played in the first person and places most of the emphasis on the terrifying horror within the story (very much like parts 7 & 8 ) – especially because she is a young, new character amongst the roster, so she is a scaredy cat who has no prior experience with the strange creatures and characters the series is known for. Meanwhile, Leon’s sections are in the third person and place the emphasis on the cheesy, campy action (very much like the Resident Evil 4 Remake). The balance here keeps the story interesting, and doesn’t make one chunk of gameplay feel overwhelming or overstays its welcome.

The ammunition for your weapons are rather scarce. You can craft more, or use those resources you discover to craft useful tools like health packs, weapon upgrades, knives for use when you’re grabbed by an enemy, and more. Replays of the game don’t carry your prior weapons or items over, but by beating specific challenges you can unlock specialty perks such as unlimited ammo, specialty weapons, costumes, and more.

I played this game with headphones on and only at night for the ultimate experience. This game is legitimately terrifying. The zombies here are unlike any we’ve seen before, and I was completely unprepared for the return of Crimson Head zombies here… There’s many call backs to previous monsters we haven’t seen in a long time, and the settings greatly vary from tight mansion-like corridors, to a sprawling yet desolated city, and more.

Between the intense scares, the over-the-top fun action, well-developed story, music, graphics, surprises, and an ending that is an absolute slamdunk.. I’m gonna go ahead and say it. This is easily in my top 3 favorite Resident Evil games ever. It has everything you could want from this franchise, and so much more. I’m currently on my 2nd playthrough and still enjoying it just as much.

For older and newer fans alike, I can’t recommend this game enough. Put this on your playlist this year if you haven’t already done so.

5/5
“Resident Evil: Requiem” is currently available on Playstion 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, & Steam.

‘Til Next Time,
Mike Cleopatra