The ninth installment in the Resident Evil series impresses with its graphics, atmosphere, and characters, but struggles with fragmented gameplay and a less-than-compelling story.
Japanese game developer Capcom launched Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth main entry in the long-running survival horror franchise, in late February. The game represents a significant release for fans of the series and a showcase for Capcom’s RE Engine.
The game attempts to combine classic survival horror with more action-oriented sequences – a balancing act that will particularly appeal to the series’ established fanbase, according to Meduza.
The storyline begins with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft investigating a series of mysterious deaths connected to former residents of Raccoon City. The city was devastated almost three decades ago following a biological disaster caused by the fictional Umbrella Corporation.
During her investigation, Ashcroft is kidnapped by Victor Gideon, a former Umbrella researcher. Simultaneously, agent Leon S. Kennedy attempts to uncover what is happening after witnessing the abduction.
Two Distinct Gameplay Experiences
The game alternates between Grace and Leon, but the two characters offer very different gameplay experiences.
When players control Grace, the focus is on exploration, puzzle-solving, and avoiding enemies. She has limited combat training and few resources, making direct confrontations with zombies risky.
Leon, represents the series’ more action-packed side. Equipped with a large arsenal of weapons, grenades, and melee attacks, he can handle multiple enemies at once. The game’s tempo shifts from horror to more traditional action in the second half.
This clear contrast sometimes makes the game feel like two separate experiences in one – also creating a certain imbalance in the gameplay.
Classic Elements and Recent Mechanics
The game also includes crafting systems where players can create equipment from resources found in the game world. For Grace, this includes collecting infected blood from zombies to produce new items.
Leon utilizes more traditional materials, such as gunpowder, as fans from previous games in the series will recognize.
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The game’s level design includes a large medical center, before the story later returns to the ruins of Raccoon City. Nostalgia plays a significant role there, especially for players familiar with the series.
Strong Characters – Weak Story
Although Requiem visually stands out as one of the most impressive installments in the series, the story has received criticism for being disjointed and sometimes confusing.
At the same time, the characters are praised. Leon Kennedy still appears as the series’ classic action hero, while Grace Ashcroft is described as a more vulnerable and realistic protagonist. Her reactions to traumatic events and encounters with zombies give the game a more emotional dimension.
A Jubilee Game for Fans
The launch comes in a jubilee year for the series – the first Resident Evil release came to Japan in 1996. Requiem attempts to gather many of the ideas that have characterized the series over three decades.
The result is a game that may not be the most accessible for new players, but functions as a tribute to fans who have followed the series over the years.
According to reviewers, the game also shows that the series is likely facing a new phase – where it must innovate again to continue to develop.
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