Playing Resident Evil games for 25 years, yet there's no need for Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil Requiem
In the world of video games, characters often hold a special place in our hearts. For many, Leon Scott Kennedy, a protagonist in the iconic Resident Evil 2, defined cool back in 1998 when the game was released. Fast forward to 2025, and Leon is pushing 50, but his absence as the main character in the upcoming Resident Evil game, Requiem, has sparked quite a discussion.
Capcom, the game's developer, has announced Grace Ashcroft as the new main character, a decision that has left some fans, including this writer, questioning the reasoning behind it. According to Capcom and supporting developers' opinions, Leon's absence stems from narrative fit considerations and a creative approach that favours storytelling flexibility over strict character inclusion.
Resident Evil 7, a risky game that was a comeback for the series after Resident Evil 5 and 6, set a distinct grindhouse, Hills Have Eyes vibe. The game's protagonist, Ethan Winters, explores a dank, seemingly abandoned house in the American South in search of his wife, who attacks him and cuts off his hand with a chainsaw. This departure from the familiar faces of the Resident Evil universe was a bold move that seems to have influenced the creative direction of Resident Evil Requiem.
The focus on fresh perspectives is evident in the character of Grace Ashcroft. While Leon Kennedy is a well-known survivor of the incident central to the Resident Evil story, the creative team appears to be prioritizing different characters better suited to the narrative goals of Resident Evil Requiem.
The speaker, who prefers the new character over Leon Kennedy, hopes that Resident Evil Requiem will honour the series' legacy without undermining its new hero by allowing the old guard to overshadow her. There is a possibility that Leon, along with Jill, Claire, and Chris, might make an appearance in Resident Evil Requiem for the series' 30th birthday next year.
However, a prominent Resident Evil leaker, Dusk Golem, has claimed that Leon might still be the main character of the game, contradicting Capcom's statement. This adds another layer of intrigue to the anticipation surrounding Resident Evil Requiem.
One thing is certain: the RPD, a staple in many Resident Evil games, is long overdue for some action in Resident Evil Requiem. The speaker eagerly awaits to see how the game will continue to push the boundaries of the series, while staying true to its roots.
[1] Capcom Spotlight (June 2023) [2] Resident Evil Media Director Commentary [3] Resident Evil Requiem Development Insights (July 2023)
- In the realm of video games, not just Leon Scott Kennedy, but other characters like Jill, Claire, and Chris also hold a special place in the hearts of many, forming an interconnected universe of heroes within the Resident Evil franchise.
- As games like Resident Evil 7 have shown, the series has a penchant for introducing new characters and exploring different narratives, often setting distinct tones and atmospheres, such as the grindhouse, Hills Have Eyes vibe in Resident Evil 7.
- With the upcoming Resident Evil game, Requiem, Capcom and developers are diving into deals to offer exclusive games and content related to the game, while also catering to the ongoing need for entertainment in the form of news, movies-and-tv, and game discussions amongst fans.
- Games like Resident Evil Requiem showcase the evolution of the industry, blending action-packed gameplay with immersive storytelling, serving as a testament to the adaptable and ever-changing nature of video game entertainment on console platforms.
