"RE: Revisiting the Roots of Resident Evil - 'Requiem'"
In the annals of video game history, few franchises have left as indelible a mark as Resident Evil. The iconic survival horror series, created by Capcom, has captivated audiences for three decades with its gripping narratives and terrifying gameplay. This February, the franchise is set to make a chilling comeback with Resident Evil: Requiem, a new instalment that promises to reconnect fans with the series' foundational storyline.
Set nearly 30 years after the catastrophic Raccoon City incident, Resident Evil: Requiem finds the city still shrouded in darkness and despair. The once bustling metropolis was overrun with infected and subsequently bombed, leading to Umbrella Corporation's bankruptcy. The game serves as a poignant requiem for those who lost their lives in the tragedy, with its subtitle holding multiple levels of meaning.
The narrative of Resident Evil: Requiem centres on Grace Ashcroft, the daughter of Raccoon City survivor Alyssa. Eight years earlier, Alyssa died under mysterious circumstances at a hotel in the ruins of the city. Grace, now an FBI technical analyst, finds herself drawn back to the site of her mother's death to investigate a series of mysterious deaths at the same hotel.
Grace's journey to the heart of darkness is designed to address lingering mysteries related to the T-virus outbreak and her mother's murder, potentially solving long-standing fan questions about the city-wide catastrophe. She is pursued by a new monster enemy reminiscent of past iconic foes like Mr. X and Lady Dimitrescu, adding an extra layer of tension to her harrowing ordeal.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Resident Evil: Requiem is its gameplay mechanics. Players will have the freedom to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time, blending new and classic elements to create a unique and immersive experience. This shift in perspective is intended to enhance the horror aspects of the game, with Capcom's decision to make Grace Ashcroft the lead character designed to make her relatable and easily frightened, heightening the fear factor for players.
Director Koshi Nakanishi revealed that Leon S. Kennedy, the protagonist of RE2, was initially considered for the lead role. However, it was ultimately decided that his lack of reaction to common horror elements such as a bucket falling made him a "bad match for horror." Instead, the creative leads chose Grace Ashcroft, a character who embodies the fear and vulnerability that are integral to the Resident Evil experience.
Resident Evil: Requiem is set for release on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. As part of the series' 30th anniversary, the game commemorates Resident Evil’s origins by bringing players back to the iconic setting that launched the series in 1996. With its focus on horror, immersive gameplay, and a gripping narrative that delves deep into the franchise's past, Resident Evil: Requiem promises to be a fitting tribute to the series' rich history.
As fans eagerly await its release, speculation abounds that Leon S. Kennedy may appear in Resident Evil: Requiem in some capacity. Only time will tell if this beloved character will make a return, but one thing is certain: Resident Evil: Requiem is set to redefine the survival horror genre once again.
Io9 and Gizmodo have both highlighted the anticipated release of Resident Evil: Requiem, set to redefine the survival horror genre on February 27, 2026. This game, marking Resident Evil's 30th anniversary, takes players back to the iconic setting of Raccoon City, promising an immersive entertainment experience filled with gripping technology-infused narratives reminiscent of movies-and-tv. Fans eagerly debate whether Leon S. Kennedy, a beloved character from the series, might make an appearance in this engaging commemoration of the franchise's rich history.
