After several entries that leaned heavily into cinematic action, Resident Evil Requiem marks a deliberate inclusion of slower, more deliberate horror through the gameplay of the newcomer, Grace Ashcroft. Developed by Capcom, the game blends modern presentation with classic survival-horror design, creating an experience built on tension, limited resources and the constant fear of what might be waiting around the next corner.

The story makes an eventual return to the ruins of Raccoon City, decades after the infamous catastrophe that once defined the franchise. Rather than simply revisiting the setting for nostalgia, the game ties the tragedy to a more personal narrative centered on Grace Ashcroft. Grace is the daughter of a former investigative journalist who had spent years digging into the truth behind the city’s destruction and the corporate forces responsible for it. Her mother’s work left behind a trail of unanswered questions and dangerous antagonists. Early in the game, Grace is abducted by the mysterious figure Victor Gideon, whose motives appear linked, both to the secrets of Raccoon City and to the unfinished investigation Grace’s mother left behind.

The story mainly revolves around the two playable protagonists whose contrasting gameplay styles form the backbone of the experience: veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy and novice FBI agent Grace Ashcroft. Switching between the two offers not only different perspectives on the unfolding narrative but also fundamentally different ways of interacting with the game’s world.

Leon’s sections lean closer to the action-oriented style players may recognise from entries like Resident Evil 6. As an experienced government operative, Leon has access to a wider arsenal and is better equipped to handle direct confrontations with enemies. Combat during his chapters is faster paced and more confident, allowing players to take on groups of infected creatures with a mixture of firearms, tactical positioning and quick reflexes. While Leon’s segments do not abandon horror entirely, it is a distinct experience compared to Grace. Ammunition and resources still need to be managed carefully, as even Leon can quickly find himself overwhelmed if players grow too careless.

Grace’s gameplay, by contrast, pushes the game back toward pure survival horror. Without Leon’s level of training or diverse weapon selection, Grace must rely more heavily on stealth, puzzle-solving and greater environmental awareness. Her encounters with enemies are often less about defeating them and more about avoiding or outmanoeuvring them. Players may find themselves hiding in dark rooms, quietly navigating narrow corridors or using distractions to slip past threats. This design choice creates a palpable sense of vulnerability that heightens the game’s tension and reinforces the horror atmosphere. Furthermore, the feel of Grace’s inexperience and fear is quite seamlessly translated to the player.

Ultimately, both Grace and Leon’s characters develop throughout the course of the game, changing the player’s perspective according to what point they have reached within the story. Together, they form a balanced rhythm that prevents the game from becoming either too tedious or predictable.

Exploration remains one of the strongest aspects of the game. The environments are intricately designed, filled with locked doors, hidden pathways and puzzles that reward careful observation. Players will frequently backtrack through locations after unlocking new areas, gradually piecing together the layout of each setting. Resource management also plays an important role. Health items and ammunition are limited, forcing players to decide whether to conserve supplies or risk spending them during particularly dangerous encounters.

Visually, Resident Evil Requiem excels at creating atmosphere. The environments are richly detailed, with dim lighting, decaying structures and unsettling visual cues that hint at the horrors lurking beneath the surface. Sound design plays an equally important role. Subtle background noises, distant footsteps and sudden bursts of audio help maintain the tension.

The game is not without shortcomings. Some enemy encounters can begin to feel repetitive over time, and certain dialogue can feel a bit shallow. While the dual-protagonist structure is effective, the narrative occasionally struggles to give both characters equal emotional weight. Leon’s sections, particularly, begin feeling a lot more like an action thriller game, which at times can reduce the terrifying aspects of Grace’s sections.

Even so, Resident Evil Requiem succeeds in capturing the spirit that made the series iconic. By combining Leon’s robust action with Grace’s vulnerability and fear, the game delivers a balanced experience that honours the franchise’s past while still feeling fresh.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, it stands as a compelling reminder that inclusion of slow and truly suspenseful horrors are highly effective.