Video Game Review: Resident Evil Requiem

Capcom’s Resident Evil: Requiem is a game that clearly understands what makes the series special. It blends survival horror, cinematic action, and genuine fan service into an experience that often feels like a celebration of the franchise’s legacy while still pushing things forward.

The first thing that strikes you is the presentation. The graphics are absolutely stunning. Environments are richly detailed, lighting is used brilliantly to create tension, and the character models are some of the best the series has ever seen. The ruined spaces and shadow-filled corridors constantly make you feel uneasy, and the atmosphere is thick with dread.

And yes, the game is genuinely terrifying in places. There were several moments where I had to stop and work up the nerve to push forward. Horror games claim to be scary all the time, but Requiem actually delivers. The giant spider encounter alone deserves a mention. That fight is the kind of sequence that sticks with you long after you put the controller down.

Leon is another major highlight. He’s every bit the hardened survivor fans expect him to be. The game lets him shine through both intense combat sequences and stealth sections that add variety to the pacing. The balance between action and tension feels well judged, with several moments where sneaking through danger is far more effective than charging in guns blazing.

For longtime fans, the return to Raccoon City is something special. As someone who has a deep love for the original Resident Evil 2, revisiting this iconic setting felt genuinely nostalgic. It manages to capture the spirit of the classic game while reimagining the city in a way that feels fresh and unsettling.

The enemy design also deserves praise. The creatures you encounter are spectacularly grotesque and imaginative. Capcom clearly had fun designing them, and the results range from disturbing to outright nightmarish. Many encounters feel unpredictable, which keeps the tension high.

That said, the game is not without flaws.

Grace’s sections can drag a little compared to the stronger Leon segments. They are clearly designed to slow the pace and build tension, but at times they feel a bit stretched out.

Some enemy choices are also questionable. Zombies that shoot guns are more irritating than frightening, and they occasionally disrupt the survival horror tone the game works so hard to build elsewhere.

Still, these issues are relatively minor when compared to what the game gets right.

Resident Evil: Requiem is a strong entry in the franchise that delivers spectacular visuals, genuinely frightening moments, memorable enemies, and plenty of fan service for longtime players. For those of us who grew up with the classics, the return to Raccoon City alone makes it a memorable experience.

Just be prepared for a few moments where the game is so terrifying that pressing forward becomes the hardest part. Then again, I might just be a giant wuss.

If you like survival horror and action get this game.