Resident Evil Requiem Review: A Horror Gaming Masterpiece

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The Resident Evil series has changed a lot over time. The first game created the feel of ‘survival-horror’ with its unique camera angles, while Resident Evil 4 moved towards more action and a different camera perspective. Resident Evil 7 switched things up again, using a first-person view and emphasizing true horror. Now, Resident Evil Requiem (also known as Resident Evil 9) represents the peak of the series. It doesn’t stick to just one style; instead, it expertly blends first-person horror and third-person action, resulting in what many consider to be one of the greatest horror games of all time.

You can choose to play Resident Evil Requiem from either a first-person or third-person perspective. However, Capcom suggests using first-person when controlling Grace Ashcroft and third-person for Leon S. Kennedy. I followed this advice during my first playthrough, and found the game was more impactful when I stuck with these settings. First-person really emphasizes the horror of Grace’s story, while third-person allows Leon’s action sequences to stand out.

Similar to previous Resident Evil games, Resident Evil Requiem lets you play as two different characters. However, instead of choosing one at the beginning, the game switches between their stories. Playing as Grace feels like a mix of classic Resident Evil and the more recent first-person games. She has limited ammunition and needs to explore large environments to find items that unlock puzzles and advance the plot. A lot of gameplay involves hiding from monsters, much like the early parts of Resident Evil 7 where Ethan is trying to avoid Jack Baker.

Resident Evil Requiem’s Grace Sections Are Legitimately Terrifying

Playing as Grace was consistently nerve-wracking. I often found myself holding my breath, worried she’d be discovered by the frightening creatures she encounters. Because she starts with limited defenses, even regular zombies feel like a real threat. I usually don’t enjoy stealth sections in horror games if they’re too difficult, but like the game’s excellent balance between action and horror, Resident Evil: Requiem nails the stealth gameplay too. It’s challenging without being overly frustrating, and you almost always have a chance to escape if Grace is spotted.

Grace eventually obtains both a standard handgun and a powerful magnum pistol called the Requiem. Enemies are durable and require a lot of bullets, making stealth the preferred approach. However, players can fight when needed. The Requiem’s ammo is very limited, so it’s best saved for the most challenging enemies.

As a longtime fan of the original Resident Evil games, I really loved playing as Grace in Requiem. It reminded me of exploring the classic Spencer Estate – with challenging puzzles, consistent scares, and a truly unsettling atmosphere where danger felt close by at every turn.

I initially feared the movie would feel disjointed, with Leon’s action scenes clashing with Grace’s focus on horror. However, those worries were unfounded. Resident Evil Requiem surprisingly finds a great balance between genuinely scary moments and exciting, over-the-top action. Grace’s scenes were terrifying, which made Leon’s action sequences feel like a satisfying release. While even a single zombie posed a serious threat to Grace, Leon effortlessly takes down hordes of them with impressive skill.

Resident Evil Requiem’s Action is Ridiculous in the Best Ways

Leon Kennedy has become incredibly skilled at fighting off zombies, much like John Wick. He moves strategically, reloads quickly, and takes down enemies with ease. Playing as Leon puts you in a fast-paced, intense combat mode where you can seamlessly switch between shooting, kicking, using melee weapons, and finishing off zombies in brutal ways. It’s a visually stunning and incredibly satisfying display of action, and the game’s combat sequences are the best in the entire Resident Evil series.

The action in Resident Evil Requiem is incredibly intense. Enemies don’t just respond when you shoot them – they realistically interact with their surroundings, like hitting walls or falling down stairs. And they bleed profusely, leaving the environments looking like a real mess.

The more weapons Leon gets, the more exciting the gameplay becomes. It’s incredibly satisfying to take down zombies with a quick pistol shot, then switch to a shotgun for close-range devastation. Unlike some older games, swapping between weapons and items is instantaneous thanks to the d-pad, letting you stay right in the action.

One of the first things I encountered in the game Requiem was a zombie wielding a chainsaw. I initially shot the legs out from under it, which caused it to fall and be dragged along the ground, still clutching the weapon. After defeating it, I grabbed the chainsaw and used it on another zombie, but surprisingly, that zombie managed to pull the chainsaw out and start using it herself! This chaotic encounter really showed me what the game was going to be like.

One cool thing about Resident Evil Requiem is how it handles inventory. Grace has a classic Resident Evilstyle inventory with very limited space, while Leon gets the more modern system from Resident Evil 4*, letting you rotate and organize items. This difference really emphasizes how distinct playing as Leon and Grace feels, and it fits Leon’s character as a powerful, capable hero.

Requiem’s Story Draws You In and Doesn’t Let Go

The story of Resident Evil Requiem highlights the contrast between Grace and Leon. Grace is genuinely scared by the events unfolding, while Leon remains calm and constantly makes light of the situation with his cheesy jokes. I initially worried this difference in their reactions would feel jarring, but surprisingly, it works really well – they complement each other perfectly.

Among all the Resident Evil stories, Requiem really stands out as one of the best. It’s expertly paced and full of surprising, over-the-top moments that the series is known for. The new villains, especially Victor Gideon, are memorable, and the acting is top-notch, with Jeannie Tirado delivering a particularly impressive performance as Grace. I haven’t enjoyed a Resident Evil story this much in a long time, and I was completely hooked, eager to find out what would happen next. There are several scenes that are as good as classic moments like the beginning of Resident Evil 4, and for longtime RE fans, that’s saying a lot.

I finished my first run of Resident Evil Requiem in just over seven hours, but I missed a few optional puzzles and didn’t explore every nook and cranny. Honestly, with all the collectibles and extra stuff to unlock – like you usually get in a Resident Evil game – it definitely gives me a reason to jump back in for another playthrough, or maybe even a few!

Resident Evil Requiem delivers a thrilling story and addictive gameplay, all wrapped in a beautifully polished package. The game boasts stunning graphics and an intense soundtrack, making it a true horror masterpiece and one of Capcom’s best titles. It’s the definitive Resident Evil experience and is sure to become a beloved classic for fans of the series.

The new game, Resident Evil Requiem, will be available on February 27th for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X. We at Game Rant received a PS5 code to review the game.

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2026-02-25 18:10