Resident Evil Requiem (2026)

 


Resident Evil Requiem (2026)

“Rest now Grace. We have so much to do.”

“So nice to finally meet you, Leon.”

"Through you, Elpis can finally be set free."
-Resident Evil Requiem (2026)

It's somewhat ironic that the most cathartic experiences, the moments in our lives that change us for the better. The moments that help us realize where we came from, and where we are going, often show themselves in the most unlikely of ways. Resident Evil Requiem is one such vehicle of catharsis. Though I have yet to formally declare it, in the broader sense of the word. Ask anybody close to me, and they will probably tell you that my taste in the interactive narrative space does not extend to horror. Making it all the more surprising when the ninth entry of the Resident Evil franchise, with its captivating visuals and intriguing characters, drew me into its horror infested world. To be clear, this is the first Resident Evil game I have ever played all the way through. I have dabbled here and there, though dabbling, in this instance means, 20 minutes here and 10 minutes there. By all accounts this video game should have not been up my alley, but somehow, it was.
Requiem’s capacity to entrance newcomers to the franchise, and to enthrall returning players, is second to none. At least in recent memory. The continuing adventures or should I say horrors of Leon S. Kennedy are an enthusiastic reminder that nostalgia can be far more than just an attempt to meet fan expectations. Nostalgia can, in fact, bring weight to a story. Even if, by any real metric, that nostalgia means nothing to you- and you are experiencing the series for the first time, through a ninth entry. Add to this, a compelling mystery brought to fruition through dual protagonists, including newcomer to the series, Grace Ashcroft. Resident Evil Requiem then becomes a quintessential example of how to eloquently perpetuate a long-running video game franchise, all the while, breathing new life into a 30-Year lineage.
Uniquely, Requiem propels itself forward by looking back. This gaze backwards also holds another intricacy. It calls the mind Resident Evil's ultimate, unseen end. The franchise's Requiem. This 9th game, when given all of those thematic lenses, transforms into a narrative and structural marvel. Surprisingly, it all works to an exquisite degree. Resident Evil Requiem’s blend of survival horror and action, is certainly not for everyone. The game's horrors are deep, mentally and physically taxing on every level. This is survival horror done right. However, right in this case, denotes mental anguish, of the body horror variety. As an interactive experience Requiem is extraordinarily well made, and it will haunt you, if you aren't ready for its terrors. So, I say again, Resident Evil Requiem is not for everyone.
Though for those willing and able to face its darkness, there is light and meaning on the other side. Resident Evil Requiem’s developer, Capcom, has assuredly outdone itself this time. Delving deep into the annals of the Resident Evil franchise to show us the grace within. The grace to atone for our sins, no matter how deep or generational they may be. In the end, evil resides in us, only if we give it space to do so.

Rated M 17+ for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

I found Resident Evil Requiem to be visually enthralling, mechanically engaging and narratively meaningful. I hope in some way you do too.

Resident Evil Requiem can be purchased digitally on Windows PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. It can be purchased physically on disc for the Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro.

The following trailer contains graphic images of blood and Gore.


Trailer


If you wish to explore over 150 film reviews and essays, the blog archive can be found by clicking Hour 21

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