Resident Evil Requiem: A Tale of Two Experiences
Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem, released in February 2026, presents a compelling yet contrasting experience for players. The 11th main installment in the Resident Evil series balances survival horror tension with action-packed gameplay, shifting perspectives between new protagonist Grace Ashcroft and veteran Leon S. Kennedy. Even as lauded for its masterful level design in certain sections, the game struggles to maintain consistent quality throughout its entirety.
A Divided Campaign: Grace vs. Leon
The game’s structure deliberately contrasts the experiences of Grace, and Leon. Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst with limited field experience, embodies vulnerability and fear. Her sections focus on intense survival horror, while Leon S. Kennedy, a seasoned agent with decades of experience, delivers a more action-oriented approach. This split aims to cater to different preferences within the Resident Evil fanbase, but results in a feeling of playing two distinct games.
Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center: A Survival Horror Masterclass
The Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, experienced primarily through Grace’s perspective, is widely considered a highlight of Resident Evil Requiem. The complex is described as a dense, intricate map filled with puzzles and monstrous encounters. Its level design is praised for its elegance and ability to create both targeted and open-ended situations, maximizing player tension and impact. It surpasses previous acclaimed locations like the Baker estate and Dimitrescu castle in its execution of survival horror elements.
Shifting Gears: Leon’s Raccoon City Return
As the game transitions to Leon’s storyline, set among the ruins of Raccoon City, the gameplay shifts dramatically. Leon’s increased inventory capacity and the heightened density of enemies transform the experience into a more arcade-style action sequence. While enjoyable, this shift deviates from the intense terror experienced with Grace, potentially disconnecting with players who prefer a more traditional survival horror experience.
A Familiar Disappointment: The Third Act
Despite a strong start, Resident Evil Requiem suffers from a recurring issue within the recent Resident Evil trilogy: a decline in quality during the third act. The game reportedly becomes diluted and routine, culminating in an uninspired final boss encounter. This pattern echoes previous installments, Resident Evil VII and Resident Evil Village, where initial promise gave way to a less satisfying conclusion.
Length and Consistency: A Lingering Question
The game’s length, approximately 12-15 hours, has been a point of discussion. While Capcom avoided the maximalist approach of Resident Evil 6, some critics suggest that a few additional hours of content could have resulted in a more complete and satisfying experience. Still, the core issue may lie in Capcom’s difficulty maintaining the high level of quality established in the early stages of the game.
A Great Game, With Untapped Potential
Resident Evil Requiem is ultimately a commendable addition to the franchise. However, it also highlights a persistent challenge within the series: sustaining excellence throughout the entire game. The game offers a glimpse of what could have been, had the quality of the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center been mirrored in the later stages. After 30 years and nine main installments, the question remains whether consistently delivering a fully realized experience is an achievable goal.
Sources:
- Resident Evil Requiem Story and Ending Explained – GamerIV
- Resident Evil Requiem ending explained – PrimeTimer
- Resident Evil Requiem: Ending Explained – Screen Rant
- Who is Grace Ashcroft in Resident Evil Requiem? – Adventure Gamers