Alex Perry, a tech reporter at Mashable, has dedicated a significant amount of his career to reviewing video games and consumer technology. With a focus on genres that often evoke fear and anxiety, Perry recently explored the latest installment in the Resident Evil series, titled Resident Evil Requiem. His three-hour demo of the game revealed an intriguing combination of classic horror gameplay and modern action, which captures the essence of the franchise while appealing to both new and veteran players.
In Resident Evil Requiem, players are introduced to two protagonists: Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft. Leon, a seasoned hero from previous titles like Resident Evil 4, brings his action-oriented gameplay to the forefront, while Grace introduces a more stealthy and puzzle-solving approach. This dual-protagonist structure is a significant departure from Capcom’s previous attempts at multi-character narratives, particularly evident in Resident Evil 6, allowing for a smooth transition between characters based on the plot’s progression.
During the demo, players experience Leon’s segment as a thrilling third-person shooter, where combat is dynamic and satisfying, characterized by stylish melee moves and responsive enemy interactions. Conversely, Grace’s gameplay emphasizes exploration, resource management, and creative problem-solving as players navigate a disturbing medical facility filled with grotesque threats. Each character’s unique playstyle offers a refreshing variety, appealing to different preferences and enhancing the overall experience.
Perry lauds the intentional design of enemy placements and how they contribute to the gameplay, allowing players to think strategically about their next moves. The demo also showcases a clever design choice where players can revisit areas after playing as Grace, this time with Leon’s robust arsenal, providing a sense of empowerment and relief from the previously intense stealth-focused section.
A notable aspect of Resident Evil Requiem is its flexibility in gameplay perspective, allowing players to switch between first and third-person views. This feature, which enhances immersion and caters to varying player styles, is a welcome addition following the mixed reception of the previous titles’ perspectives.
With its launch set for February 27 on multiple platforms, including PC and consoles, Resident Evil Requiem promises to deliver both thrills and thoughtful gameplay. If the demo is any indication, Capcom seems poised to further enrich the long-standing Resident Evil legacy, catering to both loyal fans and newcomers alike.