Resident Evil Requiem is set to launch on February 27, and anticipation is at an all-time high among fans following the latest updates unveiled during today’s Resident Evil Showcase. Directed by Koshi Nakanishi, the event provided a deeper look into the gameplay experiences of the two protagonists, Leon and Grace.
Capcom’s decision to reintroduce Leon into the main franchise is influenced by the success of the Resident Evil 4 Remake. However, the studio recognized that Leon’s adept combat skills could detract from the horror experience, leading to the introduction of Grace Ashcroft. Her character’s naivety makes her encounters with zombies feel much more tense and fearful, much like the gameplay seen in Resident Evil 2 or 7.
Leon retains his combat prowess with exciting new mechanics; he can parry attacks using a hatchet instead of his usual combat knife. This hatchet can also be sharpened to maintain its effectiveness, offering players strategic options during intense moments. Furthermore, Leon has the ability to scavenge weapons from defeated enemies, as showcased in thrilling footage where he parries a chainsaw and gains it for himself. The emphasis on targeting specific body parts adds a layer of strategy, allowing players to incapacitate zombies in creative ways.
In stark contrast, Grace’s gameplay is characterized by slower pacing and an atmosphere of heightened vulnerability. Exploring a haunted mansion, Grace must rely on scarce ammunition for her high-caliber assault revolver, aptly named “Requiem.” The game introduces an intriguing crafting system that utilizes zombie blood, rewarding players with deadly concoctions for risky encounters. One example shows a concoction injected into a zombie that makes it explode – a gruesome yet inventive mechanic.
Players will have the flexibility to experience both characters’ journeys from either a first- or third-person perspective, although footage primarily showcased Grace’s first-person view and Leon’s third-person gameplay. Casual difficulty will be available for those seeking a more relaxed experience, complete with heavy aim assist, while seasoned players can opt for a Classic mode that requires traditional ink ribbons for saving progress.
Additionally, the showcase delved into elements beyond gameplay, including collaborations with Porsche and watchmaker Hamilton, details about a deluxe edition, and compatibility with GeForce NOW. Exciting announcements were also made regarding a global concert series and collectible figurines of the main characters.
With the launch of Resident Evil Requiem approaching, fans are eager to dive into this new installment, which promises to blend horror elements with engaging gameplay from both Leon and Grace.