Resident Evil Requiem is out the door and proving it’s no ordinary sequel. Capcom’s much-anticipated 30th anniversary entry has been earning rave reviews, and its blend of first-person survival horror with third-person action is resonating with fans and critics alike. After its release, the game quickly climbed to an impressive 89 on Metacritic for PS5, making it the best-reviewed mainline Resident Evil since 2005’s landmark Resident Evil 4. You can see the current Metacritic tally right here.
The game embraces two distinct gameplay styles through its dual protagonists: Grace Ashcroft, a fresh face in the series, offers tense, claustrophobic first-person survival horror as she navigates the eerie Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, scavenging scarce resources and surviving relentless undead foes. Meanwhile, Leon S. Kennedy returns in classic third-person style, cranking up the action with big gunplay and over-the-top set pieces. This split approach might sound like a recipe for chaos, but surprisingly, it works. Grace’s tight, nerve-wracking horror contrasts perfectly with Leon’s bombastic bravado, offering players a diverse taste of what Resident Evil has been about over the decades.
Critics have praised how the game honors its legacy without feeling like mere fanservice. It cleverly weaves in nods to the series’ storied past while delivering genuinely chilling moments, like the haunting zombie NPCs stuck in loops of their former lives and the terrifying "The Girl" monster stalking Grace. The attention to atmosphere and pacing is top-tier, with moments of dread that feel expertly crafted to keep you on edge. And the game’s visuals, powered by Capcom’s RE Engine, look stunning, running smoothly on high-end PCs with options for ray tracing and upscaling tech, though it’s worth noting that a field of view adjustment option is still missing in the PC version, something fans have been hoping for since Resident Evil 7.
Resident Evil Requiem isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a fitting celebration of 30 years of survival horror evolution. While some might wish it took bolder risks, its polished execution and the fresh dynamic between Grace and Leon make it a standout. Plus, if you want to see Leon showing off his signature moves, the official gameplay trailer is worth a watch right here.
Capcom seems to have struck a balance this time around, blending scares, action, and story to please longtime fans and newcomers. With its strong critical reception and gameplay innovations, Resident Evil Requiem is poised not just to thrill but to set a new benchmark for the series’ future.
So whether you’re sneaking past zombies as Grace or going full action hero with Leon, this game is a powerful reminder why Resident Evil remains a staple of horror gaming. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold in how it embraces its roots while pushing forward, and that’s exactly the kind of sequel we needed.
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