“Resident Evil Requiem” was one of the most highly anticipated titles of the year for many fans, myself included. Released at the end of February, the ninth mainline entry for this storied franchise had to balance a lot of expectations.
From rumors of series mainstay Leon S. Kennedy returning to the shift in identity seen in the last two entries, the stakes were high. With the introduction of new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, the game ultimately hits the mark and builds a solid foundation for the future of the franchise.
‘Where’s everyone going, bingo?’
As a longtime fan of the series, the most exciting element was Kennedy’s return. His last major appearances were in the “Resident Evil 4” remake and the poorly received “Resident Evil 6.” I can happily report that his gameplay is exactly what I wanted. Kennedy’s half of the game is action-packed, featuring most of the title’s bosses and a high level of memorability. A major aspect of the game is its split narrative. Players swap perspectives between Kennedy and Ashcroft, ensuring both characters receive enough development while keeping the pacing brisk.
Amazing Grace
The standout of the experience, however, was Ashcroft. As a new lead sharing the spotlight with a series favorite, she had massive shoes to fill, and she does so beautifully. Her sections take a horror-focused approach akin to “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard” or “Resident Evil Village.” These segments utilize a first-person camera and force the player to conserve resources, contrasting with Kennedy’s more aggressive gameplay style.
The voice acting by Angela Sant’Albano is stellar. She portrays Ashcroft as an extremely relatable character whose nervous stuttering and genuine emotion endear her to the player throughout the campaign.
A solid foundation
Overall, the game is a fantastic experience that I would recommend even to those unfamiliar with the series. My only criticisms involve the lack of post-game content, such as the franchise’s famous “mercenaries” mode. However, with rumors of updates planned, this complaint may be addressed by the time you read this.
With story DLC on the way, the “Resident Evil” franchise is in excellent hands. I am excited to see where the series goes next.
