Resident Evil: Requiem review says Capcom’s latest horror entry is visually striking and tense

ISLAMABAD: A review of Resident Evil: Requiem has described Capcom’s latest survival-horror title as a strong addition to the long-running franchise, praising its visuals, atmosphere, sound design and dual-protagonist structure, while also pointing to clunky movement, repetitive item-hunting and limited early gameplay time for Leon Kennedy.

The provisional score given in the review was 6/7, summed up as: I like it. I’m terrified, but I like it. The game was reviewed on PlayStation 5 and is also available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2. The listed prices were Rs22,000 for the physical copy, $56.99 on Steam and $69.99 on the Nintendo Store.

The review said players familiar with Resident Evil would recognise the series’ core elements, including combat against infected enemies, puzzle-solving and horror-driven gameplay, adding that Requiem delivers those features while standing out as one of the better releases of the year in both presentation and mechanics.

Visuals, atmosphere and exploration

According to the review, the game follows two protagonists: newcomer Grace Ashcroft and series veteran Leon Kennedy. It said the title’s character models are highly detailed, with animated strands of hair, textured environments and strong cutscene animation. The environments were described as dark, narrow and unsettling, with blood-streaked interiors and sound cues such as creaking floors, breaking glass and nearby zombie noises contributing heavily to tension.

The review said the game’s sound design was superb and that the horror worked less through jump scares alone and more through a persistent sense of dread. One example cited was a hotel sequence in which opening a closet triggered a falling lamp, prompting the reviewer to physically recoil.

At the same time, the review said progression can become repetitive. In an early hospital section, players must locate three reliefs to unlock an exit, but doing so requires finding keys, ID wristbands and other tools to access additional areas. The review said this structure, along with frequent backtracking, could become frustrating.

Grace Ashcroft’s stealth-focused sections

The review highlighted Grace Ashcroft as one of the game’s major strengths. She is described as an FBI agent investigating a series of murders in which victims show unusual bruising. One of the crime scenes takes her back to a hotel where her mother was killed, and the review said Grace appears to show symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

Angela Sant’Albano’s voice performance was praised for conveying fear and anxiety, especially during a flashback involving Grace’s mother’s murder. The review said Grace feels relatable because she reacts visibly to danger: she flinches at noises, breathes shakily, her hands tremble while aiming and she can even stumble while fleeing a large zombie.

Her sections were described as more stealth-oriented, with players spending much of the time hiding, sneaking, solving puzzles and searching for key items rather than engaging directly in combat. The review said this approach strengthens the horror because Grace is comparatively underpowered and more vulnerable.

Combat and Leon Kennedy’s action-heavy gameplay

The review said combat in Requiem is not designed like a conventional shooter. Early weapons fire slowly and ammunition is scarce, meaning even a small encounter can significantly reduce supplies. It noted that headshots are important and described the damage effects as highly graphic, with body parts and internal organs rendered in real time.

It also said players can craft syringes containing a chemical that causes zombies to explode. According to the review, this can be used for stealth takedowns and to stop defeated enemies from mutating and returning in a faster, more aggressive form. Knives and Leon’s hatchet were also described as useful, while staggering enemies can create openings for melee attacks or escape.

Leon Kennedy’s sections were said to be more action-driven than Grace’s. The review noted that Leon, a recurring character in the series, fights larger groups of zombies and carries stronger weapons, including customised pistols and a .50 calibre revolver. His larger inventory also allows him to carry more ammunition, healing items, weapons and attachments.

The review said Leon’s gameplay makes the player feel more capable and better equipped to fight back, but added that his segments feel too brief early in the game.

Overall, the review described Resident Evil: Requiem as a visually impressive and highly atmospheric horror game with two distinct playable styles, even if some movement and progression systems feel uneven.