Capcom's Resident Evil Requiem, released earlier this year, has garnered strong praise from critics and players alike. The game features dual narratives with action-oriented sections for Leon Kennedy and horror-focused segments for agent Grace. It explores themes of confronting the franchise's past while delivering intense scares and innovative mechanics.
Resident Evil Requiem introduces players to two protagonists: Leon Kennedy, returning nearly 30 years after his debut in Resident Evil 2, and FBI agent Grace. The game's plot centers on Raccoon City Syndrome, a creeping necrosis affecting survivors of the original T-Virus outbreak, including Leon and Sherry. Leon's mission involves stopping antagonists and seeking a cure for this condition, symbolized by a serum called Elpis developed by Umbrella founder Ozwell Spencer to eradicate T-Virus infections.
In Grace's segments, set in a zombie-infested care center, players encounter grotesque experiments, including a giant monster known as the Girl. This creature chases Grace with a childlike fixation, aiming to 'play' with her, which means consuming her. The Girl recoils from light, burning upon contact with working overhead lights, allowing players to use lit rooms as temporary safe havens. However, repeatedly luring her into such areas prompts her to climb into the ceiling and destroy the wiring, eliminating the safety and forcing players to flee or face death.
Leon’s storyline revisits Raccoon City, where he battles lingering zombies, a massive plant beast reminiscent of Plant 42 from the first game, and a grey-faced Tyrant similar to Resident Evil 2's pursuer. A key encounter pits Leon against the Commander, an enemy soldier likely HUNK, the Umbrella operative known as 'Mr. Death.' This melee boss fight ends with Leon defeating the Commander, who also suffers from Raccoon City Syndrome.
The game has been met with critical and fan acclaim. Eurogamer awarded it five stars, describing it as 'both a masterful bit of suffocating horror and a nostalgic, fan-thrilling victory lap for the legendary series.' Shortly after launch, Requiem achieved the highest concurrent Steam player count in Resident Evil history.
