Resident Evil Requiem feels very acquainted, however it is so properly made that I recognize the hell out of it through NewsFlicks

For just about 30 years, developer Capcom has been redefining its specific logo of survival horror for the Resident Evil sequence. Regardless of its tone transferring between action-horror video games and extra natural horror entries, the place gamers face down ugly moments with scant sources, the sequence nonetheless manages to put gamers in hectic encounters that outline the sequence’ against-all-odds strategy to horror. And with the impending Resident Evil Requiem — or RE9 — seems to proceed the sequence’ present momentum in handing over compelling horror reports.

Simply forward of Gamescom 2025, I were given to revel in the hole of Resident Evil Requiem, specializing in new protagonist Grace Ashcroft (daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak) and her determined strive at fleeing a scary hospital inside of a extraordinary mansion. Capcom’s go back to standard survival horror used to be probably the most perfect video games showcased at Summer time Sport Fest 2025, and spending extra time with it not too long ago made me recognize the sequence’ renewed imaginative and prescient — although it’s kind of acquainted.

Just like fresh core entries within the Resident Evil sequence — VII and Village — Resident Evil Requiem puts a willing focal point on immersion, in reality shooting that sense of dread as you stroll down the halls of an unnerving facility. The bigger tale of Requiem appears to be pointing against a homecoming of varieties for the sequence’ maximum pivotal match — the destruction of Raccoon Town in Resident Evil 2 and 3. Whilst Requiem‘s tale will enlarge right into a extra formidable scope, the demo I performed curious about Grace’s harrowing try to break out her abductors.

On this series, Grace frees herself from an inverted health facility gurney and unearths herself trapped in a ruined hospital full of the our bodies of lifeless medical doctors. Consistent with the logo of horror from the Resident Evil 2 remake and Resident Evil Village, I used to be being stalked through a majestic, ugly monster hiding within the ceilings. With out guns and with best empty bottles for distractions and resources of sunshine to stay the beast at bay, the series felt very just like a stealth puzzle series, the place I needed to read about the actions of the beast and work out a option to maneuver round it.

I had prior to now noticed this actual series throughout Summer time Sport Fest 2025. Whilst I used to be inspired with its presentation — which options one of the most maximum spectacular lights and persona rendering I have noticed from Capcom’s RE Engine — I discovered the idea and situation to be moderately too acquainted than I might have favored. Since Resident Evil VII, the sequence has leaned closely into striking gamers within the sequence’ maximum inclined moments, which regularly entail being stalked through implementing foes with none method to protect oneself.

That sense of vulnerability can regularly really feel performed out, particularly inside the present horror sport area, the place operating clear of issues is its sub-genre. On the other hand, attending to play Resident Evil Requiem correctly made me recognize Capcom’s try to take care of the momentum from Resident Evil VII. And numerous that needed to do with the truth that Requiem now stars a extra absolutely outlined protagonist. Ethan Winters from VII and Village used to be a faceless protagonist with moderately generic motivations, however he steadily was extra well-rounded through the top of his tale in Village. Now, with Grace, we are thrust into an unfamiliar state of affairs, as she’s extra of an lively player within the tale — speaking to herself all over the demo — and I felt a more potent connection to her sense of vulnerability as a protagonist.

One among my favourite moments from the preview got here in a while when I encountered the monster for the primary time. After evading it, I went to the hospital’s waystation to discover a software to open a fuse field. As I used to be wheeling a cart over to an increased toolbox, the creature got here into the room. As I attempted hiding at the back of the cart, the monster noticed me and smashed the cart into me, which despatched Grace hurling again to the wall. The beast then grabbed Grace and took a large chew out of her shoulder. I used up my best well being merchandise and fled the room, returning to the well-lit protected that began the preview. As soon as the monster used to be long gone, I snuck again into the waystation to retrieve the article — however extra in moderation this time round. It used to be a horrifying second, however nonetheless utterly thrilling, and it had me on edge for the remainder of the preview.

Just like Resident Evil VII and Village, Requiem is through default a first-person sport, which for sure creates a palpable sense of dread and uneasiness when exploring with a restricted point of view. On the other hand, Requiem additionally provides the technique to transfer to third-person, which used to be offered post-launch for Resident Evil Village and its DLC, Shadows of Rose. Having performed the demo from each views, I used to be inspired with how properly the presentation feels tuned for each types. The third-person point of view captures that sense of dread and provides within the expanded visibility, which gave me a transparent and distressing view of the monster stalking me from at the back of as I ran against the protected room.

Within the ultimate stretch of my preview, I had all of the gear I had to make my go out. On the other hand, the typhoon outdoor the development blew out the lighting within the house, permitting the monster to present chase. This dash to the end used to be hectic and riveting. Even having noticed the demo hands-off months prior, taking part in the series by myself made for an interesting revel in. As soon as Grace made her go out, she had one final war of words with the monster ahead of the demo got here to an abrupt finish.

Up to now, Resident Evil Requiem seems like a souped-up model of the immersive survival horror present in fresh entries of the sequence — and it does really well in accordance with this preview. I preferred simply how atmospheric this one, relatively restricted, house of the preview used to be — seeing the lengthy stretch of the hallway, with best my lighter and a dim purple mild illuminating within the distance, made for a putting visible — particularly with the silhouette of the monster looming within the distance.

That stated, as properly made as those sequences have been, I am already taking a look ahead to seeing what kind of different methods and occasions Requiem has in retailer. Whilst I used to be a little blended on Village‘s Resident Evil amusement park-style construction, I hope Requiem will nonetheless take some large swings with its new twist at the sequence’ survival horror. I’ve a variety of questions on Resident Evil Requiem, however I am intrigued about what is to return for this sequence’ subsequent large transfer forward.

Resident Evil Requiem might be launched on February 27, 2026 for PC, PS5, Xbox Collection X|S.