Resident Evil Requiem’s Grace & Leon Gameplay Combines Two of the Best RE Games Ever

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Okay, so I’ve been checking out Resident Evil Requiem, and honestly, it’s really hitting all the right notes for a long-time fan. It feels like the developers really dug into what makes Resident Evil great, and they’ve blended elements from two of the best games ever made. The game takes place 30 years after the Raccoon City disaster – which is cool because that mirrors how long the series has actually been around! So far, we’ve only seen one location, the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, but it’s giving me major vibes from places like the Spencer Mansion in the original Resident Evil and even Castle Dimitrescu from Resident Evil Village. It’s a really smart way to connect the past and present of the series.

When it comes to how it actually plays, Requiem draws heavily from two very different survival horror games. By referencing both ends of the series’ stylistic spectrum, Requiem shows a clear intention to honor the past while building an exciting future for the franchise.

Requiem Fuses Biohazard With Resident Evil 4

A standout feature of Resident Evil Requiem is how it showcases the variety of gameplay the Resident Evil series has offered over time. The game centers around two separate storylines and ways to play. Players experience the same locations through the eyes of both Leon Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft, each with a unique style. Leon’s part of the game will feel familiar to fans of Resident Evil 4, focusing on fast-paced action and combat. He’ll need to dodge, block, and constantly fight to survive.

I’m loving how intense these parts of the game are – it’s fast-paced, but never feels like you’re going to lose control. It really reminds me of how Resident Evil 4 nailed that sweet spot between action, being genuinely scared, and those little moments to catch your breath. Playing as Grace is different though, because she’s new to all this monster and zombie stuff. It means she doesn’t have as many combat options as previous characters, so you end up relying more on sneaking around and solving puzzles – it feels a lot like Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in that way.

Ethan Winters, the protagonist of a previous game, was an ordinary person thrown into a terrifying ordeal, and the first-person perspective really enhanced the experience. Grace’s gameplay focuses on building suspense for the player in a similar way. These two games offer very different styles of play, representing the two main types of Resident Evil games. It’s a bold move for Resident Evil Requiem to attempt to blend both approaches in a single game.

The Gameplay Switch Has Multiple Strengths For Resident Evil Requiem

Changing up a game’s core mechanics can be risky. For example, in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the stealth sections featuring Mary-Jane Watson felt like they interrupted the main action. However, Resident Evil Requiem handles different gameplay styles well, weaving them into the story so each part feels essential and connected. The recent demo started with a powerful Leon, showcasing his skills. It quickly switched to Grace, creating tension by making players experience the game as a vulnerable and inexperienced character.

The change in gameplay is a fantastic way to tell the story and make players feel more involved. When you’re playing as Grace, the game focuses on stealth and escaping the undead, which feels very different from when you control Leon. With Leon, you can unleash your frustration on the undead with powerful kicks and attacks. This is a smart design choice by Capcom – it keeps the tension high during Grace’s sections while letting players enjoy the action as Leon. These two distinct styles of gameplay reflect how Resident Evil has evolved over time and contribute to Requiem‘s overall feel as a celebration of the entire series.

Resident Evil Requiem feels familiar yet fresh, building on classic themes and beloved characters while introducing new dangers and faces. The plot uses established elements – like a shadowy scientist and characters trapped in isolation – but within a world already scarred by outbreaks, offering a unique take. Rather than simply repeating past games, it cleverly divides the focus, allowing players to experience the story through distinct characters. What truly sets Requiem apart is its innovative blend of two of the series’ strongest gameplay styles, creating something new that has the potential to revitalize the franchise for a new generation.

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2026-01-30 03:40