Capcom Finally Perfects a Long‑Running Resident Evil Idea in Requiem

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Resident Evil Requiem successfully revives a key feature from the series’ original games, arguably better than any other installment. Released during the franchise’s thirtieth anniversary year, the game naturally draws heavily on its history. It blends familiar villains and callbacks to past enemies with fresh threats and possibilities for the future. This is cleverly reflected in the story, which centers on a seasoned character, Leon Kennedy, alongside a newcomer, Grace Ashcroft.

The idea of playing as two different characters in a Resident Evil game isn’t new – players could choose between Chris and Jill in the original Resident Evil. However, Resident Evil Requiem does this better than any other game in the series. The different ways you play as each character really highlight their individual stories and motivations. This approach not only lets the game offer both scary, suspenseful moments and fast-paced action, but it also draws players deeper into the narrative.

Resident Evil Requiem’s Dual Leads Is Part Of A Long-Running Series Trend

The Resident Evil series often features multiple characters you can play as, but Resident Evil Requiem uses this feature exceptionally well. Right from the start, the game makes it clear you’ll be switching between characters who each offer a different gameplay experience. While Grace and Leon share similar controls, they represent distinct styles of horror adventure. Grace’s gameplay, especially when played in first-person, feels similar to more recent survival-horror games like Biohazard and Village, emphasizing a truly frightening and immersive experience.

Leon plays much more like his action-oriented self from Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 6, relying on kicks and axe attacks. Past Resident Evil games featured multiple playable characters, but the core gameplay remained consistent. While characters like Chris and Jill, or Leon and Claire, had slight differences – like more health or unique items – each playthrough generally felt the same. Requiem breaks from this tradition. It deeply integrates gameplay differences into the personalities and stories of its two characters, making each experience feel truly unique and immersive, rather than just offering minor gameplay adjustments.

The Character Swaps In Requiem Make The Characters Better

The game initially switches between Leon and Grace, seemingly to blend different gameplay styles seen in previous titles. However, these differences soon highlight their individual characters. Grace’s story focuses on her overcoming past trauma and gaining confidence, and as players learn to work with her weaknesses, they become increasingly capable alongside her. Her personal growth is cleverly linked to her improving skills, like crafting and upgrading, and Angela Sant’Albano’s performance makes this transition feel natural. Meanwhile, Leon’s gameplay showcases his expertise with bioweapons, but also subtly reveals his age and the toll his infection is taking on him.

The game’s intense action can feel overwhelming, but this actually makes the big boss fights even more exciting, forcing players to adapt. This design cleverly ties into the stories of the two main characters, making each section of Resident Evil Requiem feel distinct. Having two playable characters isn’t new to Resident Evil, but Requiem handles it particularly well. The differences between Leon and Grace are immediately apparent, not just in their dialogue but also in how they react to situations and play. Grace becomes more confident while Leon grows more frantic, emphasizing their contrasting personalities and skills. They feel like unique characters with different play styles, yet they remain connected, highlighting each other’s strengths. As you play, their relationship develops, and you truly get a feel for both characters and how they differ. While other Resident Evil games have offered multiple characters, Resident Evil Requiem does it more effectively than ever before.

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2026-03-02 21:43