Resident Evil Requiem Is Doing Something Great With Leon I Didn’t Expect

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Resident Evil Requiem is a fantastic tribute to the entire Resident Evil series. The newest installment cleverly incorporates familiar elements from past games while also introducing exciting new characters, enemies, and locations. The game strongly connects to the series’ history with the return of beloved heroes like Leon, but also feels fresh and revitalized thanks to these new additions. A key example of this is how they’ve reimagined Leon’s role.

Leon S. Kennedy, once the young and handsome hero of Resident Evil 2, has matured into what Capcom calls an “ikeoji”—a charming, older man. Resident Evil Requiem shows that Leon has visibly aged, reflecting the thirty years that have passed within the game’s story. It’s a change I didn’t anticipate seeing in the series, but it helps establish a strong character arc for Leon and highlights the differences between him and the other main character.

30 Years Have Passed In Resident Evil, And Leon Isn’t Getting Any Older

A standout detail in Resident Evil Requiem is the portrayal of Leon S. Kennedy as an older, more experienced character – a subtle but effective choice. The game follows two protagonists: the veteran agent Leon and newcomer Grace Ashcroft. Gameplay as Leon demonstrates his continued combat prowess, with fast-paced action and impressive gunplay, as showcased in a recent demo for the press, including ComicBook.

Fans have noticed a change in Leon Kennedy. Not only does he appear to be infected with a virus – evidenced by a strange growth on his neck – but he also looks significantly older. The character first appeared in Resident Evil 2 nearly thirty years ago, and Capcom has confirmed that thirty years have passed within the game’s story since the Raccoon City outbreak. This means Leon is now in his 50s and visibly showing his age.

Even without knowing his backstory, Leon appears noticeably older. He has new wrinkles and graying hair, and even his stubble shows the passage of time. His weary response to yet another zombie outbreak shows both his experience and his fatigue. Though he still moves well, his movements aren’t as fluid as they once were—instead, he fights with harsher, more forceful attacks, suggesting a character who’s simply tired and wants to finish things quickly. While he remains physically strong and handsome, Leon genuinely looks and feels older in Requiem.

Why Playing As An Older Leon Matters

As a long-time Resident Evil fan, what I really loved about Requiem is how it truly feels like a natural next step for the series, not just another add-on. It balances bringing back a familiar face – Leon – with introducing someone new, Grace. It honestly feels like the developers were showing their love for everything that’s come before while also cleverly setting things up for future stories and different ways to experience the world. And it’s smart that they included Grace! Being newer to all this bioweapon stuff, she’s a character that both longtime fans and people just getting into the series can really connect with.

As a long-time fan, what really struck me about the new game is how much history the Resident Evil series has built up, and how well it’s setting things up for the future. It feels like they’re really taking risks with Leon – this virus could seriously sideline or even kill him! But even if that happens, I’m excited to see characters like Grace step up. The demo actually showed Leon handing her his powerful “Requiem” handgun, which is a huge deal! Seeing Leon age and potentially pass the torch just emphasizes that this isn’t just a series of standalone games; it’s one big, ongoing story, and everything he’s been through truly matters. It makes all his past adventures and traumas feel so much more impactful.

The lines on Leon’s face and scars on his body tell the story of a life filled with near-death experiences. This adds a believable weariness to his character, a natural progression from the confident hero we’ve seen before. It also brings up the idea that these classic horror heroes – Leon, Chris, Jill, and their friends – aren’t getting any younger. This makes characters like Grace important, as they represent the future and can continue the fight if something happens to the older generation. This approach deepens the series’ storytelling, making it feel more grounded and impactful. Leon feels more substantial than he has in recent games, and I’m eager to see where his story goes. Capcom’s willingness to let Leon age and evolve is a welcome change.

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2026-01-28 22:12