For three decades, Capcom has been defining survival horror with the Resident Evil franchise. Now, celebrating its 30th anniversary, Capcom releases its newest installment, Resident Evil 9, or better known as Resident Evil Requiem.
Requiem is unique in many ways. After spending multiple hours in this game, I find it to be everything that it successfully captures the essence of the Resident Evil franchise. It takes the best elements of modern and old Resident Evil and combines them to make a blend of classic and modern philosophies for existing Resident Evil fans to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Initial Gameplay Review – Grace
With the release of Requiem, so came a new Resident Evil protagonist, Grace Ashcroft.
Daughter of former Resident Evil protagonist, Alyssa Ashcroft, Grace represents the modern Resident Evil with her gameplay resembling that of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard or Resident Evil Village.
Her portions of the game take a slower pace with more emphasis on horror and suspense. Equipped with a light and only 2 firearms, Grace must travel through a foreign care center in order to escape.
In nearly all senses, Grace is outmatched. This design choice causes the player to feel powerless and further heightens the overall dread and horror aspect. Capcom also sprinkles classic Resident Evil elements into Grace’s portions such as the enemy variants like the returning Lickers from Resident Evil 2 or the Blisterheads, which take clear inspiration from the Crimson heads in Resident Evil 1.
Furthermore, after a tense, slow section with Grace, Capcom decides to give a well deserved break by shifting perspectives into Leon’s.
Initial Gameplay Review – Leon
Leon is the golden boy of Capcom and has been a main character of multiple Resident Evil installments such as: Resident 2, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 6, and now, Resident Evil Requiem.
While Grace’s gameplay and character represent inexperience and vulnerability, Leon’s portions demonstrate his decades of experience and strength.
Now 49 years old, Leon effortlessly takes out dozens of infected and has about 6 more bosses than Grace does in the entire game. Along with the heavy action focus, Leon’s portions also take a nostalgic approach, bringing back much of Resident Evil’s past.
Leon takes you to Raccoon City and the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD), both very influential and memorable locations from the Resident Evil franchise and then to add on top of that, he also brings back some surprise guests and past enemies which would be better left unspoiled
Overall
This game is a marvel for many reasons. Requiem, like most Resident Evil games, isn’t afraid to branch out or try different things. That is exactly what the essence of Resident Evil is. It’s what makes each installment unique and gives the franchise character.
For that reason I believe Requiem to be a great game for a large variety of people. Average survival horror fans, long time Resident Evil fans, even people just trying to have a good time. It’s exciting to see where the franchise goes next after such a high record of quality.
