Resident evil

Alright, faction, grab your green herbs and lock the doors. It’s time for a real talk.

After spending a consecutive 34 hours in my gaming chair—subsisting entirely on instant ramen and cold brew—I have finally rolled the credits on the latest Resident Evil installment. As someone whose steam profile is basically a shrine to Shinji Mikami, and who still unironically considers the original 1996 tank controls to be peak game design, I went into this with my skepticism slider turned all the way up to 100.

Is it actually a survival horror masterpiece, or is Capcom just recycling assets to print money? Here is my definitive, completely un-casual breakdown.

Resident Evil 9: Requiem is the latest installment in the beloved and highly respected survival horror franchise, released as part of the series’ 30th anniversary celebration. After playing the game twice, I can confidently say that it marks another significant step in the long-running evolution of the franchise. The game embraces an eclectic approach by introducing two protagonists, each following a distinct journey with its own atmosphere, tone, and gameplay style. This dual-character structure allows Requiem to deliver both intense psychological horror and action-driven moments, creating a varied and engaging experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

For the first time in the series, players take control of Grace Ashcroft, a young FBI agent haunted by a traumatic past. Inexperienced and vulnerable, she becomes the victim of a mysterious abduction and awakens deep within a secluded mountain complex. With few resources and no one to trust, Grace must overcome her fears, uncover the truth behind her captivity, and fight to survive as she searches for a way out of the nightmare. Grace’s campaign returns to the franchise’s roots, emphasizing exploration, resource management, and psychological tension. Players will navigate a claustrophobic mansion packed with intricate puzzles, cryptic riddles, and hordes of flesh-hungry undead. Yet beneath this familiar formula lies a terrifying twist: the zombies are no longer the slow and mindless creatures veterans remember. Something has changed, and every encounter threatens to become a desperate fight for survival.

While Grace’s campaign emphasizes vulnerability and survival horror, Leon’s offers a stark contrast. As a seasoned veteran and one of the franchise’s most beloved protagonists, he is equipped with the skills and confidence to confront threats head-on, delivering a more action-focused experience. This dual-protagonist gameplay formula, featuring two distinct characters with unique playstyles, successfully caters to both fans of the classic survival-horror formula and those who prefer the more action-oriented gameplay popularized by Resident Evil 4.

From a technical standpoint, the game is fantastic. The RE Engine proves once again why it remains one of the industry’s most impressive game engines. Character models are highly detailed, environments are rich with atmospheric effects, and the lighting system does an excellent job of enhancing both the horror and action sequences. Performance remains stable throughout the experience, with fast loading times and smooth animations contributing to an immersive presentation. Combined with outstanding sound design and a haunting soundtrack, the game’s technical execution consistently reinforces the tension and atmosphere that define the Resident Evil series.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Ultimately, Resident Evil 9: Requiem is a confident step forward for the franchise. It respects the series’ past while introducing enough new ideas to justify its place as the next major chapter in Resident Evil’s evolution. Whether you’re a veteran fan or a newcomer, this is an experience that deserves attention.