Resident Evil has been a major influence on the survival horror genre for over 30 years, alongside franchises like Silent Hill and Dead Space. At its core, It is a survival horror story centered on the Umbrella Corporation, a pharmaceutical giant developing mutagenic bioweapons (BOWs) like the T-Virus, which turns humans into zombies. 

Spanning more than ten mainline games and four remakes, the series has gradually shifted from survival horror based to action horror. Many fans believe that Resident Evil 4 through Resident Evil 6 strayed too far from its survival-horror roots until Resident Evil 7 revitalized the genre-defining tension and gave the series new life. 

Resident Evil Requiem, the newest and ninth entry in the franchise, manages to satisfy both fans of survival horror and the action. Developer Capcom took what made both types of gameplay styles appealing, and combined them to make a near-perfect game. In my opinion, this balance makes it one of the best Resident Evil games to date. 

Players take on the role of the series newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an inexperienced FBI agent and daughter of Resident Evil: Outbreak survivor Alyssa Ashcroft. Grace works as an analyst while tackling trauma from her mother’s death years earlier at the Wrenwood Hotel. She is assigned to investigate a string of mysterious deaths connected to survivors of the Raccoon City outbreak. 

Her latest lead brings her back to the very hotel tied to her past. What begins as a routine case quickly spirals into a nightmare when Grace is abducted by former Umbrella scientist Dr. Victor Gideon and taken to the ominous Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center. Along the way, her path crosses with Leon S. Kennedy, who is slowly dying from a latent strain of the T-Virus and searching desperately for a cure. As the conspiracy deepens, both characters are forced to confront demons, old and new, while uncovering the truth behind the outbreak. 

In my opinion, Grace stands out as one of the most relatable protagonists in the series. Her vulnerability and fear provide a grounded, human perspective on the horror. In contrast, fans can play as Leon, who is no stranger to the horrors of the series

The dual protagonists offer two distinct gameplay styles, with players able to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives. Grace’s section emphasizes survival horror as you must listen for the undead: resources are scarce, inventory space is limited and every decision matters. Navigating the massive, zombie-filled Rhodes Hill evokes the tense, fear-driven atmosphere of Resident Evil 7. 

Leon’s sections, on the other hand, lean heavily into action. With access to a wider arsenal and more ammunition, players can adopt an aggressive, fast-paced playstyle, mowing down enemies, kicking zombies across rooms and splitting undead with chainsaws. These moments make me feel like I am playing the Resident Evil 4 remake.

Beyond the thrilling gameplay, the environments are a major highlight. Players explore a variety of locations, including Rhodes Hill, the ruined halls of the Racoon City Police Department and Umbrella’s underground labs. Each setting feels distinct and the gameplay adapts well to every environment.

Additionally, the creature design is among the strongest in the modern franchise. The game introduces a roster of grotesque monsters that feel both fresh and familiar, serving not just as obstacles but as sources of constant tension. The standout “The Girl”, a terrifying stalker enemy who the player meets early on. Her first appearance is one of the game’s most terrifying scenes, trading cheap jump scares for sustained dread and placing her alongside iconic pursuers like Mr. X and Nemesis. 

Ultimately, Resident Evil Requiem succeeds because it refines the series’ core elements rather than reinventing them. The franchise has always thrived on the balance between horror and action, and this entry understands that better than most. With Requiem rumored to conclude the Umbrella saga, it truly feels like a fitting sendoff and a requiem for the fans.