Resident Evil: Requiem blasted past 5 million copies sold five days since its release. And after spending a good chunk of time with the game myself, I can safely say the success isn’t exactly shocking.
Since the game is still so new, I will try to avoid spoilers. Visually, it’s a truly stunning game. I remember when Resident evil: Village launched and it was so beautiful but hair ,famously difficult to animate, was still an issue. It was massively fixed in this one, with it looking far more realistic (maybe a bit stiff at times, but still very good.) The sets and their design were brilliant, and the use of lighting, especially in the first part of the game, created a wonderfully tense atmosphere.
Let’s talk about the gameplay. I found it a very smart choice to alternate sections between a new (yet still very much connected) character, FBI Technical Analyst Grace Ashcroft, and the fandom’s most beloved 49 year old DSO Agent Leon S. Kennedy. Grace’s sections focus more on the themes introduced in Resident evil: Biohazard and Resident evil: Village, where players are placed in first person which was recommended by the game for her sections in a survival horror nightmare with limited resources (and light) and the cursed inventory we all know and love (and also hate) from this franchise.
Then we get a break from the suffocating horror with action filled Leon sections, where he practically steamrolls through most of the enemies. These moments offer a respite from the gritty and tenseness, complete with his cheeky one liners and incredible inventory size. Netizens have already joked about the hilarious differences between the gameplays, with Grace’s sections being described as her going through “unimaginable horror” while Leon’s are filled with action packed boss battles that somehow reminded me of Resident Evil 4 and John Wick at the same time.
If we talk about the acting itself, can we all stand up to give a round of applause to Angela Sant’Albano? As Grace’s voice actor, she delivered a terrific performance, often bone chilling with the level of realism and emotion involved. I would be very disappointed if she doesn’t win an award or something. We also had Nick Apostolides reprise the role of Leon after the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 remakes. His voice acting was brilliant as well. Since we jumped from a baby-faced rookie cop in Resident Evil 2 to a troubled government agent in Resident evil 4, and now to a grizzled older Leon, the emotions reflected in his performance were wonderful. I also cannot talk enough about the music, whether it’s the general atmospheric background score or the end title track, which went straight to my playlist after I finished the game.
But what’s the consensus?
“Universal acclaim” seems like the apt and agreed description. Audiences and players loved the dual protagonist approach, with the constant shift from horror to action creating two distinct experiences. The fact that it set the record for the best-performing game in the entire franchise is evidence enough.
In the end, I would say the plot had a few holes in it (where was Claire?), but honestly, with everything else being so good, I noticed it more on my second run than during the initial experience. And with the lovely easter egg of my good friend Tofu, plus a hint of my favourite character at the end, I’d say I’m extremely happy with this addition to the franchise. Now I’m just waiting for a good DLC to tie it all together.