Fresh Fear, New Hero: Resident Evil Requiem Makes Its Move
My top moment from Summer Game Fest this June was Resident Evil Requiem. Capcom’s famous horror series returns with its first true mainline game since Village. A hands-off demo at SGF teased how far the scare factor can go this time.
Grace Ashcroft: A Relatable Protagonist Forges the Path
The story centers on Grace Ashcroft, a young FBI agent who wears small glasses and a big load of doubt. Her job is mostly desk work, not big hero play, which makes her feel real. Even Ethan Winters in RE7 and RE8 began as an everyman, but Grace stays grounded and human. She isn’t built to look fearless; she feels alive in every moment.
In the Thick of It: A Hospital Hallway That Drips Tension
What makes the demo sing is Grace’s helpless squeeze as danger closes in. In an extended prologue, she ends up hanging upside down from a hospital bed, surrounded by tubes and vials of her own blood. The moment together with the story trailers hints at a larger mystery for the Ashcroft family. After freeing herself by breaking a pane of glass, Grace trudges through a grim, worn hospital to find a way out.
No Weapons, Just Fear: The First Moments Pay the Toll
You won’t find a pistol or knife in hand during the early run. The sample event gives you a glass bottle you can throw, and that’s it for protection. Lighting is superb, casting pools of glow that barely reveal what lurks beyond. The creaks and sighs of the building crank up the dread, hinting that danger hides in the shadows.
Stakes Rise: A Blood-Clicking Monster Checks All the Boxes
The main threat shown in the reveal trailer is a massive, demon-like creature. It has a rough, dress-like look and sharp, yellow teeth. Some fans even guess it could be tied to Lisa Trevor in a modern, more realistic form. It towers over Grace in a way that makes the usual stalkers feel small by comparison. The pace changes just by its size.
A Relentless Hunter: Unpredictable AI Keeps You Guessing
This beast isn’t a simple chase. It climbs into ceilings to pop up in new spots, much like the Xenomorph fromAlien Isolation. You bolt toward a safe room, only for it to drop in front of you and block your path. If a room lights up and floods with warmth, the creature falters, giving you a brief beat to slip away. It’s this back-and-forth that could grow tighter as the game spreads its map.
Two Perspectives from the Start: First- and Third-Person Are In
Capcom has included both first- and third-person views from day one. That’s a smart nod to fans who love the newer camera angle and those who adore the classic third-person feel. The demo showed that switching to third person changes how you move and how you read space, yet it keeps the tension intact.
Why Requiem Feels Like a Strong Step Forward
Early hands-on time shows the game does more than push fear. It introduces fresh characters and time threads in the lore while keeping a thick, old-school horror vibe. The new stalker adds a fresh rhythm to chases, and the lighting and sound design reinforce the sense of danger. It’s the kind of balance that makes this feel like a worthy follow-up, not a mere remix.
What to Expect When It Lands
Resident Evil Requiem is set to launch on February 27, 2026. Players will find it on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The blend of new character arcs with a tightened fear engine promises a tense, memorable ride for both long-time fans and newcomers.
In a word, Requiem lands with a plan. It starts with a grounded lead who feels real, then stacks atmosphere and dread in ways that keep you hooked. The monsters loom larger, the chases feel sharper, and the sense of danger never wavers. If Capcom sticks the landing, this could be the moment the series shakes off old patterns and truly soars.
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