Resident Evil Requiem: Leon and Grace’s Gameplay Contrasts Like “Hot Sauna to Cold Bath”
▼ Summary
– Resident Evil Requiem will feature dual protagonists, Leon Kennedy and Grace, whose gameplay styles are described as contrasting like “jumping into a cold bath after a hot sauna.”
– Leon’s sections focus on intense, action-oriented gameplay similar to Resident Evil 4, while Grace’s sections are the scarier, horror-focused parts resembling Resident Evil 2.
– The game’s structure splits playtime almost equally between the two characters, creating a unique rhythm through the contrast between slow horror and fast action segments.
– A key narrative point is Leon’s return to Raccoon City for the first time since Resident Evil 2, exploring his response as an older, seasoned veteran.
– The game is scheduled for release on February 27th of next year for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and Steam.
The upcoming Resident Evil Requiem promises a unique horror experience by splitting its gameplay between two protagonists with radically different styles. Developers describe the shift between playing as Leon Kennedy and Grace as a jarring yet refreshing contrast, akin to the shock of moving from a hot sauna directly into a cold bath. This deliberate design aims to create a compelling rhythm of tension and release throughout the entire game.
Following the official reveal at The Game Awards, director Akifumi Nakanishi and producer Masato Kumazawa elaborated on how the characters shape the experience. Grace is billed as the most easily frightened character in the franchise’s history, which directly informs her sections of the game. Her chapters are designed to be the scariest, focusing on atmospheric dread and vulnerability reminiscent of the classic survival horror found in Resident Evil 2.
In stark contrast, Leon Kennedy returns as a seasoned veteran. Nakanishi noted that quiet, cowering horror doesn’t suit Leon’s personality, so his segments are built around intense, adrenaline-fueled action. Players can expect his gameplay to feel closer to the more dynamic style of Resident Evil 4, complete with a suite of new combat actions that provide a powerful sense of catharsis after the tension of Grace’s story.
The development team initially worried that the drastic shift in tone might be difficult for players to follow. However, they now believe this very contrast gives Requiem its unique identity. The structure is reportedly similar to Resident Evil Revelations, with the campaign almost equally split between the two leads. This allows the game to masterfully alternate between slow-burn horror and explosive action, creating a dynamic pace.
This approach directly supports Nakanishi’s vision for the series, which he describes as uniquely balancing fear with empowerment. The philosophy isn’t just to scare players relentlessly, but to offer them the satisfying release of overcoming those fears. The duo of Grace and Leon became the perfect vehicle to execute this concept, with her sections building palpable tension and his providing the thrilling payoff.
Leon’s return is significant for the narrative as well. This marks his first time back in Raccoon City since the events of Resident Evil 2. The developers are keen to explore how the older, more experienced Leon reacts to revisiting the origin point of the nightmare. His character design has also been refined, with the team playfully describing him as an ‘ikeoji’, a Japanese slang term for a cool and attractive older man, a detail sure to please his many fans within Capcom and beyond.
Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled for release on February 27th of next year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. It will also launch on Nintendo’s upcoming Switch successor. In related news, Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village are also confirmed to be coming to the new Nintendo console.
(Source: EuroGamer)
