Photo Credit: Resident Evil on YouTube. Trailer cover for Resident Evil Requiem, Dec. 11, 2025.
On Feb. 27, 2026, Capcom finally released the long-anticipated addition to the Resident Evil franchise.
Resident Evil is an iconic franchise in the horror game industry that dates back to its first game in 1996. It was the first game to coin the term “survival horror” after its massive success in both Japan and overseas, evolving into the vast collection that many gamers love today.
Resident Evil follows a multitude of protagonists as they explore and uncover the dark secrets of Raccoon City and the Umbrella Corporation. The game gained its notoriety for intricate world-building, horrifying monsters, and a loveable cast of main characters.
Resident Evil: Requiem follows two protagonists: Legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy and FBI data analyst Grace Ashcroft.
Longtime fans of the Resident Evil franchise are familiar with the noted Leon Kennedy. The police officer turned special forces agent has captured many hearts of fans worldwide.
Leon’s first introduction to the Resident Evil franchise was in Resident Evil 2. First released in 1998 Leon acts as a playable protagonist serving as a rookie police officer for Racoon City Police Department. Only to be caught up within the horrors of the T-virus – a zombie outbreak – on his first day on the job.
Since then, Leon trained and grew into an experienced agent, taking on elaborate tasks such as saving the president’s daughter in Resident Evil 4, and now uncovering the strange string of deaths in the Midwest connected to the outbreak in Raccoon City.
Newly introduced protagonist Grace Ashcroft is the complete opposite. An introverted woman who works as a data analyst for the FBI, after witnessing the death of her mother, Grace became immersed in her work and a complete shut-in.
After her boss, tasks her with the job of investigating the death place of her mother, however, Grace is forced to battle with the unknown evils plaguing the city, while Simultaneously facing the horrors of her past.
The play style for the two protagonists in Resident Evil Requiem couldn’t be more different, but that’s what gives the game its unique charm.
The game offers two experiences as you cycle between Leon’s and Grace’s perspective, filled Heart stopping survival and death-defying action regardless of character.
Leon’s game play represents his skilled character. Leon brings fast paced action and thrilling moves to face off against the undead. The arsenal in Leon’s inventory is almost limitless.
Leon’s fully customizable arsenal allows him to use an array of weapons.
Grace’s gameplay also represents her character. Due to not being as skilled as Leon Kennedy or other prominent female main characters, Grace is forced to compromise.
Grace’s resources are very limited in contrast to Leon’s. The game forces you to act responsibly and think about how you utilize your materials.
Knowing when to hide, run, or fight back is crucial to surviving as Grace. As stated from the game’s official site, “Grace is limited by the supplies she can obtain and carry. Analyzing enemies to determine when to fight or flee is the key to life or death.”
With the mix of these distinctive play styles, Resident Evil Requiem is certainly a game like no other, and it’s received quick praise from gamers and critics alike.
Fans amongst the community are also enjoying the differing style of Grace and Leon. TikToks and memes arising on the internet comparing the helplessness you feel playing Grace versus hacking and slashing your way through the game with Leon.
Overall, the game is considered to be a massive hit, Rightfully owning its place amongst one of the greatest titles when it comes to the Resident Evil franchise.