The lights dimmed. The crowd hushed. And then…crickets. After weeks of feverish speculation, the Resident Evil Requiem showcase promised a feast, but delivered something closer to a polite snack. While the stream wasn’t the earth-shattering demo drop many were anticipating, it wasn’t a total loss either.
No Demo, But Some Solid Gameplay
Every so often, a movie trailer gives away the best scenes. This Resident Evil Showcase, though, held back a bit. Die-hard fans were hoping that Resident Evil Requiem would follow the path blazed by recent hits like Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil Village, and the Resident Evil 4 Remake—all of which had playable demos to whet our appetites. Those demos arguably amplified sales; the anticipation became a tangible, playable experience. This time? Nada. At least, not yet.
However, Capcom did offer a first glimpse at Leon Kennedy’s gameplay. The third-person perspective echoes the Resident Evil 4 remake. Leon focuses on gunplay, wielding a hatchet to parry melee attacks, and even commandeering enemy weapons—like a chainsaw.
How does Grace’s gameplay differ from Leon’s?
Think of Leon’s levels as a Hollywood action setpiece; Grace Ashcroft’s segments are designed to induce claustrophobia. Her horror-oriented gameplay emphasizes close-quarters combat in tight spaces, creating a compelling tension. That said, Grace packs serious heat in the form of a massive hand cannon. Both segments are playable in either first-person or third-person, a feature that gives players options.
The gameplay split is a bit like a well-composed song. One character is the verse, the other is the chorus—both are vital, but offer distinct experiences.
Retro Touches Meet New Scares
I was in a store the other day, and saw a kid struggling with a retro console. The digital world might always be accelerating forward, but a few things are best left untouched. Capcom seems to agree. Ink Ribbons are back for game saves, alongside new crafting mechanics, and a new enemy type: zombies retaining echoes of their former selves. These aren’t mindless hordes; lingering humanity manifests in unsettling behaviors.
What new features were shown in the Resident Evil Requiem showcase?
Besides the gameplay reveal, ink ribbons, and new enemy types, Capcom showcased new crafting mechanics within the game.
While the showcase included promotional segments with Porsche and Hamilton watches, the absence of a major reveal or surprise demo disappointed many, including myself. The Porsche collaboration will allow players to drive a virtual version of the car in-game (€200,000 equivalent), while the Hamilton watch will let players track the time in-game (€2,500 equivalent).
Still, RE9 remains a major blip on my radar for 2026. It launches on Feb. 27, and I’m eager to dive in. To tide you over, check out the showcase.
What is the release date for Resident Evil Requiem?
Resident Evil Requiem is slated for release on February 27th, 2026.
Will this blend of action and horror deliver the true Resident Evil experience we crave, or will it fall victim to its own ambition?