Capcom’s next major Resident Evil entry Resident Evil Requiem wows players with terrifying visuals, innovative mechanics, and strong early impressions after Gamescom 2025.
By Amlan Shekhar Baruah, August 23, 2025
Capcom has unveiled Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry in its legendary survival horror franchise, and early reactions suggest it could become one of the most memorable chapters in the series. Shown publicly for the first time at Gamescom 2025, the game’s playable demo introduces players to Grace Ashcroft, a new protagonist exploring a crumbling medical facility filled with horrors both seen and unseen.
Set thirty years after the first Resident Evil game, the demo begins with Grace navigating pitch-black corridors armed with only a lighter, searching for clues while the storm outside sends flashes of lightning through shattered windows. Half the building lies in shadow, the power flickers unpredictably, and the atmosphere grows heavier with each step. The tension peaks when a towering, photosensitive creature begins stalking Grace through the halls. Fans quickly discovered that light itself is a survival mechanic. Safe zones are bathed in brightness, while darkness hides threats that can strike without warning.
This emphasis on light and shadow has drawn significant praise from players. Many describe the lighting technology as the most advanced ever seen in a video game, noting how Capcom uses darkness not just for atmosphere but as an active threat. Interactive light sources such as fuse boxes and lamps allow players to carve out temporary sanctuaries, while the flicker of a lighter barely pushes back against the gloom.
A Return to Survival Horror Roots
Set thirty years after the destruction of Raccoon City, Resident Evil Requiem follows Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst investigating a string of deaths linked to the same hotel where her mother died years earlier. The story promises to revisit iconic locations from past games while introducing new areas tied to Grace’s personal history.
Capcom confirmed that players can switch between first- and third-person perspectives at any time, a first for the series. Combined with the return of resource management and limited ammunition, this design shift reinforces the feeling of vulnerability that defined early Resident Evil titles. Critics at Gamescom noted how Requiem blends modern visuals with the tension and isolation that made the franchise famous.
The New Monster is Absolutely Terrifying
The monstrous creature we see in the Resident Evil 9 demo towers at nearly three meters, its elongated arm ending in razor-sharp claws. Most disturbing of all is its face, twisted and deformed, with two uneven eyes—one swollen shut—and a misshapen mouth that adds to its terrifying appearance.
Tactical Puzzles and Dynamic Stalker Encounter
Hands-on impressions reveal the demo begins with Grace waking up restrained and suspended while her blood is being siphoned, an unexpectedly disturbing setup. Once she breaks free, players must find keys and a fuse to escape a dimly lit corridor, blending classic survival horror puzzles with modern visuals and atmosphere.
The hulking zombie woman who stalks Grace reacts dynamically in Resident Evil Requiem, much like Mr. X or Jack Baker in previous Resident Evil titles, retracing the series’ traditions while responding intelligently to player movements. Players are once again defenseless, forced to hide, distract enemies, or escape danger by throwing bottles and using the environment to their advantage.
Possibility of Fan-Favorite Character Returns
Recent listings on IMDb hint that legacy characters like Leon Kennedy, Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and Claire Redfield could appear, possibly even voicing their original actors. However, the credibility of the listing is uncertain. Meanwhile, speculation is growing that other icons, such as Lisa Trevor or figures from Resident Evil Outbreak, may return, driven by leaks and community discussions
Light as a Survival Tool in the New Resident Evil
Light plays a central role in shaping the tension and gameplay of Resident Evil Requiem. Players must strategically restore power, manage limited light sources, and use environmental illumination to fend off enemies that thrive in darkness. In the demo, flickering bulbs, portable lamps, and even the smallest flame from Grace’s lighter become lifelines, turning every hallway into a tactical choice between safety and risk. By making light both a weapon and a resource, Capcom adds a fresh layer of strategy to survival horror, ensuring players are constantly on edge as they navigate the shadows.
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
The demo has already sparked enormous excitement online. Footage of Grace sprinting toward the light as the hulking creature closes in has been shared across social media, with many calling Requiem “the scariest Resident Evil in years.” One fan wrote, “This looks way scarier than Village and RE7,” while another added, “Bringing back the RE7 director was the best move Capcom could have made.”
Players attending both Gamescom and PAX West praised the decision to focus on a less experienced protagonist rather than series veterans like Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield. Many hope this fresh perspective will deliver a more personal horror story while tying into the larger Resident Evil timeline.
Fans are also eager for news on a possible PS VR2 mode, a Collector’s Edition, and a public demo release ahead of launch. Capcom has yet to confirm these details but says Requiem will be its “darkest symphony” yet.
Resident Evil Requiem Release Date and Platforms
Resident Evil Requiem is set to release on February 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. With its emphasis on atmospheric lighting, survival-focused gameplay, and a deeply personal story, the game is shaping up to be a landmark moment for both the franchise and the horror genre.
If the demo is any indication, Capcom’s next chapter may deliver the most intense Resident Evil experience yet when it arrives early next year.
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