The wait is nearly over. With the worldwide release of Resident Evil: Requiem set for February 27, 2026, the embargo on final preview impressions has finally lifted, and the verdict is practically unanimous: Capcom has delivered a modern horror masterpiece. Early critical consensus suggests that this ninth mainline entry isn't just a sequel—it's a bold reinvention that perfectly synthesizes the survival horror roots of the franchise with the pulse-pounding action of its most beloved entries. As the first true benchmark title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Requiem is proving to be a technical marvel that sets a new standard for handheld gaming.
A Tale of Two Nightmares: Leon Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft
The most discussed feature in every Resident Evil Requiem review impression is the ambitious dual-narrative structure. Critics are lauding the way Capcom has bifurcated the gameplay experience to satisfy two distinct camps of fans. On one side, you have the legendary Leon S. Kennedy, whose sections are described as a high-octane evolution of the Resident Evil 4 remake. His combat is visceral and heavy, utilizing a new parry system and a hatchet mechanic that allows for brutal melee takedowns. Reviewers note that Leon’s segments provide a necessary catharsis, allowing players to fight back against the darkness with overwhelming firepower.
On the other end of the spectrum is newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst whose gameplay is a terrifying descent into vulnerability. Unlike Leon, Grace is not a super-soldier. Her sections, which default to a first-person perspective (though switchable), are drawing comparisons to Resident Evil 7 and Alien: Isolation. With limited resources and a focus on stealth, Grace’s chapters force players to hide in lockers, craft distractions, and solve intricate environmental puzzles while being stalked by relentless pursuers. One IGN editor described Grace's hospital sequence as "the most stressed I've been in a horror game since the Baker estate."
Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 Performance: A Technical Miracle
Perhaps the most shocking revelation from the early coverage is the Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 performance. Doubts about the new hardware's capabilities have been effectively silenced. Digital Foundry's early analysis highlights that the Switch 2 version is not merely a downported afterthought but a feature-complete experience running on a custom build of the RE Engine.
Ray Tracing on a Handheld?
Yes, you read that right. Reports confirm that the Switch 2 version features ray-tracing global illumination (RTGI), a first for a portable Resident Evil title. While it lacks the high-fidelity ray-traced reflections of the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions, the lighting creates a dense, suffocating atmosphere that looks stunning on the Switch 2’s OLED screen. The game targets a stable 60fps in performance mode, with reviewers noting only minor dips during the most chaotic sequences. For handheld gamers, this is the "killer app" that justifies the upgrade.
Resident Evil 9 Gameplay: Refining the Formula
Beyond the technical achievements, the core Resident Evil 9 gameplay loop has been refined to near-perfection. The "Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center," a central location in the game, is being hailed as one of the best maps in series history, rivaling the RPD station for its interconnected design and environmental storytelling. The new "hemolytic injector" mechanic for Grace adds a layer of risk-reward resource management, requiring players to harvest blood from fallen enemies to craft vital serums—often putting them in immediate danger.
Enemy AI has also seen a significant upgrade. Zombies now exhibit "pack tactics," flanking Leon during combat or feigning death to ambush Grace. This unpredictability keeps the tension high regardless of which protagonist you are controlling. The interplay between the two campaigns is also earning praise; actions taken in Grace’s timeline can open shortcuts or leave supplies for Leon, creating a satisfying sense of continuity between the two narratives.
Resident Evil Requiem Review Scores and Final Verdict
While final numerical Resident Evil Requiem review scores are expected to drop fully on February 24, the trajectory is clear. Major outlets like GameSpot, Polygon, and Eurogamer have all issued glowing preliminary write-ups, using terms like "essential," "terrifying," and "a return to form." Industry analysts are already predicting Metacritic scores in the low-to-mid 90s, potentially positioning it as the highest-rated entry since the original Resident Evil 4.
For horror fans, 2026 is off to an incredible start. Whether you're playing on a high-end PC to see every pore on Leon's face or curling up with the Nintendo Switch 2 for a late-night scare, Resident Evil: Requiem appears to be the definitive survival horror experience of the generation. As we count down the final days to launch, one thing is certain: Raccoon City has never looked—or felt—this good.
