The wait is finally over, and the verdict is nearly unanimous: Resident Evil Requiem is the crown jewel of Capcom’s 30-year legacy. With reviews officially going live today, February 25, 2026, the ninth mainline entry has debuted with a stellar 88 Metacritic score, solidifying its place as an instant classic. Critics are hailing it as a bold reinvention that perfectly balances the franchise's dual identity, pairing the legendary Leon S. Kennedy with newcomer Grace Ashcroft in a narrative that weaves bone-chilling terror with adrenaline-pumping action.
A Tale of Two Horrors: Leon and Grace
The most praised aspect of Resident Evil Requiem is its innovative dual-protagonist system, which serves as a brilliant homage to the series' history. The game is effectively split into two distinct tonal experiences that intertwine seamlessly. Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst and daughter of Outbreak survivor Alyssa Ashcroft, anchors the survival horror segments. Her chapters are played from a first-person perspective, reminiscent of Resident Evil 7, forcing players to rely on stealth, resource management, and pure wit to evade a relentless new stalker adversary in the claustrophobic halls of the Wrenwood Hotel.
Conversely, Leon S. Kennedy’s return marks a triumphant comeback for the action-horror gameplay popularized by Resident Evil 4. Now a seasoned DSO agent, Leon’s sections shift to a third-person over-the-shoulder view, emphasizing visceral combat and crowd control. Critics have lauded this dichotomy, noting that it prevents the pacing from ever feeling stagnant. One moment you are hiding under a desk holding your breath as Grace; the next, you are parrying chainsaws and suplexing infected cultists as Leon.
Performance Analysis: RE Engine Shines on PC
Technical performance is another area where Resident Evil Requiem PC performance is receiving high marks. Built on an upgraded version of the proprietary RE Engine, the game is a visual showcase. PC gamers with high-end rigs can enjoy full path tracing, which transforms the lighting into something truly photorealistic, adding a suffocating layer of atmosphere to the environments.
However, you don't need a supercomputer to run it. Optimization is excellent across the board, with mid-range cards handling the game competently at 1080p and 1440p. While the path-tracing features are demanding, the standard rasterization settings still look phenomenal, maintaining a steady 60 FPS in even the most chaotic sequences. The game also reportedly runs smoothly on the newly released Nintendo Switch 2, proving the engine's incredible scalability.
The 30th Anniversary Celebration
It is impossible to ignore the context of this release. As a Capcom 30th anniversary game, Requiem feels like a love letter to fans. It doesn't just reference the past; it contextualizes it. The narrative bridges the gap between the Raccoon City incident and modern bioterrorism threats, answering long-standing questions while introducing compelling new mysteries involving "The Connections."
Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
With a Resident Evil Requiem release date set for this Friday, February 27, the hype is entirely justified. This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a forward-thinking evolution of the genre. By marrying the helplessness of classic survival horror with the catharsis of modern action, Capcom has delivered a sequel that satisfies every type of fan.
Whether you are here for the lore, the scares, or just to see Leon Kennedy back in action, Resident Evil Requiem is an essential play. It stands tall alongside the remakes of RE2 and RE4 as one of the best titles the publisher has ever produced.
