The embargo has lifted, and the verdict is in: Resident Evil: Requiem is not just a return to form—it is being hailed as a new pinnacle for the survival horror genre. As reviews flood in just two days before the game's official February 27, 2026 launch, critics are nearly unanimous in their praise. Capcom’s ninth mainline entry, directed by Resident Evil 7 visionary Koshi Nakanishi, successfully bridges the gap between the franchise's action-heavy blockbusters and its terrifying roots. With a dual-protagonist system featuring veteran Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, Requiem delivers the complete package, securing its place as an early contender for Game of the Year.

The "Best of Both Worlds" Gameplay Loop

The most celebrated aspect of Resident Evil: Requiem is its ambitious dual-campaign structure. Critics love how the game balances two distinct flavors of fear. Leon S. Kennedy’s sections are being described as a refined evolution of the Resident Evil 4 Remake, offering tactical, high-octane combat that showcases his experience as a federal agent. In contrast, the segments featuring Grace Ashcroft—an FBI analyst and daughter of Outbreak character Alyssa Ashcroft—strip players of power, forcing them into terrifying stealth encounters reminiscent of Resident Evil 7 and the RE2 Remake.

Major outlets like IGN and GameSpot have highlighted the seamless transition between these styles. The ability to toggle between First-Person and Third-Person perspectives for both characters is a technical marvel that accommodates all playstyles. One reviewer noted, "Capcom has finally solved the franchise's identity crisis by giving us everything at once without sacrificing quality. Grace’s segments in the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center are pure nightmare fuel, making Leon’s firepower feel like a well-earned relief."

Next-Gen Visuals and the Switch 2 Surprise

Powered by an enhanced version of the RE Engine, Requiem is setting new visual benchmarks on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The implementation of full path tracing and DLSS 4 on PC has resulted in what Digital Foundry calls "the most photorealistic lighting ever seen in a horror game." The lighting isn't just cosmetic; it's a core mechanic. Grace's encounters with the game's new "Stalker" enemy type—a light-sensitive monstrosity that burns under bright bulbs—turn every flickering hallway into a tactical puzzle.

Perhaps the biggest shock is the performance on the Nintendo Switch 2. Early reports confirm that the handheld version holds its own, delivering a stable experience that doesn't compromise the game's claustrophobic atmosphere. This day-and-date launch across all next-gen platforms ensures that no fan is left behind.

Critical Consensus: A Must-Play Masterpiece

The Metacritic score for Resident Evil: Requiem is currently settling in the high 90s, placing it alongside the series' most legendary entries. Reviews consistently praise the narrative depth, noting that the investigation into the remains of Raccoon City offers satisfying lore connections for long-time fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.

Common praises found in the roundup:

  • Atmosphere: The sound design is best-in-class, with 3D audio making every creak and groan in the environment terrifyingly immersive.
  • Pacing: The 15-20 hour runtime feels perfectly weighted, with no "bloat" often found in modern AAAs.
  • Innovation: The light-based stealth mechanics in Grace’s campaign are a fresh twist on the classic "run and hide" formula.

Is Resident Evil: Requiem Worth It?

For survival horror fans, Resident Evil: Requiem appears to be an essential purchase. Whether you are there for Leon’s suplexes or the heart-stopping tension of being hunted in the dark, this game delivers. With a release date of February 27, 2026, the wait is almost over. Capcom has not only reclaimed the throne; they’ve built a new castle on top of it.