When the title screen of Resident Evil Requiem first faded in, I felt that familiar chill down my spine—not just from fear, but from anticipation. After years of speculation, Capcom has finally unleashed its latest nightmare upon the world, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. In this Resident Evil Requiem review, we dive deep into how the ninth mainline entry manages to honor three decades of history while carving out a bold new future. With a release date of February 27, 2026, this title isn't just a game; it's a celebration of the franchise's enduring legacy, blending the high-octane action of recent remakes with the claustrophobic dread that started it all.
A Tale of Two Nightmares: Leon Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft
The core brilliance of Requiem lies in its duality. For the first time, we see a campaign split almost evenly between two vastly different gameplay philosophies. On one hand, you have the legendary RE Requiem gameplay Leon Kennedy segments. Leon, now older and battling a mysterious illness, moves with a weary but lethal precision. His sections are heavy on ballistics, reminiscent of the Resident Evil 4 remake but with tighter, more visceral mechanics. You aren't just surviving; you are hunting.
On the other hand, we are introduced to Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst and daughter of the obscure-but-beloved Alyssa Ashcroft. Grace is not a super-soldier. Her sections strip away the power fantasy, forcing you back into the roots of pure survival horror. Armed with little more than a flashlight and her wits, Grace’s journey through the decaying Wrenwood Hotel is terrifying. The contrast works beautifully—Leon’s explosive combat serves as a tension release valve for Grace’s suffocating stealth sequences, creating a pacing rhythm that few games in the genre have mastered.
Technical Marvel: Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 Performance
Perhaps the biggest surprise of 2026 is how well this beast runs on Nintendo's new hardware. Skepticism was high, but the Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 performance is a technical triumph. Capcom’s RE Engine continues to be black magic. In handheld mode, the game targets a smooth 60fps and rarely falters, even during particle-heavy boss battles. While some textures are naturally scaled back compared to the PS5 or PC versions, the lighting—crucial for a horror game—remains atmospherically intact.
Visual Fidelity and Optimization
We noticed minor frame dips in the expansive Raccoon City hub areas, but nothing that breaks immersion. The upscaling technology employed on the Switch 2 keeps the image crisp, ensuring that every rotting zombie and slick corridor looks gruesome in high definition. If you were worried about playing this on the go, put those fears to rest. It is arguably the best-looking handheld title to date.
Story: A Greatest Hits Tour of Raccoon City
Narratively, Requiem feels like a love letter to the fans. The plot sees our heroes returning to a quarantined Raccoon City, a setting that has haunted players for 30 years. Without spoiling the twists, the writing manages to weave Grace’s personal tragedy with Leon’s crusade against bioterrorism in a way that feels organic. The return of Dr. Viktor Gideon as a central antagonist adds a layer of psychological menace that was missing in Village.
For those seeking a Resident Evil Requiem walkthrough, be prepared for puzzles that recall the series' golden age. The "Quartz Piece" logic puzzles in the Rhodes Hill section are genuine head-scratchers that demand you pay attention to the environment, not just the map markers. It’s a rewarding loop that respects the player's intelligence.
Verdict: Is This The Best Horror Game of 2026?
As we move further into the year, competition will be stiff, but Requiem has set an incredibly high bar. It effortlessly secures its place among the best horror games 2026 has to offer. The Resident Evil Requiem review score consensus across major outlets—hovering around a stellar 9/10—is fully justified. It captures the essence of what makes survival horror compelling: the vulnerability of the unknown clashed against the will to survive.
Capcom has proven once again why they are the kings of the genre. Capcom Resident Evil 2026 strategy is clearly focusing on quality over quantity, and it pays off here. Whether you are parrying chainsaws with Leon or holding your breath in a locker with Grace, every moment is crafted with intent.
Final Thoughts
Resident Evil Requiem is essential playing. It bridges the gap between the action-heavy era and the atmospheric roots of the series with a confidence that is infectious. If you have been waiting for a game that respects your nostalgia while pushing gameplay forward, this is it. Leon and Grace’s journey is one you won't soon forget, provided you have the nerves to see it through to the end.
