Resident Evil Requiem Launches Thursday as Reviews Praise Best-of-Both-Worlds Approach
New entry combines first-person horror with RE4-style action across two playable characters
The first all-new Resident Evil game since Village in 2021, Requiem represents a significant evolution for the franchise. Rather than choosing between the first-person terror that originated with RE7 and the guns-blazing action of RE4, Capcom has built a game that delivers both — a "proper chimera" in the words of one reviewer.
The game also marks a notable moment for Nintendo's Switch 2, with reviewers confirming strong performance on the handheld console. The Switch 2 version maintains the atmospheric horror despite the hardware constraints, further establishing the platform as a viable home for third-party blockbusters.
Early reviews describe heart-racing sequences and genuinely terrifying encounters that leverage the first-person perspective, balanced against satisfying combat sections that call back to the series' action roots.
Analysis
Why This Matters
Resident Evil remains one of gaming's most important franchises, and Requiem's dual-character approach could set a template for how the series — and survival horror generally — evolves going forward.
Background
The RE franchise has oscillated between horror and action for decades. RE7 reinvented the series with first-person horror, RE4 Remake celebrated its action heritage, and Village tried to blend both. Requiem appears to have found the formula.
Key Perspectives
Horror purists may worry the action segments dilute the scares, while action fans may find the horror sections frustrating. Early reviews suggest the dual-character structure elegantly resolves this tension by letting each style breathe.
What to Watch
Sales figures and player reception when the game launches Thursday, particularly on Switch 2 where it could drive hardware sales.