Resident Evil Requiem: A First Impression of Vulnerability and Atmospheric Horror
Capcom’s recent demo for Resident Evil Requiem aims to recapture the oppressive atmosphere of a decaying Raccoon City, and a key element in achieving this is a deliberate emphasis on player vulnerability. This isn’t simply about limited resources, but a feeling of physical instability reflected in the protagonist, Grace‘s, movement. While initially adjusting to the realistic, yet somewhat floaty, controls, the introduction of a constant obstruction – something in Grace’s mouth – further complicates matters, demanding focused coordination just to maintain basic actions. The demo proved challenging; the author admits to not completing it flawlessly, a testament to its demanding nature.
Though, the demo shines in its presentation. The Audio & Visuals team at Team Resi have crafted a truly unsettling experience. The voice actress portraying Grace delivers a compelling performance, convincingly conveying her panic. The environment itself feels like a character, brought to life by detailed visuals and impactful sound design. Despite being undeniably a Resident Evil game, Requiem impresses with this first ample gameplay showing, even if the series has historically lagged slightly in facial realism. The mysterious stalker encountered within the twenty-minute demo left a lasting impression,prompting widespread speculation online about their identity.
[Image of Resident Evil Requiem preview2 – as provided in the original article]
Patrick Meurs – Initial Thoughts
After twenty minutes of gameplay, the overriding feeling is one of adjustment. Not to the atmosphere or mechanics, but to the role of a character who isn’t a seasoned veteran. This echoes the experience Capcom delivered with the “Beginning Hour” demo for Resident Evil 7. Players previously accustomed to the somewhat unconventional controls – which the author found uncomfortable in first-person mode – were given time to adapt. That initial demo proved a successful precursor to the full release of Resident Evil 7, and the author expresses confidence that Requiem will follow a similar trajectory. If successful,Resident Evil Requiem has the potential to be a contender for Game of the Year in 2026.
About the Author:
Patrick Meurs is known for his humor and direct opinions. This writer from Brabant isn’t afraid to share his thoughts, and readily admits to being easily defeated in online gaming lobbies.
