Resident Evil 9 Requiem: We Tested Leon S. Kennedy and Blown Away Zombie Heads

Following a notably calm start to 2026, the year is shaping up to be significantly busier than the last, with Nioh 3 and Resident Evil 9: Requiem among the anticipated releases slated for 2026. Resident Evil 9: Requiem, which has been generating worldwide excitement since last summer, will feature Leon S. Kennedy as a playable character, Capcom has confirmed, validating earlier leaks. A hands-on preview of the game at Capcom headquarters revealed 15 minutes of unreleased gameplay. Resident Evil 9: Requiem will allow players to control two characters: the returning favorite Leon S. Kennedy, and Grace Ashcroft, a new character. Grace is an FBI agent and the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak 1 and 2. Alyssa may also appear in flashbacks, and possibly even be playable. The dual protagonists in Resident Evil 9: Requiem allow Capcom to cater to different player preferences. Building on the first-person perspective introduced in Resident Evil 7, which heightened the franchise's horror elements, Resident Evil 9: Requiem allows players to switch between first- and third-person views. While Resident Evil 8 added a third-person mode post-release, Requiem integrates this feature from the outset.

Grace's gameplay is designed to evoke the horror and tension of Resident Evil 7 and 8, and Capcom recommends playing her sections in first-person. Her character is portrayed as young and vulnerable. Developers have intentionally made her movements less fluid—she stumbles while running, moves slowly, trembles while holding weapons, and expresses audible panic, making players more cautious and encouraging stealth and puzzle-solving. While Grace is still capable of combat, her approach is less explosive than Leon's. The developers confirmed that Grace will evolve and gain confidence as the game progresses, which will be reflected in her gameplay. In contrast to Grace, Leon S. Kennedy's sections are more action-oriented, reminiscent of Resident Evil 4 and 6, and are best experienced in third-person. As Leon, players will manage zombies and other threats using a variety of weapons, including a new hammer for close-quarters combat and stylish finishing moves. The gameplay emphasizes timing and movement, allowing players to parry attacks and immediately counterattack, though the hammer's blade must be sharpened to remain effective. During the demo, players could even seize a chainsaw from a fallen zombie.

Resident Evil 9 Requiem: Amplified Horror & Intense Action - Grace vs Leon's Perspectives

Resident Evil 9: Requiem also features enhanced atmospheric elements, particularly in the behavior and design of the zombies. Capcom has added greater variety and realism to their actions, incorporating touches of humanity to amplify the horror. Examples include a chef compulsively chopping and a dancer pursuing an imaginary audience. The boss battles are also notable for their creative and grotesque designs. After spending hours with Resident Evil 9: Requiem, it’s clear Capcom has balanced horror and action. Grace and Leon provide distinct experiences; Grace's gameplay focuses on tension and fear, while Leon's emphasizes intense action. The ability to switch perspectives enhances the experience, and the gameplay feels smooth and precise with well-managed pacing. The game effectively blends horror and tragedy, suggesting that Resident Evil 9: Requiem could be a standout entry in the series. With the game targeting a 2026 release, it is poised to make a significant impact.

In Case You Missed It

As we wrap up our discussion on cinematic curiosities, let me draw your attention to a recent post by Bruno Pferd titled 'A Confused School: The Best Worst Movie of the Afternoon Session'. Published just last week, this entertaining piece delves into Brazil's 1990 comedy, 'A School in Chaos', revealing its blend of Hollywood influences and local flair. With Supla's standout performance and a plot filled with nostalgic cultural quirks, Bruno argues that this unique film is a must-watch for those interested in exploring Brazilian adolescent fantasies on screen A Confused School: The Best Worst Movie of the Afternoon Session. Meanwhile, Sophie Laurent's latest exploration into the realm of true crime has captivated viewers with her piece "Netflix Strikes Again: New True Crime Film Captivates Millions of Viewers". Published just last week, this chilling tale surrounding "Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story" is based on real-life events and has taken the streaming world by storm Netflix Strikes Again: New True Crime Film Captivates Millions of Viewers. In more exciting news for Dragon Ball fans, Bruno Pferd has revealed that Shuueisha and Toei Animation are bringing us "Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol"! Published on January 25th, this anticipated continuation of the popular series picks up after Goku and Vegeta's intense battle against Jiren in the Power Tournament, with Moro as the main antagonist. While we don't have a release date yet, it's great to hear that there are plans to keep Goku and his friends' adventures going Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol Announced.