Resident Evil 9 Requiem Review: Has Capcom Perfectly Balanced Horror and Action?

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In 2026, Resident Evil will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary, a milestone for Capcom and its consistently evolving survival horror series. While not every installment has been a critical success, the company has experimented with bold ideas, ranging from the action-oriented shift in Resident Evil 4 to Outbreak’s online multiplayer and Resident Evil 7’s return to the franchise’s terrifying roots. Now, with Resident Evil 9 Requiem, Capcom unites these diverse elements, blending immersive horror—led by the character Grace—with Leon S. Kennedy’s signature action-based gameplay for a shared experience. Balancing these elements is a risk, but has Capcom succeeded? Read on for our spoiler-free review. After completing Resident Evil 9 Requiem, it’s clear that the game encapsulates the best aspects of the series’ thirty-year history. It functions as an interactive “best of” compilation, packed with fan service. Regardless of which title initially captivated you, this ninth installment offers something reminiscent of your favorite moments. Expect numerous references and Easter eggs.

During my playthrough on standard difficulty, I finished the game in approximately twelve hours. However, this was after gaining a head start at Capcom’s offices. A first playthrough, without prior experience in the mansion section, could take around 15–18 hours for a standard first playthrough for players not aiming for 100% completion. Once the mechanics and enemy behavior are understood, the pace quickens, making the game’s length typical for the series.

Resident Evil 9 Requiem allows seamless switching between first-person and third-person perspectives via the options menu. However, Capcom encourages players to experience Grace’s segments in first-person to maximize the horror, while Leon’s gameplay is presented as a more traditional third-person shooter. Grace’s gameplay mirrors Resident Evil 7 and Village, emphasizing suspense and vulnerability. As a newcomer to dealing with the undead, she moves slowly, visibly trembles when holding weapons, and expresses her fear audibly. Conversely, Leon’s segments emphasize action-packed heroism. Players can expect 15–18 hours of gameplay for a first run. Remember that resources are scarce, and zombies do not respawn, so careful resource management is critical. From the outset, players must avoid unnecessary confrontations due to limited ammunition and supplies, especially as Grace, at times, lacks weaponry. This scarcity amplifies vulnerability and necessitates careful planning. Enemies in Resident Evil 9 Requiem are also more resilient, often requiring multiple revolver shots to kill. Therefore, strategic damage control is essential. Crippling an enemy’s leg to create an opening for escape is a viable early-game tactic. Prioritize thoughtful strategies over direct engagement in every encounter.

As Grace’s journey progresses, her playstyle evolves. Near the climax, combat intensifies, exploration becomes less prominent, and Capcom allows players to switch Grace to a third-person perspective, a feature not available to Leon. While some players have attempted to control Leon in full third-person, his weapons and melee attacks are optimized for the classic over-the-shoulder view. Moments reminiscent of Call of Duty highlight Capcom’s intention to showcase Leon’s formidable abilities. Though subtle echoes of Resident Evil 6 may be detected, the game maintains the series’ core identity. While Leon has an expanded moveset, his capabilities are not designed for fluid combos. His additional movements are context-sensitive or environment-interactive, encouraging players to vary their combat approaches and remember that the game is, at its heart, survival horror rather than a pure action experience. Resident Evil 9 Requiem successfully unites fans of the series by merging Grace’s immersive horror gameplay with Leon S. Kennedy’s action-oriented style. Players will alternate between these two protagonists frequently throughout the game, which offers a substantial playtime. Inventory management remains as stringent as in previous Resident Evil installments. Furthermore, players can switch between first-person for Grace and third-person for Leon.

Capcom’s level design complements the dual gameplay styles effectively. It’s intricate enough to evoke a sense of disorientation, without becoming overly confusing. The game effectively alternates between open areas and claustrophobic corridors, which suits Grace’s playstyle, which focuses on evasion rather than direct combat, thereby maintaining high tension. The monsters are also formidable, with numerous zombie variants, some retaining traces of their former humanity. Each enemy type is designed to challenge Grace specifically. Capcom successfully balances nostalgia with innovation, without giving away any plot details, even if the game occasionally embraces the series’ penchant for over-the-top moments. Before concluding, it is important to note the visual fidelity of Resident Evil 9 Requiem. The detailed textures contribute to a rich, immersive experience. The lighting, however, is especially noteworthy, creating a truly captivating horror atmosphere. The effort invested in creating terrifying moments, especially during Grace’s segments, is evident. Leon’s scenes in Raccoon City are both bleak and visually striking. The realistic blood splatter effects are also quite impactful. The character models, both human and undead, are exceptionally detailed. The game was tested on both PS5 Pro and PC. Players with high-end PCs will notice particularly impressive reflection effects.

Resident Evil 9 Requiem’s Cohesive Blend of Series Aspects

In summary, Resident Evil 9 Requiem successfully blends different aspects of the series into a cohesive and engaging experience.

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