Resident Evil Requiem Struggles to Balance Nostalgia and New Beginnings

The latest mainline installment in Capcom’s iconic Resident Evil series, Resident Evil Requiem, attempts to navigate a precarious tightrope between honoring the franchise’s storied past and introducing fresh faces to its narrative. By pairing the game’s protagonist, FBI agent Grace Ashcroft, with beloved character Leon Kennedy, the developers aim to attract both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Initially, this strategy proves successful, as the initial stages of the game showcase a welcome resurgent sense of horror flair. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Resident Evil Requiem relies too heavily on nostalgia, veering into cliche-ridden territory with an overabundance of callbacks to past games. While fans will undoubtedly delight in seeing familiar characters and settings reimagined for a new generation, this approach comes at the cost of originality, leaving the game’s pacing and tone feeling somewhat uneven. Ultimately, Resident Evil Requiem serves as a poignant reminder that revisiting fond memories can be a double-edged sword – it may bring back cherished moments, but it can also hinder innovation and creative growth.