Resident Evil Requiem — Survival Horror Has a New King

Capcom has done it again — and this time, they might have crafted the definitive survival horror experience. Resident Evil Requiem arrives on the Nintendo Switch 2 with a level of confidence and polish that demands attention. From the moment you step into its nightmarish world, it's clear this isn't just another entry in the franchise — it's a statement. After spending considerable time with Leon and newcomer Grace, dying more times than I'd like to admit, and jumping out of my seat at least a dozen times, I'm ready to deliver the verdict.

Wokeness: 0.0

Nothing to report here, and that's exactly how it should be. Resident Evil Requiem is laser-focused on being a phenomenal survival horror game and nothing else. There's no shoehorned messaging, no agenda masquerading as narrative depth — just a game that respects the player's intelligence and prioritizes the experience above all else. Grace is a compelling character because she's well-written and her gameplay sections are genuinely distinct, not because she's checking a box. Capcom let the game speak for itself, and it speaks volumes.

Gameplay: 9.5

Nearly flawless. I experienced zero crashes and the controls feel meticulously tuned for the Switch 2. The alternating protagonist structure is the star here — playing as Leon, you feel like a seasoned operative capable of handling whatever grotesque nightmare rounds the corner. Switch to Grace, and suddenly you're holding your breath, sneaking past threats, rationing every last resource, and getting genuinely creative with your environment to survive. The enemy variety is outstanding, with distinct behaviors that keep you constantly adapting. Special mention goes to "Chunk" — a massive, lumbering zombie whose thunderous presence you can hear from seven rooms away. That audio cue alone creates a dread that few games have ever matched. You always know he's coming. You're never ready.

Story: 7.0

This is where Requiem stumbles, and it's frustrating because the foundation is strong. The dual-protagonist narrative works mechanically, but the plot asks you to accept some questionable logic — sending a young analyst alone to investigate an unrelated murder at the same location her mother was killed is a conflict of interest so glaring it borders on absurd. The antagonists fare worse, operating on a "we want power" motivation that feels undercooked at best. Perhaps Capcom is holding cards for future DLC, but as a standalone narrative, the villains needed more meat on their bones. The moment-to-moment storytelling and atmosphere carry it, but the overarching plot needed another draft.

Graphics: 9.5

The best visuals I've seen on the Nintendo Switch 2, full stop. Capcom's RE Engine continues to be a technical marvel, and whatever optimization wizardry they performed here deserves applause. Character models are disturbingly detailed — you can see the decay, the texture of rotting flesh, the wet gleam of something that should not be alive. Environments drip with atmosphere, lighting is used masterfully to obscure and reveal in equal measure, and the performance holds steady even when chaos erupts. This is the new graphical benchmark for the platform.

Audio: 9.5

Terrifyingly brilliant. The sound design in Requiem isn't just good — it's weaponized. Every creak, every distant moan, every wet footstep serves a purpose. The aforementioned Chunk is a masterclass in audio-driven terror, but the entire soundscape is crafted to keep your nerves shredded. Play with headphones if you dare. The musical score knows exactly when to swell and when to leave you in suffocating silence. This is elite-tier audio work that elevates every other element of the game.

Replayability: 8.5

I'll be honest — I personally hate being scared. But Resident Evil Requiem is so exceptionally crafted that it pulls you back regardless. Unlockable infinite ammo, Insanity Mode, alternate skins, and challenge modes give completionists plenty of reasons to return. The dual-character structure also means replaying sections with fresh eyes on the mechanics you might have underutilized the first time through. This is the best survival horror game I've ever played, and the post-game content respects the investment.

Resident Evil Requiem is a triumph of the genre. Its gameplay is razor-sharp, its atmosphere is suffocating in the best way, and its technical achievements on the Switch 2 are remarkable. The story holds it back from true perfection, but everything surrounding that narrative framework is operating at an elite level. Survival horror has indeed found its new king — long may it reign.