Resident Evil Requiem: Zombies, Puzzles, and the Art of Slow Walking

A tale of survival horror, where the real enemy is the settings menu

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the world of Resident Evil Requiem, where the undead roam freely, and your greatest foe might just be the settings menu. This latest installment in the iconic series promises a mix of survival horror, strategic combat, and a narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat—or at least until you have to adjust your mouse sensitivity.

Gameplay: A Dance of Strategy and Frustration

Resident Evil Requiem offers a gameplay experience that is as much about strategic planning as it is about surviving the next zombie encounter. The combat system is a highlight, providing players with a variety of strategic choices, from stealthy takedowns with Grace to action-packed sequences with Leon. The ability to switch between first and third-person perspectives adds a layer of flexibility, allowing players to tailor their experience to their liking.

However, the game’s control customization—or lack thereof—leaves much to be desired. The inability to remap keys or easily adjust mouse sensitivity can make even the most seasoned zombie slayer feel like they’re fighting with one hand tied behind their back. Meanwhile, the protagonist’s movement speed is reminiscent of a leisurely Sunday stroll, which can be a bit of a buzzkill during high-stakes chase sequences.

The enemy AI adds a layer of challenge, with zombies that remember your actions and can revive unexpectedly. This keeps players on their toes, though the quick weapon pickups and ranged attacks from enemies can sometimes feel like an unfair advantage. The game’s fluidity is further hampered by awkward transitions between gameplay modules, which can make navigating confined spaces feel like a clunky dance.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Stutter

If there’s one area where Resident Evil Requiem truly shines, it’s in its graphics. The game is a visual masterpiece, with stunningly realistic environments and character models that bring the world to life. The use of Capcom’s RE Engine ensures that every blood spatter and shadow is rendered with meticulous detail, creating an immersive experience that is hard to match.

However, the game’s visual prowess comes with a few caveats. Technical issues such as stuttering and crashes when adjusting graphics settings can detract from the experience. The absence of a Field of View (FOV) slider and the lack of official Ray Tracing support for AMD GPUs are notable omissions that may leave some players squinting at their screens. Despite these hiccups, the game’s performance remains impressive, especially for those with the hardware to support its advanced graphical features.

Story: A Rollercoaster of Emotions and Plot Twists

The narrative of Resident Evil Requiem is a dark and intriguing journey that keeps players engaged from start to finish. The story’s use of changing points of view adds depth and variety, allowing players to experience the plot from multiple angles. The setting and atmosphere are quintessentially Resident Evil, with a haunting ambiance that draws players into its world.

Yet, not all is perfect in the land of the undead. Some players find the storyline to be a bit of a “complete mess,” with character development and plot coherence leaving much to be desired. Characters like Grace, while adding emotional depth, sometimes feel overdone, detracting from their roles. Frequent cutscenes and gameplay interruptions can also disrupt the narrative flow, though the game’s visuals and voice performances help to mitigate these issues.

Final Verdict

Resident Evil Requiem is a game that excels in many areas, from its strategic combat and stunning graphics to its engaging story. However, it is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of control customization and technical issues. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, the game offers a thrilling experience that is worth the occasional frustration.

Score: 7.5/10