The Value Verdict
Buy Now
Requiem is a confident victory lap for Capcom. It takes the momentum of the series' recent highs and refines it into a tight, dual-protagonist masterpiece that earns its place as a top-tier action-horror experience. It's a polished, essential play for anyone that's a fan of the series.
The Gist (Spoiler-Free)
The story takes us to the outskirts of Wrenwood, a city living in the long shadow of Raccoon City. You alternate between Leon S. Kennedy, who somehow finds time for the gym between cracking zombie heads, and Grace Ashcroft, an FBI tech analyst whose connection to the Spencer legacy provides the game's emotional core. Grace's investigation into her mother's death quickly spirals into a nightmare that forces Leon to confront his own past. It's a somber, high-stakes journey that manages to balance cinematic spectacle with genuine dread.
The Gameplay Loop
The "dual-protagonist" system isn't just a narrative choice; it creates a brilliant tug-of-war between two distinct genres:
- ›Grace (The Survival Horror): These segments are a tribute to the series' roots. Grace isn't a combat specialist; she's vulnerable, relies on environmental puzzles, and her sections feature a heavy emphasis on resource management and psychological tension. She uses the item box and ink ribbons (on Standard Classic difficulty), so it'll really give those old school RE vibes. Her extended session exploring the eery hospital (that definitely had Spencer mansion inspiration) was probably my favourite part of the game.
- ›Leon (The High-Octane Action): When the perspective shifts to Leon, the tempo spikes. This is the refined, crazy combat fans love; complete with parries, melee finishers, chainsaws and a massive arsenal. The new "Requiem" system ensures the action remains tactical, as enemies adapt to your specific combat habits. Leon accumulates points via kills that can be used to purchase upgrades/weapons/items to add to his giant attaché case that conveniently fits in his front pocket. Some sections proved challenging but overall the bosses weren't difficult to beat, so don't worry too much about hoarding ammo.
- ›The Hook: The two paths are inextricably linked. The actions you take as Grace often dictate the resources or shortcuts available to Leon later. It's a clever "butterfly effect" where your choices during both horror and action sequences can lead to differing final outcomes.
Hardware & Performance (PS5)
Capcom's RE Engine remains the benchmark for optimisation in 2026. Requiem is hauntingly beautiful, specifically the way light interacts with the rain.
- ›Visual Modes: Resolution Mode is a showcase for ray-tracing, but for a game involving Leon's twitch-reflex parries and fast-paced shootouts, Performance Mode and its locked 60fps is the easy winner.
- ›DualSense: The haptics are top-tier. You can feel the distinct "click" of Grace's flashlight and the heavy, mechanical resistance of the triggers when Leon fires his custom handgun.
- ›For PC players: If you encounter stuttering in the "Terra Dome" or exterior city sectors, drop the Volumetric Fog to Medium. The game is built for DLSS 4.5 and FSR 4. If you're running a modern card, Frame Generation is essentially mandatory to maintain 4K/60fps during the more chaotic boss encounters.
Is it worth the money?
- ›The "Aussie Tax" Check: Digital buyers are looking at a $114.95 price tag on the PS Store. However, local retailers are being more reasonable; we've seen launch day physical copies at JB Hi-Fi for $89 and Amazon for $88.
- ›Hours vs. Dollars: A standard playthrough clocks in at a lean, high-tension 12–15 hours. While it's a focused experience, the inclusion of multiple endings (one is obviously intended as canon) and the classic RE ranking system ensures it has plenty of "legs" for a second or third run. Capcom have already announced a free update with new content sometime in May 2026.
- ›The Verdict: At the sub-$90 physical price point, Requiem is a no-brainer. It's a high-fidelity experience that successfully strikes the difficult balance between a terrifying horror game and a stupidly fun action title. BUY IT!