Resident Evil Requiem Review: Is It a Good Game

There’s a moment in every survival horror fan’s life when they wonder if the next game will actually scare them again. Resident Evil Requiem, launching February 27, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, is Capcom’s answer to that question, and according to early previews from Kotaku (games journalism outlet), the studio is splitting the game into two distinct styles to please everyone. This review explores whether that split pays off and how the game measures up against modern Resident Evil standards.

Developer: Capcom ·
Release Year: 2026 ·
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5 ·
Genre: Survival horror

Four key areas, one pattern: Requiem deliberately pairs opposite playstyles under one roof, a gamble that reviewers say mostly works but leaves some players picking sides.

Is Resident Evil Requiem actually scary?

Horror is the franchise’s backbone, and Requiem makes a loud statement about it. Early coverage from Polygon (gaming editorial) reports that the creators stressed the game is part survival horror and part action horror, meaning the scariness depends heavily on which character you’re playing.

Does it beat RE7 in horror?

• A YouTube review channel notes some players call it scarier than RE7, while others find it less terrifying.
• The gore level is described as “stomach-turning” by Polygon (gaming editorial).
• Kotaku (games journalism outlet) reported that Leon’s section leans campy action while Grace’s section leans methodical horror.

The implication: RE7 fans who want sustained dread will prefer Grace’s half, while action horror fans get Leon’s nostalgia-loaded romp. The split means no single “scariness score” exists — it’s a choose-your-own-horror experience.

Scare factor evaluation

• Confirmed: the gore is turned up significantly compared to RE4 Remake (Polygon (gaming editorial)).
• Unclear: whether it surpasses RE7’s psychological horror overall (YouTube review channel).
• A YouTube review (fan channel) called it “the Best ZOMBIE SURVIVAL HORROR of 2026.”

The catch: Requiem’s horror credibility hinges on player tolerance for tonal whiplash. If you can’t stomach cartoonish action next to grim survival, the experience may feel uneven.

The pattern: the game’s scariness is determined by which protagonist you play, not by the overall design.

Is Resident Evil Requiem a long game?

Official playtimes haven’t been confirmed by Capcom, but community discussions and preview coverage offer ballpark figures that help set expectations before the purchase page.

How many hours to beat?

• Community discussions suggest a moderate length of around 12–18 hours (YouTube review channel).
• This is typical for modern Resident Evil titles, which average 10–15 hours for a first playthrough.
• A three-hour hands-on preview was available before launch coverage intensified (YouTube preview video).

Game length compared to previous RE titles

• Resident Evil 7: Biohazard runs roughly 9–10 hours.
• Resident Evil Village: about 10–12 hours.
• Resident Evil 4 Remake: around 16–20 hours.
• If Requiem lands at 12–18 hours, it sits competitively between Village and RE4 Remake in length.

Why this matters: A 12-hour campaign with dual protagonists means each character gets roughly 6–9 hours of screen time. That may feel short to players who want a deep horror narrative, but it’s in line with series pacing.

The implication: players who value depth over length may still find the game satisfying due to its dual-campaign structure.

Is Resident Evil Requiem a good game?

The critical consensus so far points to a well-crafted experience, though not one without its fault lines. Early reactions paint a clear picture of what works and where debate continues.

What do critics say?

• Gameplay is described as “amazing and fun” (YouTube review channel).
• Puzzles are challenging but not tedious, hitting a sweet spot (YouTube review channel).
• Combat is called “outstanding” (YouTube review channel).
• The overall experience is entertaining (YouTube review channel).
• Mixed community reactions: some call it a 10/10, others find it disjointed (YouTube review channel).

Is it any good?

“Ultimately a fantastic RE game, fun and slick”

Reddit comment cited in YouTube review channel (community opinion)

IGN’s coverage signals the return of a series legend and introduces a likeable new lead (Kotaku (games journalism outlet) references this perspective). Metacritic user reviews lean generally positive (YouTube review channel).

The trade-off: Requiem is undeniably fun, but its split identity means some players will feel the other half is filler. The 10/10 reviews come from players who enjoy both halves equally; the criticism comes when one style overshadows the other.

What this means: the game is a solid purchase for series fans, but newcomers may need to adjust to the tonal shifts.

Is Resident Evil 4 or Requiem better?

Comparison with the 2023 hit is inevitable. RE4 Remake set a high bar for pacing, combat density, and player freedom. Where does Requiem land next to it?

Gameplay comparison

• Requiem is fast-paced, while RE4 Remake is classic survival horror with measured tension (Kotaku (games journalism outlet)).
• Some players rate Requiem 10/10 but admit it is not better than RE4 Remake (YouTube review channel).
• A preview discussion on Kotaku (games journalism outlet) said Capcom split the game into two distinct styles: Leon’s section leaning campy action and Grace’s section leaning methodical horror.

Story comparison

• RE4 Remake is a linear rescue mission with a tight script.
• Requiem frames Leon returning to where it all began in Raccoon City (Official trailer via YouTube).
• Grace offers a fresh perspective, potentially splitting narrative focus between past and present.

The pattern: If RE4 Remake is a masterclass in focused survival action, Requiem is an experimental double-feature. The former wins on execution; the latter wins on scope and novelty.

Replayability

• RE4 Remake offers the Mercenaries mode, New Game Plus, and professional difficulty.
• Requiem’s replay appeal rests on experiencing both character campaigns, which play differently.
• Community comments suggest that once you’ve finished both sides, the single-run length (12–18 hours) may not justify a second full playthrough for all players.

What do critics say about Resident Evil Requiem?

Critical reception is a mosaic of strong praise and measured reservations. The loudest voices come from established outlets and the community, each offering a different lens.

IGN review highlights

• IGN signals the return of a series legend and a likeable new lead, according to coverage collated by Kotaku (games journalism outlet).
• The gore level is turned up significantly (Polygon (gaming editorial)).

Metacritic consensus

• Metacritic user reviews are generally positive (YouTube review channel).
• The game is positioned as a bold swing, not a conservative sequel design (YouTube review channel).

Reddit community opinion

“Gameplay is amazing and fun. Puzzles are challenging but not tedious. Combat is outstanding. Overall entertaining experience.”

Reddit comment cited in YouTube review (community discussion)

Reddit opinions are mixed but overall lean positive (YouTube review channel). The main complaint is the tonal disconnect between the two campaigns. Players who enjoy variety rate it highly; those who prefer a single consistent atmosphere are more critical.

“Exhilarating, unrelenting, and one of the most fun Resident Evil games in years.”

Jimquisition review (recognized specialist blog)

The pattern: Critics agree the core mechanics are strong. The debate is entirely about whether the dual-protagonist structure adds value or dilutes focus. For players who prioritize gameplay over tonal consistency, Requiem is a must-play. For purists who want every moment to feel like survival horror, half the game will feel like a different genre.

The catch: while critics praise individual components, the overall experience remains divisive.

Clarity: Confirmed facts and open questions

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• When Did PS4 Come Out? — console history and platform context for Resident Evil’s ecosystem
• Kaya Scodelario Movies and TV Shows — survival horror actress profile, adjacent genre content

Resident Evil Requiem is a deliberately split game that serves two masters: nostalgia-driven action and survival horror purity. For players who can enjoy both halves, it delivers a genuinely entertaining experience. For those who want a single coherent tone, the answer is to pick a side — buy it for Grace if you want horror, for Leon if you want action, but don’t expect both to feel like the same game. For PlayStation 5 and PC owners in 2026, the choice is clear: Requiem is worth playing, but only if you’re ready for a game that refuses to decide what it wants to be.