First Look at Resident Evil Requiem Gameplay: Why Capcom Chose Against Leon as Protagonist

So, there I was, June’s Capcom Spotlight unfolding before my eyes. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was buzzing about the Resident Evil Requiem part. Was it the spectacle we craved? Eh, not quite. More like a teaser than the full-course gameplay meal we were drooling for.

Anyway, they tossed in this Creators’ Message thingy. You know the type, developer chats and all that jazz. Yeah, they sprinkled in some gameplay — not much, honestly, more like garnish on a main dish of talking heads. Classic misdirection? Maybe.

Oh, and the juicy tidbit? Well, finally, a little mystery decoded. Grace, our hero? Turns out she’s tied to the Ashcroft family from Resident Evil Outbreak. Didn’t see that coming, did ya? It’s a narrative shift away from the Winters saga, kind of like Capcom’s tip of the hat to the grand ol’ Raccoon City and Umbrella’s long-ass history. Also, hey, 30 years of Resident Evil — feels kinda poetic, doesn’t it?

Okay, but here’s the brain-scratcher — Leon Kennedy, the bold icon of Raccoon City, isn’t starring? Wild choice. Turns out, Capcom wanted someone who’s, let’s say, more easily spooked. Leon? Cool as a cucumber. Grace? Not so much. She’s like us, stumbling through, but with an FBI badge and a gun. Relatable, right? In a “please don’t eat me” kind of way.

And then, just when you thought you wrapped your head around it, bam — choice confusion. First-person or third-person? Take your pick. It’s strange, kind of like a buffet of perspectives. But hey, Capcom figured we all have our faves, so why not?

So mark your calendars, because come February 27, 2026, Resident Evil Requiem’s landing on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Wonder if it’ll live up to the cryptic whispers and wild hopes. Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?