Resident Evil returns with terrifying, intense horror in its upcoming installment, tentatively titled Resident Evil Requiem, or essentially Resident Evil 9. Early previews from outlets such as IGN, Forbes, and GameSpot paint a picture of a game deeply rooted in the survival horror elements that defined the franchise. The demo, offering a brief 20-25 minute glimpse, introduces players to a world fraught with tension, challenging puzzles, and a relentless new enemy.
A Daughter’s Nightmare: Rhodes Hill
The preview introduces Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, a survivor of the Raccoon City incident. Grace awakens in the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, immediately thrust into a desperate situation. According to early reports from PlayStationTrophies.org, the game wastes no time in establishing a sense of vulnerability and dread. The setting itself, a dilapidated care center, becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the feeling of isolation and unease.
No Guns, Only Shadows
One of the key aspects highlighted in previews from Push Square and Eurogamer is the initial absence of firearms. The demo focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving, forcing players to rely on their wits and stealth to survive. This design choice, as noted by The Guardian, significantly increases the tension, as every shadow could conceal a threat. The emphasis on evasion over direct confrontation marks a deliberate shift towards classic survival horror principles.
The Stalker: A Persistent Threat
A central element of Resident Evil Requiem is the introduction of a new stalker enemy. Described as a hulking abomination, this creature relentlessly pursues the player, creating constant pressure and anxiety. Game Informer’s preview emphasizes the stalker’s design, drawing parallels to iconic pursuers from previous Resident Evil games, such as Mr. X and Lady Dimitrescu. This enemy is not easily defeated, requiring players to use their environment and resources strategically to survive.
Light as a Weapon
Light plays a crucial tactical role in evading the stalker. As reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, the creature reacts to light, and bright white light can temporarily deter it. This mechanic effectively creates temporary “safe rooms,” offering brief moments of respite from the relentless pursuit. The strategic use of light adds another layer of depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to carefully consider their surroundings and use light sources to their advantage. This mechanic emphasizes the survival aspect of the game.
Perspective and Immersion
Resident Evil Requiem offers players the option to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives. Each perspective provides a distinct feel to the horror experience. According to Forbes, the first-person view enhances the sense of dread due to restricted vision, making every corner a potential threat. The third-person perspective, on the other hand, includes specific animations that maintain tension, even when the player has a broader view of their surroundings.
RE Engine Brilliance
The game utilizes the RE Engine, renowned for its impressive visuals and lighting effects. GameSpot’s preview highlights the engine’s ability to create a highly detailed and atmospheric environment, further enhancing the sense of immersion. The realistic lighting and shadow effects play a crucial role in building tension and creating a truly terrifying experience. The RE Engine helps to create a believable and terrifying world for players to explore.
A Return to Form: Survival is Key
While the demo provides only a small sample of what Resident Evil Requiem has to offer, it clearly signals a strong return to form for the survival horror franchise. The emphasis on tension, puzzle-solving, and a relentless stalker enemy creates a truly terrifying and engaging experience. The strategic use of light and the option to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives add further depth to the gameplay. If the full game can deliver on the promise of the demo, Resident Evil Requiem has the potential to be a standout entry in the series, delivering a truly terrifying experience, as noted by IGN.
