Resident Evil 9: Requiem Launches to Critical Acclaim — A New Standard for Survival Horror

Our Take

Capcom just reminded everyone why they own the survival horror genre.

Resident Evil 9: Requiem launched yesterday on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and — notably — the Nintendo Switch 2, and the reception has been emphatic. An 88 on Metacritic puts it above both RE7 and RE Village on the review aggregation front, and the critical conversation has quickly pivoted from "is it good?" to "is this Game of the Year?"

The headline innovation is the dual-protagonist system. FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, a new character investigating the ruins of Raccoon City, handles the survival horror side — tense resource management, claustrophobic environments, and the kind of dread that made RE7 a revelation. Meanwhile, returning fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy brings a more action-oriented experience reminiscent of RE4. Critically, players can switch between first-person and third-person perspectives for either character, which is a remarkable technical and design achievement.

What Critics Are Saying

The consensus is striking in its alignment:

• The Washington Post calls it "Capcom's best horror game in years," praising its inventive set-pieces and environmental storytelling
• Digital Foundry highlights the PS5 Pro performance as a technical showcase, with some of the most detailed character models in gaming
• The Guardian notes that while the back half doesn't quite match the opening's intensity, the overall package is "a compelling and terrifying experience"
• VGC praises the dual-protagonist structure for giving players genuine variety without sacrificing narrative cohesion

The Bigger Story

What's fascinating from an industry perspective is Requiem's origin story. The game was reportedly originally conceived as an open-world multiplayer title before Capcom pivoted to a traditional single-player experience. That pivot — choosing focus and craft over trend-chasing — is arguably the most important decision that Capcom made. It's a lesson the industry at large could stand to internalize: not every franchise needs to be a live service.

For indie studios like us, the takeaway is simpler: genre fundamentals still matter. Atmosphere, pacing, tension, smart resource management, and the courage to be quiet in an era of constant stimulation — these are the things that made RE9 great, and they're principles that scale to any budget.

Why It's a Headliner

Resident Evil 9: Requiem isn't just a great game — it's a statement about what AAA development can still achieve when a studio commits to craft over trends. In a February already packed with major releases (Nioh 3, Yakuza Kiwami 3, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined), Requiem stands out as the one that will define the month.

Key Details

• Release Date: February 27, 2026
• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch 2
• Metacritic: 88/100
• Protagonists: Grace Ashcroft (new) and Leon S. Kennedy (returning)
• Engine: RE Engine
• Perspective: Switchable first-person / third-person

Source

Read the review: Resident Evil: Requiem review — The Washington Post