Rumors have been going around regarding the next Resident Evil game, all very juicy rumors indeed. Leakers who have been known to be credible believe the next main Resident Evil game should be called Resident Evil Requiem-perhaps combining all the elements of a classic survival horror experience with gameplay concepts that remind one of The Last of Us Part II.
The big changes begin with a completely new lighting and shadow system, making everything look as real as possible and creepy. Also new is better AI making enemies and characters respond differently to how players play the game. From the leaked information, some areas in Raccoon City will be bigger than previously designed and need vehicles to travel across.
Yes, vehicles. Motorbikes have also been mentioned in the leaks. Immediately, I thought back to the Resident Evil movies and old game moments involving vehicles. It could work like Days Gone, though, where you have to maintain your bike, keep it fueled, and maybe even fix it when it breaks down.
In Leon Kennedy’s parts of the game, combat could significantly change. Maybe it will be slower and more brutal, with close-up fights, stealth attacks, and using the environment to one’s advantage, making it closer to The Last of Us Part II rather than the quick shooting we saw in recent Resident Evil games. In my view, this would make the game scarier, because then you feel more helpless.
There is also a new character called Grace. Her gameplay is likely going to be pretty much puzzles, survival, and using light to attack or defend from enemies. It reminded me of Alan Wake 2, where light plays a big part. Such varying gameplay styles would make Resident Evil Requiem feel more balanced as the player experiences very intense combat and some slower and thoughtful areas.
Definitely a first for Resident Evil: large areas, drivable vehicles. We might even be traversing some large zones, perhaps outside Raccoon City. Turns that could mean survival mechanics such as needing to manage fuel, scavenge, and maintain could really add to the immersion factor and turn this into something much more survival than just the usual action-horror shooter experience.
Further leaks state that this game has been in production over several years, probably within a short time post Resident Evil Village in 2021. It then provides enough room for Capcom to work on the new features without the pressure of time. Leon Kennedy’s return is not confirmed officially, but all leak hints make it sound almost obvious. I believe Capcom will save that for something bigger, perhaps Gamescom Opening Night Live, which is when we might catch a first glimpse of gameplay.
What I wonder is how that balance will be achieved: how Resident Evil changes through the years; also full-on action that is seen in Resident Evil 6; pure horror as seen in Resident Evil 7 and Village. Adding points from The Last of Us Part II might prove to make combat feel a lot more modern and immersive, but, at the same time, could also risk the traditional Resident Evil vibe if done improperly.
As of the moment, nothing is confirmed. But if even half of this leak is true inside Resident Evil Requiem might create some of the largest shifts seen in the series in the last few years. Amazing or some twisted experiment, we would probably find out at Gamescom.
Somewhere in the dark, motorcycles are ready, their shadows watch, and the next Resident Evil chapter is slowly taking shape. You may also be interested in: How 1980s Newsletters Shared The Legend of Zelda’s First Steps on the NES
