With only a few weeks remaining before horror fans can dive into Resident Evil Requiem, anticipation continues to build for the latest mainline entry in Capcom’s long running survival horror franchise. This installment stands out by featuring more than one playable protagonist, bringing back fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy alongside a new lead character.
While the narrative structure may remind some players of Resident Evil 6, the development team has emphasized that both characters’ stories are carefully merged into a single cohesive storyline. Even so, concerns remain among fans about whether history could repeat itself.
A sushi inspired design philosophy
In a recent interview with Eurogamer, director Koshi Nakanishi addressed these concerns with an unusual but memorable comparison. He likened the game’s concept to sushi, explaining that if sushi had never existed, people would likely be divided into those who enjoy raw fish and those who prefer plain rice.
Sushi, in this analogy, represents the act of combining two different elements into something new. Some people may question why the combination exists at all, while others who are willing to try it may discover an experience they genuinely enjoy.
Nakanishi explained that this philosophy mirrors the relationship between the two protagonists, Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy, whose gameplay styles and perspectives differ, yet are intentionally designed to complement each other.
Dual protagonists are not new to the series
Looking back, the concept of multiple playable characters is not entirely new to the franchise. In Resident Evil CODE: Veronica, players alternated between Claire Redfield and Chris Redfield, experiencing the story from both perspectives in roughly equal measure.
However, unlike that title, where both characters shared largely similar gameplay mechanics and limitations, Resident Evil Requiem aims to differentiate its protagonists more clearly, creating a blended experience rather than a mirrored one.
This raises curiosity about how the full game will balance these differences and whether the combined structure will enhance immersion and narrative depth.
About Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Requiem is the latest survival horror entry in the series, focusing on Grace Ashcroft, the daughter of investigative journalist Alyssa Ashcroft, who survived the infamous viral outbreak of 1998. Following a mysterious murder, Grace is drawn back to a place tied deeply to her traumatic past, uncovering secrets connected to a forgotten city and long buried memories.
The game is scheduled to launch on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Powered by an advanced version of the RE Engine, the game is built specifically for current generation platforms, aiming to deliver heightened realism, atmosphere, and storytelling as the franchise’s official ninth mainline entry.
