Resident Evil Requiem Developers Introduce the Dual Protagonist System of Leon and Grace
In a recent interview, Capcom producer Masato Kumazawa and director Koji Nakanishi dropped some important tidbits regarding the upcoming "Resident Evil Requiem." The game has two playable characters, Leon S. Kennedy and an all-new character named Grace, who provide profoundly different gameplay experiences.
Contrasting Gameplay Horror With Grace and Action with Leon
The developers clarified that Leon and Grace are the only playable characters, and gameplay time is divided around 50/50 between them. The main design of the game is set around their contrary gameplay styles, which the team states is a new experience for the series.
- Grace's Gameplay: Pure survival horror in the vein of Resident Evil 2. She is described as "the most fearful person in the history of Biohazard", aimed at immersing the player in tension and fear.
- Leon's Gameplay: Concentrating on exhilarating action, building on the martial arts and close-quarters combat from Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 6.
Nakanishi explained that this contrast facilitates a unique emotional rhythm for the player, feeling like the experience of moving from a hot sauna to a cold bath. The tense, frightful sections with Grace contrast nicely with the empowering, action-filled sections with Leon.
An Older Leon and the Mystery of Elpis
The storyline takes place in 2026, focusing on how Leon has grown after many years of biological terrorism. A theme is Leon's mental state and growth as the character. After many years, Leon returns to Raccoon City for the first time since the Raccoon City Incident, closing in on one personal history of importance.
Elpis is a central plot point. Although interpreted in general terms to mean "'hope' (from the mythology of Pandora's box)," the developers suggested that it could also represent a certain magnitude of misfortune. Tied to the death of Grace's mother and to a secret Leon is keeping, players will uncovered the real meaning as they journey through.
New Action, Double Perspectives, and a Special Porsche
Introducing new combat styles for Leon are a military tomahawk for close-range hits. The developers said that the title will have both first-person and third-person views, a challenge they worked hard to implement into both types of perspectives.
Another interesting collaboration was divulged Leon will be driving a specially modified Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. When asked whether the vehicle would suffer the usual fate for vehicles in the Resident Evil series, the developers jokingly replied that it would be a wait-and-see moment for fans.
What is Next for Resident Evil Requiem
This story braids together the paths of Leon and Grace, but the divergent gameplay styles are really meant so that players get a wholesome experience of both characters. A gameplay video with a focus on Leon's new actions is set to be shown in January 2026 during the Capcom SHOWCASE.
At his best, Nakanishi concluded, Leon will nevertheless be pushed to the utmost limit as never before in a battle testing his very capabilities.
