Resident Evil Requiem first hands on

A hands on look at Capcom’s demo, showing a dual view option, lighting driven suspense and a stalking foe.

Resident Evil Requiem Delivers White Knuckle Tension in Demo

Capcom showcased Resident Evil Requiem at a pre Gamescom event, running on PS5 Pro. The hands on session included about 20 minutes of gameplay in both first person and third person views, centered on Grace Ashcroft, a new protagonist connected to series lore. The opening cutscene shows her breaking free from a hospital bed as a nightmarish experiment unfolds, delivering a signature mix of gore and atmosphere.

Inside a dim hospital, lighting becomes a tool and a mood driver. Returning players and newcomers alike navigate corridors, discover a lighter, and learn that the game rewards exploration. The objective in the demo is to obtain a screwdriver to remove a fuse and escape, all while a Quasimodo esque monster stalks them. The studio says both perspectives will be offered at launch, with distinct animations to fit each view, and the sunlit moments could become a safe counterpoint to the horror.

The demo highlights Capcom's commitment to atmosphere through lighting and camera choices. Allowing players to switch between first and third person while preserving tailored animations gives the game a rare flexibility that can change how fear feels in practice. The balancing act between close up immersion and wider, more strategic sightlines will test players in different ways at launch. Historically, Resident Evil has thrived on stalking threats and puzzle based escapes; Requiem appears to amplify that tension with a more visual emphasis on light and shadow.

This approach could set a new standard for survival horror on current generation hardware. It also raises questions about accessibility and pacing. If the two viewpoints diverge too much in feel, Capcom may need to offer guidance or tweaks post launch. The sun as sanctuary motif hints at a strategic shift that rewards careful timing and environment use, a potential fresh beat for a long running franchise.

Highlights

Capcom keeps the pressure up by leaning into atmosphere over spectacle, promising a memorable shift in how horror can be experienced.