Resident Evil 9 Officially Revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025
Capcom unveils Resident Evil 9: Requiem at Summer Game Fest 2025, returning to Raccoon City with a new protagonist and a darker tone.
A New Chapter in Survival Horror
Capcom has officially unveiled Resident Evil 9: Requiem at the Summer Game Fest 2025, marking a significant return to the series’ survival horror roots. Set for release on February 27, 2026, the game introduces a fresh protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent investigating mysterious deaths linked to her mother’s past. This announcement has reignited excitement among fans eager for a return to the franchise’s atmospheric storytelling and intense gameplay
What Is Resident Evil 9: Requiem?
A Return to Raccoon City
Resident Evil 9: Requiem takes players back to the ruins of Raccoon City, devastated by a nuclear strike aimed at containing the T-virus outbreak. The game’s setting offers a hauntingly familiar yet transformed environment, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding narrative.
Introducing Grace Ashcroft
The game’s protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, is an FBI agent and the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, a character from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace’s investigation into a series of mysterious deaths leads her to a hotel connected to her mother’s tragic demise eight years prior. This personal connection adds depth to the storyline, blending personal stakes with the overarching horror elements.
Gameplay and Features
Third-Person Perspective
Requiem adopts a third-person perspective, reminiscent of Resident Evil 2 Remake, offering players a more immersive and cinematic experience. This shift enhances the game’s atmospheric tension, allowing for a closer connection to the protagonist’s journey.
Enhanced RE Engine Technology
Utilizing an updated version of Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine, Requiem boasts high-fidelity visuals, detailed character models, and realistic environmental effects. The engine’s capabilities are fully leveraged to create a visually stunning and terrifying experience
Open-World Exploration
Breaking away from the series’ traditional linear structure, Requiem introduces open-world elements, allowing players to explore the desolate landscapes of Raccoon City at their own pace. This approach adds a layer of freedom and replayability, as players can uncover hidden secrets and side missions.
Storyline and Themes
A Personal Quest for Redemption
At its core, Requiem is a tale of personal redemption. Grace Ashcroft’s journey is not only about uncovering the truth behind the mysterious deaths but also about confronting the unresolved trauma of her mother’s death. The narrative delves into themes of grief, justice, and the haunting legacy of the T-virus outbreak
Psychological Horror Elements
The game emphasizes psychological horror, focusing on atmosphere and narrative to evoke fear. Players will encounter unsettling scenarios that challenge their perceptions, blurring the line between reality and nightmare.
- Protagonist: Players control Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent investigating mysterious deaths at a hotel linked to her mother’s death eight years prior.
- Return to Raccoon City: The game revisits Raccoon City, now in ruins after a nuclear attack intended to halt the T-virus spread.
- Island Investigation: Leaked details suggest Jill Valentine and Leon S. Kennedy investigate an island tied to Eveline’s origins, featuring locations like abandoned hospitals, dark forests, caves, and temples
Gameplay Features
- Third-Person Perspective: The game adopts a third-person view with an over-the-shoulder camera, reminiscent of Resident Evil 2 Remake
- Combat Enhancements: Players can use melee weapons like knives and axes, and enemies exhibit more strategic behaviors.
- Inventory System: The inventory resembles Resident Evil 2 Remake’s system, featuring circular slots and typewriters for saving progress.
- Crafting System: A crafting system allows players to create ammunition from gunpowder, adding depth to resource management.
Enemies & Threats
- Evolved Zombies: Zombies can run and use melee weapons, similar to the Ganados in Resident Evil 4.
- Stalker Enemies: The game introduces a “Goatman” enemy, a relentless stalker that could rival Nemesis and Mr. X in terms of fear factor.
Narrative Elements
- Hallucinations: Jill and Leon are rumored to be infected by the Megamycete, leading to nightmarish hallucinations that blur the lines between reality and terror.
- Supporting Characters: Chris Redfield and Barry Burton are expected to provide guidance via radio, with potential involvement of Rosemary Winters, Ethan’s daughter.
Development and Release
Directed by Koshi Nakanishi
Resident Evil 9: Requiem is directed by Koshi Nakanishi, known for his work on Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. His return to the franchise brings a fresh perspective, aiming to recapture the essence of survival horror that defined the series’ early entries
Release Date and Platforms
The game is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This multi-platform launch ensures that a wide audience can experience the next chapter in the Resident Evil saga.
Community Reaction and Expectations
The announcement of Resident Evil 9: Requiem has generated significant buzz within the gaming community. Fans have expressed enthusiasm over the return to Raccoon City and the introduction of a new, compelling protagonist. The blend of personal storytelling with traditional survival horror elements has raised expectations for a game that honors the series’ legacy while innovating for modern audiences
Anticipation Builds for Requiem
Resident Evil 9: Requiem promises to be a pivotal entry in the Resident Evil franchise, combining classic survival horror with new gameplay innovations. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build, with fans eager to embark on Grace Ashcroft’s harrowing journey through the remnants of Raccoon City
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