Resident Evil Requiem Aims to Satisfy All Players, From Fresh Faces to Franchise Veterans
Even though Resident Evil Requiem marks the ninth main installment in the iconic horror series, newcomers won't need to play previous games to fully appreciate it. That's according to Masato Kumazawa, the producer of Requiem, who recently shared insights during an interview with Video Games Chronicle's editor Andy Robinson. Kumazawa assured fans that while the game is designed to be fully understandable and enjoyable for those new to the series, long-time Resident Evil enthusiasts will find an even deeper layer of appreciation.
Balancing New Blood with Nostalgic Nods
During the interview, joined by game director Koshi Nakanishi, Robinson inquired about the extent of flashbacks and elements of Raccoon City before its destruction. While Kumazawa remained tight-lipped on specifics to avoid spoilers, he emphasized Capcom's dedication to creating an experience that caters to both audiences.
"Although we won't go into detail about how much and what you'll see of Raccoon City in the full game, I think if you know nothing about it, you'll just play this game as a horror game set in a ruined city and be able to understand the game and enjoy it 100%."
"However, if you're a fan and you see all the connections, lore references, hints, and so on, I think you'll enjoy it 150%, and it will open up an additional level of detail. But we don't want you to be required to know about the incident and understand the interconnections in that timeline to understand the game."
This philosophy highlights Capcom's careful approach: making the horror experience self-contained for new players, while weaving in plenty of familiar details and lore connections for those who have followed the series from the beginning. These subtle nods and Easter eggs are intended to enhance the experience for veterans without alienating anyone.
Further Developer Insights
The developers also touched upon several other interesting topics:
- Anniversary Coincidence: Requiem's release will happen shortly before Resident Evil's 30th anniversary. Kumazawa clarified that this timing was a pleasant coincidence and not a planned tribute to the milestone.
- On Game Leaks: Kumazawa expressed his frustration not so much with the leaks themselves, but with how some players treat unconfirmed rumors as facts. This can lead to disappointment if the rumored content doesn't make it into the final game, unfairly impacting players' perceptions of Capcom.
- Welcome Competition: Koshi Nakanishi, the game director, shared his positive outlook on the recent resurgence of the Silent Hill franchise. He believes competition within the horror genre is beneficial for everyone and expressed his eagerness to try the upcoming Silent Hill f.
- Unused Content from RE7: Nakanishi also mentioned a character, Lucas Baker's girlfriend, who was cut from the final version of Resident Evil 7. He expressed a desire to see an expanded edition of RE7 that could include such excised content.
- Subtitle Origin: The subtitle "Requiem" was chosen for its thematic relevance, not merely because the letters 'req' conveniently stylize to look like 'RE9'.
What This Means for Players
Resident Evil Requiem's development philosophy suggests a game designed to be inclusive yet deeply rewarding. New players can jump in and experience a standalone horror story, while dedicated fans will find a wealth of connections and callbacks that enrich their understanding of the broader Resident Evil universe. This strategy aims to expand the series' reach while honoring its legacy.
Resident Evil Requiem is set to launch on February 27, 2026, for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
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