Resident Evil Requiem Launches to Rave Reviews — The Best Non-Remake Entry in Two Decades

Capcom has done it again. Resident Evil Requiem launched on February 27 across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, and the critical reception confirms what early previews hinted at: this is the strongest original entry in the franchise in over twenty years.

A New Protagonist Earns Her Place

Requiem introduces Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst who finds herself drawn back to the ruins of Raccoon City alongside returning fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy. The dual-protagonist structure gives Capcom room to explore both fresh perspectives and nostalgic callbacks without leaning too heavily on either.

Critics have highlighted Grace as one of the franchise's strongest characters in years. Her analytical background informs gameplay mechanics that reward observation and environmental awareness rather than brute-force combat. Leon's sections deliver the action-oriented gameplay his fans expect, creating a rhythm that keeps the pacing sharp across the campaign's roughly fifteen-hour runtime.

Critics Are Impressed

The numbers speak clearly. Requiem sits at an 88 on Metacritic for PS5 and an impressive 90 on Switch 2. Multiple outlets praised the balance between stealth-horror tension and kinetic action sequences, noting that Capcom found a sweet spot that satisfies both survival horror purists and action-oriented players.

The Switch 2 version has drawn particular attention from technical analysts, who praised it as one of the most accomplished ports on Nintendo's new hardware. Running at a stable frame rate with visual quality that closely tracks the PS5 experience, Requiem demonstrates that the Switch 2 can handle demanding third-party titles with grace.

Capcom's Winning Formula Continues

Requiem extends a remarkable streak for Capcom's flagship horror series. Following the acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4, and the strong reception of Village, the studio has built sustained momentum that few long-running franchises can match. Each release has found ways to evolve the formula while respecting what makes the series special.

A Strong Start for the Switch 2 Library

For Nintendo, Requiem's success as a launch-window title validates the Switch 2's positioning as a platform that can attract premium third-party releases. Having a 90-rated Resident Evil game available at launch sends a clear message to publishers evaluating the platform.

The Resident Evil franchise has reinvented itself multiple times across three decades. Requiem suggests the series still has plenty of life left — and plenty of scares to deliver.

Sources: PC Gamer, February 27, 2026; Nintendo Life, February 2026; Metacritic, February 2026