As a lifelong survival horror fan, few moments at Summer Game Fest had me on edge quite like the (inevitable) reveal of Resident Evil 9. Capcom knew exactly what they were doing-teasing us, letting speculation run wild, and then dropping Resident Evil Requiem as the grand finale. After years of rumors and the anticipation that comes with hitting a franchise’s 30-year mark, it’s safe to say this is one of those rare announcements that actually lives up to the hype-at least for now.
Here’s why this new chapter instantly caught my attention, and what the first details might mean for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Capcom |
| Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Genres | Survival Horror, Action Adventure |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series |
Let’s get into the real talk. Capcom’s steady rhythm—core Resident Evil entries every few years, with remakes and spin-offs in between—has mostly kept the franchise fresh. Resident Evil 7 revived the formula with a first-person perspective and real horror, RE Village doubled down on spectacle and lore, and the recent RE4 remake reminded everyone why Capcom sits atop survival horror royalty.
With Resident Evil 9, or “Requiem” as they’re calling it (the stylized “q” as a subtle ‘9’ is a nice touch), Capcom is playing a dangerous game by returning to Racoon City. This isn’t just fan service—going back to the saga’s spiritual home means expectations will be sky-high. If you’re going to revisit one of gaming’s most iconic nightmare settings, you better have fresh ideas and a story worth telling.
The new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, is a genuine curveball. I’m glad Capcom is finally moving beyond the “Redfields and Weskers” cycle. Grace’s connection—her mother killed during the original Racoon City outbreak—offers a personal lens on the series’ carnage. This could give the narrative some needed weight, especially if Capcom resists the urge to turn her into just another action hero. (Let’s be real: Resident Evil is at its best when it leans into vulnerability, not superhuman stunts.)
What we saw in the trailer—a blend of atmospheric dread, frantic chases, and those signature “did I just see that?” moments—hits the right notes. But we all know a slick trailer isn’t a guarantee. I’m curious (and a bit wary) about how much of the old-school survival horror DNA will make it through to the final game. Will Capcom double down on resource management and real terror, or lean further into blockbuster action? The last few entries have walked that line with varying success.
The timing is also notable. February 2026 gives Capcom a healthy development runway, but the industry is more crowded than ever. With heavyweights like Silent Hill returning and indie horror at its peak, the bar is higher than it’s ever been. Resident Evil Requiem could set a new standard—or risk being lost in the shuffle if it plays too safe.
For those of us who’ve survived Spencer Mansion, escaped Nemesis, and lost count of how many times we’ve bailed Leon out of trouble, Resident Evil 9 feels like a homecoming. Racoon City is a setting loaded with history—and trauma. Capcom’s willingness to return here, with a new protagonist and a fresh mystery, suggests they’re ready to confront the series’ legacy head-on.
If you’re newer to Resident Evil, this could be the most approachable entry in years. A new lead means less baggage, and the promise of next-gen visuals and mechanics should make for an easier entry point. Still, the risk is real—too much reverence for the past and the game could feel like a retread; too little, and longtime fans might check out.
Ultimately, what matters most is that Capcom seems to understand what’s at stake. Requiem isn’t just another sequel—it’s a statement piece for a franchise at a crossroads. The survival horror genre is thriving, but it’s also evolving. If Capcom can thread the needle between honoring the past and pushing the series forward, Resident Evil 9 could be one for the ages.
Capcom finally pulled back the curtain on Resident Evil 9: Requiem, and it’s packing all the weight you’d expect from a 30th anniversary entry. New protagonist, old nightmares, and a trip back to the saga’s most infamous city—this is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the franchise. There’s every reason to be excited, but plenty of reason to watch with a critical eye. For survival horror fans, the countdown to February 2026 just got a lot more interesting.
Source: Capcom via GamesPress