If you’ve been following Resident Evil as long as I have, you know the franchise has a knack for reinventing itself-sometimes brilliantly, other times with mixed results. So when Capcom finally dropped the curtain on Resident Evil Requiem, the so-called ‘new era’ of the series, my curiosity meter shot up. Not just because it’s the next mainline entry, but because this reveal feels like Capcom is trying to thread the needle between old-school horror and something genuinely new. The trailer? Stylish and atmospheric, but it left me with more questions than answers.
Before we dive into what Capcom’s promising, here’s the trailer they used to set the mood (and yes, it’s worth a watch for longtime fans and skeptical newcomers alike):
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Capcom |
| Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Genres | Survival Horror, Thriller |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
Let’s break down why this announcement matters—and where Capcom’s marketing may be getting ahead of itself.
First off, Capcom knows how to craft a compelling trailer. The opening beats in the FBI office feel like a deliberate nod to classic crime thrillers, while the later shots—creepy corridors, mysterious antagonists, and that glorious flyover of cratered Raccoon City—are pure Resident Evil nostalgia bait. There’s some real potential here: a new protagonist with personal trauma (Grace Aircroft), a return to iconic locations, and a focus on investigation over pure action. But let’s be real—trailers like this are designed to make us speculate wildly, and Capcom isn’t giving away the real gameplay goods just yet.
What caught my attention is Capcom’s talk of a ‘new era.’ Historically, every time the series claims a reinvention, it’s a toss-up. Resident Evil 4 upended expectations and set a new standard; Resident Evil 6 promised evolution, but wound up bloated. Resident Evil 7 ditched the old formula for first-person horror with great results, and Village doubled down on that—sometimes to the edge of absurdity (giant vampire ladies, anyone?). Now, the rumored return to third-person could be the best of both worlds, but until we see real gameplay, it’s just as likely to be a safe nostalgia play as it is a bold step forward.
I also can’t ignore the industry context. Announcing a 2026 release date this far in advance isn’t just about building hype—it’s about planting a flag in the next-gen sand. No PS4 or Xbox One support tells me Capcom is (finally) ready to push the RE Engine further. But it also means expectations for visuals and interactivity will be sky-high. And let’s not kid ourselves: survivor horror is once again in vogue, but the genre is crowded. Requiem has to deliver more than just callbacks and pretty graphics—it needs gameplay that feels fresh and meaningful.
If you’re a series veteran, the nods to Raccoon City and the promise of returning to third-person might hit all the right nostalgic notes. But that’s only half the story. Capcom’s refusal to show raw gameplay at this stage is classic marketing—keep speculation high, commitment low. The presence at Gamescom might change that, but until then, skepticism is healthy. I’m hoping Grace Aircroft’s backstory actually feeds into the gameplay and atmosphere, not just cutscene fodder.
This could be a new Resident Evil high point, but I’ve also seen Capcom fumble when chasing trends. The question is—will Requiem prioritize scares, story, and exploration, or default to big set pieces and nostalgia? With no word on editions, pricing, or modes, there’s still a lot we don’t know.
Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem announcement hits all the right notes for a fresh start—new protagonist, iconic locales, and a next-gen-only focus. But with no gameplay revealed and a ‘new era’ tagline that could mean anything, it’s smart to stay excited but cautious. This is one to watch, especially when Gamescom rolls around and (hopefully) Capcom lets us see the game in action. Until then, I’m keeping my expectations in check and my survival knife sharp.
Source: Capcom via GamesPress