Resident Evil Requiem will seemingly mark yet a new era for Capcom's seminal survival horror series. After a long period of official silence surrounded by rife speculation as well as leaks and rumors coming at a rapid pace from various sources, the developer finally lifted the curtain on Resident Evil Requiem at this year's Summer Game Fest. Featuring a new protagonist who has ties to a previous character, as well as a longtime returning fan favorite, Resident Evil Requiem looks to be exploring new territory and old both in terms of that, along with its setting and genre pivot to psychologic horror. Many are thus excitedly awaiting to see how the upcoming outing handles these elements.
While some of the above items were already part of previous leaks, there are still many details that Resident Evil Requiem's reveal left open. Now, new information provided by known industry figure Dusk Golem/Aesthetic Gamer has sparked further conjecture. This latest leak claims that Resident Evil Requiem could be Leon Kennedy's final appearance, at least within mainline game releases. And if this turns out to be true, it will surely disappoint fans who have been patiently looking forward to Leon's return. However, it could also come with a couple of upsides if that is indeed the case.
Capcom will be showing off a new demo along with another expected trailer for RE Requiem at two upcoming events; Gamescom on August 19 and PAX West on August 29.
If Recent Leaks Hold True, Resident Evil Requiem May Mark Leon Kennedy's Retirement
Resident Evil Requiem is Bridging the Gap Between the Franchise's Past and Future
One of its major story elements is that Resident Evil Requiem is returning to Raccoon City. Bringing fans back to where it all began, but set a generation after Umbrella's unethical recklessness caused the initial viral outbreak, Requiem will see players explore a ruined Raccoon City haunted by lingering ghosts and crimes of the past. FBI Analyst Grace Ashcoft, who was later confirmed to be the daughter of Resident Evil Outbreak's Alyssa, will take the lead role in the next installment.
Joining Grace will be Leon S. Kennedy, arguably Resident Evil's most beloved character, at least certainly one of the most enduringly popular ones. Starting with his introduction in RE2, Leon was a bit more personable and relatable than its other iconic character, Chris Redfield. Leon's reputation was also helped enormously by starring in what is most often considered the series' best entry, RE4. And though he returned in Resident Evil 6, that title was not as well-received, as it marked the point when Capcom was leaning heavily into action design and tropes, to the chagrin of many fans. Now that he'll be back in Requiem, though, and with RE firmly re-established as a survival horror powerhouse, it creates an interesting situation for him.
Resident Evil Requiem Potentially Being Leon's Send-Off Could Actually be For the Best
With everything that Leon has endured and survived so far, Requiem possibly being his final outing might actually be a wise decision on Capcom's part, and fitting for its plot framework. The two previous entries featured newcomer Ethan Winters as their protagonist, but also saw appearances by a grizzled and world-weary Chris Redfield, tying the new lore and characters into the existing ones. But Resident Evil has left cliffhangers unresolved, and if Requiem ends up being Leon's last rodeo, the issue could be avoided if it gives him a definitive and satisfying ending, again at least within the current canon.
Capcom has stated that Resident Evil Requiem is Grace's story first and foremost, and Leon will be playing more of a supporting role, possibly as Grace's mentor or as a liaison to her department. This sets up a good angle for him to undertake "one last mission" and receive a properly fitting end. This could be a heroically noble death, or something less dramatic, like a well-earned retirement. The leak also suggests that Leon could still be featured in other RE projects and spin-offs, like the upcoming film. Requiem being Leon's swansong within the mainline games would certainly be sad given his history, but it could also be the chance for Capcom to provide the closure he has surely earned.
OpenCritic Reviews
