Fear under review: Resident Evil Requiem versus Resident Evil 7 and Village

The game's director clarifies the terror approach before its release in February.

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Since its presentation, Resident Evil Requiem has generated a recurring doubt among players: does it bet more on pure fear or a more action-oriented experience? The presence of Leon S. Kennedy in the trailers, with more intense scenes, has fueled that question. Now, its director has wanted to clarify it with clarity.

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In an interview with the Japanese PlayStation blog, Kōshi Nakanishi explained how Requiem fits into the recent evolution of the saga and directly compared it to Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village.

A balance between constant tension and relief

According to Nakanishi, Resident Evil Requiem is more intense than Village, but avoids maintaining constant pressure like Resident Evil 7. The goal has been to find a middle ground that allows for moments of genuine discomfort without the experience being exhausting from start to finish.

The director recalled that many players had difficulty completing Resident Evil 7 due to its sustained level of tension, which led the team to soften the approach in Village. In Requiem, that learning translates into a structure that alternates between maximum tension phases and moments of respite, avoiding a permanent suffocating feeling.

This idea is reinforced by the duality of protagonists. The sections starring Leon S. Kennedy bet on more direct and satisfying action, allowing the player to feel more secure and competent. In contrast, the segments centered on Grace Ashcroft clearly raise the level of fear, with greater vulnerability, limited resources, and a constant sense of danger.

The combination of both styles, inspired by Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, seeks to offer a more measured but very effective terror, designed to keep the player in tension without exceeding the limit. Resident Evil Requiem will arrive on February 27, 2026, and everything points to its approach to fear being one of the most talked-about aspects of the year.