Resident Evil Requiem: How Capcom Brings Classic Survival Horror Back to Life
Capcom is dialing back the clock on survival horror with Resident Evil Requiem, blending tense, suspenseful gameplay with modern action elements. While series veteran Leon S. Kennedy returns, voiced once again by Nick Apostolides—familiar from the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 4 and the animated series Infinite Darkness—the spotlight also falls on newcomer Grace Ashcroft, whose journey introduces players to the creeping dread of classic Resident Evil horror in first-person perspective.
Grace is brought to life by Angela Sant’Albano, a fresh face in the series and a newcomer to horror gaming altogether. “I watched a ton of gameplay because Capcom emphasized that they wanted to return to the survival horror roots of Resident Evil,” Sant’Albano shared. “It was my first real experience with horror, so I wanted to make sure I captured that slow, unsettling tone players expect from this genre.”
The studio used clever techniques to immerse actors in fear, even while working in a motion-capture environment. “We turned off all the lights in the studio and relied only on flashlights or camera headlamps,” Sant’Albano explained. “Capcom did a great job of recreating the tension of a horror game without the danger of an actual zombie charging at us.”
Her preparation extended beyond mocap: she became a player herself, diving into the games to understand the franchise’s unique blend of tension and excitement. “I remember getting hooked on RE4 and suddenly realizing I’d been playing for hours. It’s terrifying but incredibly immersive,” she said with a laugh. “You have to stay so focused that time just flies—it’s a perfect mix of fear and engagement.”
Originally, Resident Evil Requiem centered on Leon in a stealth-heavy, horror-driven storyline. However, Capcom revamped the approach after realizing fans wanted a more active, resilient Leon, pairing him with Grace’s first-person survival experience for a richer, dual-protagonist adventure.
With Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom is finally bridging the gap between the high-octane action of recent entries and the suspenseful horror that made the franchise legendary. From dark corridors to tense encounters, the game demonstrates that you don’t need dozens of hours to deliver a thrilling survival horror experience—every moment is crafted to keep players on edge.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Leon Kennedy or new to the terror through Grace’s eyes, Resident Evil Requiem promises a nostalgic yet fresh horror experience that stays true to the series’ roots while keeping modern gameplay mechanics at the forefront.