XPLog attended a three‑hour preview of Resident Evil Requiem and came away convinced that the title is the most complete horror statement on PlayStation 5 to date. The game deliberately splits its focus between two protagonists and two perspectives, combining the tight, intimate dread of Resident Evil 7 with the broader third‑person action of the series' more cinematic entries.

Dual perspectives, distinct tones

Requiem divides play between Grace and Leon. Grace's segments are delivered in first person and lean hard into claustrophobia: cramped interiors, unsettling environmental storytelling and slow‑burn encounters that prioritise tension over spectacle. By contrast, Leon's third‑person chapters shift the emphasis toward positioning, over‑the‑shoulder shooting and a more aggressive enemy design. The alternation of viewpoints keeps pacing taut and prevents the game from settling into a predictable rhythm.

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Design that respects series DNA

Familiar Resident Evil beats remain in place. Exploration rewards careful observation, puzzles punctuate the action and resource management retains weight even when combat becomes more frequent. The preview sections showcased set pieces that feel handcrafted rather than generic: specific room layouts, scripted scares and enemy types that force different approaches depending on which character is in play. The game leans into atmosphere without sacrificing momentum.

Technical presentation and PS5 features

On PlayStation 5, Requiem presents a clear technical polish. Textures, lighting and particle effects contribute to a consistently grim aesthetic, while 3D audio and careful sound design amplify the horror elements. DualSense feedback and adaptive triggers were present in the build, adding a tactile layer to weapons handling and certain environmental interactions. Load times stayed well under control, allowing transitions between areas to feel seamless.

Pacing, difficulty and early impressions

Pacing balances slower, investigative beats against sudden bursts of combat. Encounters can become intense quickly, and enemy design pushes players to use both defensive and offensive options. The preview build suggested a measured difficulty curve that will cater to both long‑time series fans and players drawn to psychological horror. Narrative hooks were sufficient to justify continued play, with hints of a broader mystery underpinning the interwoven chapters.

Early verdict

After three hours, Resident Evil Requiem appears to be a deliberate hybrid: it honours the first‑person, survivalist roots of RE7 while reintroducing the cinematic, third‑person dynamics that many fans associate with later mainline entries. On PS5 the game functions as both a technical showcase and a cohesive horror experience, delivering a blend of dread and action that feels purposeful rather than conflicted. The preview suggests the title could set a new benchmark for next‑generation survival horror.