Resident Evil Requiem Continues “Overarching Narrative” That Began In Raccoon City

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The city known as Raccoon City served as the initial American backdrop for the Resident Evil saga. Later, installments took place globally. However, Masato Kumazawa, producer of Resident Evil Requiem, explained why the series is revisiting the remnants of this famous city once again.

In an interview on the PlayStation Blog, Kumazawa shared that following games which delved into the wider universe of Resident Evil, Capcom aimed for a storyline that furthered the main plot anchored in Raccoon City and the covert operations of the Umbrella Corporation.

After the T-virus catastrophe, the U.S. government decided to bomb the city to eliminate the virus by launching a missile attack. Thirty years later, the players find themselves exploring the remnants of this city, and Kumazawa explained that the team aimed to create a character who had a direct link to the city itself. They introduced Grace Ashcroft, who is believed to be the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil: Outbreak.

Kumazawa characterized Grace as a “protagonist that players can identify with,” noting that by making Grace embody the player’s own vulnerability, they aim to create a gameplay experience brimming with suspense and immersion. As she treads down a dimly lit corridor, her breath quickens; when an unexpected foe emerges, she startles visibly. Grace is a character who initially has little resilience against fear, but as the narrative unfolds, she gains courage and learns to face various terrors head-on.

During a Capcom event presentation, the game’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, shared similar thoughts. He mentioned that the reason Leon Kennedy wasn’t the main character was due to him being an unsuitable fit for a horror-themed game.

Kumazawa further discussed the idea of “addictive fear” in Resident Evil Requiem, which is a compelling desire to discover what happens next, despite it being frightening. In simpler terms, this concept arises because recent games like Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4, while horror games, have emphasized action significantly. With the upcoming installment, our aim was to create a game that prioritizes horror once more.

Returning to Raccoon City and revisiting the horror foundation of Resident Evil is strategically suitable as we approach the game’s 30th anniversary next year, coinciding with the release of Resident Evil Requiem. This remake will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 27, 2026.

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2025-06-27 17:09