GAMERTIMES

Following the massive reveal at The Game Awards 2025 that Leon S. Kennedy will return as a playable character in Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom has provided a deep dive into how the game operates.

In a recent interview with AUTOMATON Japan, director Akifumi Nakanishi and producer Masato Kumazawa explained the game’s unique rhythm. They described the interplay between the two main characters – Leon and newcomer Grace Ashcroft – as a cycle of tension and release comparable to “jumping into a cold bath after a hot sauna.”

How the Dual-Protagonist System Works

Unlike some previous entries that featured separate campaigns, Requiem weaves both perspectives into a single narrative thread.

“Requiem has just one, unified story,” Nakanishi explained. “As the plot advances, you switch between Leon’s sections and Grace’s sections. There are even some scenes where they meet.”

The dynamic is built on the contrast between the two leads. Grace is described by the team as “the biggest scaredy-cat in Resident Evil history,” while Leon returns as a battle-hardened expert.

According to Nakanishi, the gameplay is split almost evenly between the two. The developers initially worried that the drastic shift in tone might be jarring for players, but they eventually realized it created a compelling loop.

“It’s almost like having two games with completely different types of tension mixed together,” Nakanishi said. “Early on, we worried players might not be able to keep up, but now we feel that the contrast gives the game a unique rhythm, like jumping into a cold bath after sitting in a hot sauna (laughs).”

Balancing Horror with Action

The developers revealed that the game structure is intentionally designed to manage player stress levels. Grace’s segments are modeled after the survival horror of Resident Evil 2, while Leon’s segments lean into the action-heavy style of Resident Evil 4.

Nakanishi clarified that Leon was not included to make the game scarier, but rather to provide a reprieve from the terror.

“Actually, it’s the opposite. If the whole game were Grace, it would be extremely scary. In this sense, Leon’s sections work to release the tension. You feel safe during Leon’s chapters, and then scared again during Grace’s.”

Producer Masato Kumazawa added that this oscillation enhances both aspects of the game:

“After a scary segment, the action feels even more exciting. And after an action segment, the horror feels even more terrifying. I think it’s a combined experience only possible by merging two completely different styles of gameplay.”

Leon’s “Ikeoji” Design and Evolved Combat

Set in 2026, Requiem features an older, more seasoned Leon. The design team focused on making him an “ikeoji”—a term for a cool, attractive older man.

“Although he’s a character who carries a lot on his shoulders, we took a lot of care in refining him to be an ‘ikeoji’,” Nakanishi noted. “One thing’s for sure, Leon isn’t just handsome, he’s cool personality-wise too… I hope you’ll also look forward to the dry wit and subtle sarcasm that only an older guy can bring.”

In terms of combat, Leon’s capabilities have evolved significantly since his last starring role in Resident Evil 6. His gameplay foundation is built on RE4 mechanics but expanded with new martial arts and melee moves.

“A major development theme for us was: ‘What would Leon be like in 2026?’” Nakanishi said. “Even though he keeps fighting to save people, bioterror never goes away, so what state of mind has he reached now? What can he do with his seasoned combat skills? With those concepts in mind, we added new elements on top of a Resident Evil 4-style foundation.”

Returning to Raccoon City in a Porsche

The interview also touched on the setting. Requiem marks Leon’s first return to the site of the original outbreak since Resident Evil 2.

“Also, this is Leon’s first return to Raccoon City since Resident Evil 2, so seeing how he responds to the ‘place where it all began’ now that he’s older is another major point of interest,” said Nakanishi.

In a surprising collaboration, Leon will be navigating these dangers in a luxury vehicle. Kumazawa confirmed that they partnered with Porsche to give Leon a custom ride.

“We were looking for a car that fit Leon, and thankfully, Porsche kindly agreed, which led to a full collaboration. We made it his personal car, a Cayenne Turbo GT custom-built to suit the game’s world.”

When asked about the likelihood of the car surviving the game, Kumazawa joked, “It’s usually the helicopters that get blown up,” while Nakanishi teased, “Please look forward to seeing what happens this time.”

Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam (PC)