“I never said he wasn’t going to show up,” chuckles Koshi Nakanishi, the director of Resident Evil Requiem. With a coy smile, he opens the January 15th showcase talking about the titular action hero, Leon S. Kennedy.

Nakanishi reiterates how different the gameplay will be between both playable characters in Requiem: Grace and Leon. While we already know a little bit about this, Capcom delves deeper on how they tailored Grace’s experience as close to Resident Evil 2 and 7 as possible, while Leon stays on track with the more adrenaline packed moments akin the Resident Evil 4. Nakanishi wants players to experience a wide “emotional range”.

Nakanishi continues to explain how the story is unified between the two characters. For context, he clarifies that this is post-Resident Evil 6 Leon, who is still working as a DSO agent, and although he’s survived so much, he will be pushed to his limit in Requiem.

While we already know zombies will return in Requiem, there is a slight spin to them. This is a new breed of infected, and these zombies will retain some human traits as if they were still alive. Because of this, you’ll find many still clinging onto habits when they were alive (e.g. a chef, maid, or janitor still doing their “work”). Nakanishi states to use this to your advantage.

Now, more in gameplay. Leon has a hatchet to parry attacks, and the gameplay presented shows more variety than ever. We have even more badass roundhouse kicks and even a chainsaw. Grace will deal with tight spaces, stealth, and scare resources. She can utilize the “Requiem” gun, a large caliber revolver. Finally, there will be a unique crafting system requiring use of infected blood.

Other notable gameplay options:

• First and Third person perspective can be changed any time for both characters
• Difficulty: There will be Casual, Standard Modern, and Standard Classic (Grace can only save with ink ribbons)

Later on in the showcase, Nakanishi briefly touches upon Elpis, and that it is directly tied to the murder of Grace’s mother. Not much else was revealed, and Nakanishi is excited for us to unravel this mystery.

Porsche Collaboration

Guest Niklas Krellenberg spoke about a unique Porsche that was custom built for Leon (in game and in real life). They wanted to stay true to Resident Evil and Leon’s characteristics. This collaboration is meant to celebrate two iconic franchises.

Hamilton Collaboration

There will be two watch models inspired by Leon and Grace available on launch day. Hamilton only made 2,000 of each.

The gold American Classic (left photo) will cost $1,475 USD and the Khaki Field Auto (right photo) will cost $2,175 USD.

Leon and Grace Statues and More…

This fall, there will be 1/6 scale Leon and Grace statues as well, which can stand separately, or combined. The showcase also reiterated various products specific to the Switch 2, some of which we already know: a Resident Evil Requiem Pro Controller and amiibo; however, this time, no specific amiibo were mentioned or displayed.

Below is a summary of what you will get with the Deluxe edition:

Cloud Gaming on GeForce NOW

PC users rejoice, for Requiem will also be available on launch day via cloud gaming on GeForce NOW, in collaboration with NVIDIA.

30 Years of Resident Evil

Lastly, if you weren’t aware, there is a concert to honor the 30 years of Resident Evil: Symphony of Legacy. The only available location at present is in Japan; however, US and Europe tour dates will be released at a later time. First ticket lottery is currently open to Resident Evil Ambassadors. More information to come.

If you want to check out the entire showcase, click BELOW!

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Sources: Wario64

Featured Image Source: Capcom via The Game Awards