From investigating mysterious viral outbreaks to surviving strange, monster-infested villages, the Resident Evil series has earned a place in the gaming community. As a new release, Resident Evil Requiem approaches, fans are enthused to explore the ninth major installment in the series.

“I’m definitely planning on watching somebody else play it, because I can’t afford Resident Evil games,” junior Ryleigh Smith said. “But I like watching people play it, it’s funny to see their reactions.”

As for the gameplay itself, the new addition to the series will lean more toward psychological horror than survival horror, much like Resident Evil Biohazard and Resident Evil Village.  Although Resident Evil was largely known for survival horror, newer games such as RE7 and RE8 have introduced more aspects of psychological horror into the series.

“I really enjoyed seeing the Dimitrescu sisters in Resident Evil 8,” Smith said. “It added to the psychological horror aspect. I’m excited to see more psychological horror in the series because I feel like it has a better effect than survival horror.”

FBI agent and investigator Grace Ashcroft will be introduced in the new game, serving as its main protagonist as she works to find answers for her mother’s mysterious death. Additionally, fan-favorite character Leon Kennedy will be making his return. It is set to release tomorrow and will be available to purchase and play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

“I’m excited to see Leon return,” Smith said. “I like it when they bring back old characters because it feels nostalgic, and it surprises me. It’s interesting how the characters don’t just leave after one game and get replaced, but they randomly appear in future games when you least expect them. There’s usually a big plot twist, too.”