If it wasn’t clear before, Resident Evil Requiem isn’t an open-world game. Producer Masato Kumazawa reaffirmed this (via translator) to GameSpot, but there have been rumors about Leon and larger levels that require transport. Coincidentally, Capcom is collaborating with Porsche for a custom Cayenne Turbo GT that serves as his ride. So what gives?
Kumazawa noted that the team went in a “different direction” from previous titles. Game director Koshi Nakanishi delved into further detail, once again reiterating that Grace’s gameplay is akin to Resident Evil 2 and Leon is closer to Resident Evil 4. The “technical side of things,” though? Well, that’s an altogether different and intriguing story.
“When talking about the technical side of things, the portrayal of characters, environments, and things like that, they’ve taken basically what they learned through 7 and 8, and of course, used that here,” said Nakanishi. “Again, the idea was basically to evolve the gameplay that was in [Resident Evil] 2 and 4. Beyond that, expression and artistic direction, a lot of the know-how from Resident 7 and 8 came into play.”
Consider for a moment that Resident Evil 7: biohazard and Resident Evil Village aren’t exactly open-world, but their areas are largely interconnected. And while players retread familiar ground, those two have notable hubs that serve to unite the whole. Can we affirm that Resident Evil Requiem is going in the same direction?
Even with rumors about Leon’s outdoor levels, it’s certainly possible, but what serves as the “hub” remains to be seen. Maybe there will be multiple hubs connected in this larger world. After all, Raccoon City isn’t the only location – see the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, where Victor Gideon is seemingly holed up.
Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Check out everything we currently know here.