Following official affirmation that Leon S. Kennedy will co-star in Resident Evil: Requiem, the sport’s builders have confirmed how a lot we’ll be taking part in as the floppy-hair favourite — and it is excellent news for his followers.
Chatting with Automaton, director Akifumi Nakanishi revealed that Requiem options practically equal screentime between Leon and the previously-revealed Grace Ashcroft.
“By way of gameplay, Grace and Leon’s playable sections are virtually equally break up,” Nakanishi mentioned, likening the sport’s construction as just like Resident Evil: Revelations, which featured each Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine.
“It is virtually like having two video games with utterly several types of rigidity combined collectively,” Nakanishi continued. “Early on, we frightened gamers won’t be capable to sustain, however now we really feel that the distinction offers the sport a distinctive rhythm, like leaping into a chilly bathtub after sitting in a sizzling sauna (laughs).”
Nakanishi went on to explain Leon’s playable sections as a “launch” after the extreme horror of taking part in as the less-experienced Grace. However do not count on Leon’s gameplay to be a doddle — as the hero will even put himself at risk to guard others. Certainly Capcom will not kill him off?
“The battle this time will most likely push Leon to his limits greater than ever earlier than, and that is a essential a part of the expertise,” Nakanishi famous. “He is the sort who would not hesitate to sacrifice himself to save lots of others, however he isn’t conceited about it, and he has a passionate inside self. I hope you may additionally stay up for the dry wit and refined sarcasm that solely an older man can carry.”
Capcom is aware of that Leon has a passionate set of followers, and it feels like the sport will lean into that — making him a “good-looking” determine who’s “cool personality-wise too.” Final night time’s trailer confirmed him driving a custom-built Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, one thing Capcom has secured an official license from the automotive firm to incorporate.
“Though he’s a character who carries a lot on his shoulders, we took a lot of care in refining him to be an ‘ikeoji’ (a cool/engaging older man),” Nakanishi concluded. “The reactions to the trailer on that entrance have made us completely satisfied (laughs).”
Regardless of Leon’s involvement now being confirmed, Requiem should still have secrets and techniques left in retailer. There was no point out tonight of a potential third playable character — one thing raised earlier this week by a GameStop itemizing that referenced Rosemary Winters. Be sure you try every part introduced at The Sport Awards 2025 for extra, as nicely as the winners listing in full.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You possibly can attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social