Nioh 3 Review

Resident Evil: Requiem (also known as Resident Evil 9) represents a bold new chapter in Capcom’s legendary survival horror franchise, promising to return the series to its terrifying origins after years of experimentation. With the franchise oscillating between tense horror and full-scale action over the past two decades, Requiem appears poised to balance both elements—merging atmospheric dread with modern storytelling and technical polish.

The game follows Grace Ashcroft, an FBI technical analyst drawn to investigate a string of grisly murders at the decaying Wrenwood Hotel, the same place where her mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, was mysteriously killed years before. This personal connection injects an emotional core into the story and ties back to older Resident Evil lore, enriching the series’ continuity. Grace isn’t a hardened combatant like Leon Kennedy or Chris Redfield; instead, she’s an ordinary woman forced to face extraordinary horrors. Her vulnerability amplifies the fear and grounds the narrative in human fragility.

One of Requiem’s standout innovations is its dual camera system, allowing players to switch freely between first-person and third-person perspectives. This flexible design makes the game accessible to both traditional fans and those who prefer the immersive intensity of the newer titles. The change also reinforces Capcom’s intent to blend the best elements of the franchise’s history—combining the claustrophobic tension of Resident Evil 7 with the strategic, over-the-shoulder precision of Resident Evil 2 Remake.

Visually, Requiem looks extraordinary. Built on an upgraded RE Engine, it showcases atmospheric lighting, lifelike textures, and intricate environmental details. The Wrenwood Hotel’s crumbling corridors, flickering lights, and ghostly echoes create a palpable sense of dread. The horror relies less on jump scares and more on unsettling subtlety—objects shifting on their own, whispers in the dark, or faint shadows passing just out of sight. The result is a return to psychological terror that feels deeply unsettling.

Gameplay mechanics emphasize survival over combat. Ammunition and resources are scarce, forcing players to rely on stealth, evasion, and puzzle-solving rather than brute force. A persistent, intelligent enemy stalks Grace throughout the story, ensuring tension never fades. Each encounter feels consequential, demanding careful planning and composure under pressure. This deliberate pacing recalls the spirit of classic Resident Evil—where every bullet, every choice, and every scream matters.

Despite high anticipation, Requiem carries certain risks. Balancing fear with frustration will be crucial; if Grace feels too powerless, the experience could alienate players who expect occasional empowerment. Likewise, the stalking mechanic must remain unpredictable to avoid repetition. Expectations are immense, and Capcom faces the challenge of delivering something that feels genuinely frightening yet modern and emotionally resonant.

Still, early impressions suggest Resident Evil: Requiem could be a defining moment for the franchise. It promises to fuse the unsettling atmosphere of the early games with the cinematic quality of the newer ones. If Capcom succeeds, Requiem may stand beside Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 7 as one of the series’ finest achievements. Dark, elegant, and unnervingly human, Resident Evil: Requiem is shaping up to be a haunting reminder of what survival horror is meant to be.

Technically, Nioh 3 pushes the limits of the developer’s engine. Dynamic weather, realistic lighting, and detailed character animation create a striking visual world. Snow drifts across battlefields, armor clinks with weight, and sparks fly from clashing swords. The game’s sound design—howling winds, haunting chants, and the metallic ring of a perfect parry—further enhances immersion.Character creation and build customization return deeper than ever. Players can once again shape their protagonist’s skills, guardian spirits, and weapon proficiencies. Equipment crafting and loot systems have been streamlined for clarity, ensuring depth without unnecessary grind. Team Ninja has also hinted at continued post-launch expansions, suggesting a long-term commitment to content and replayability.