It’s been nearly a decade since Capcom first introduced the RE Engine with Resident Evil 7, and the technology has matured into something truly formidable. Now, with the release of Resident Evil Requiem, the franchise is not just pushing boundaries—it’s redefining what survival horror looks and feels like on modern consoles. As fans dive into the game, they’re discovering not only a visually stunning experience, but also a campaign packed with replayability and challenge.
The leap in technical achievement is perhaps most evident on the PlayStation 5 Pro. According to Digital Foundry, the PS5 Pro version of Resident Evil Requiem is a showcase for the RE Engine’s full capabilities. From the very first moments, players are greeted by rain-soaked city streets so detailed and atmospheric that they set a new bar for environmental effects, lighting, and ray tracing. "Capcom’s ambition is on clear display in the first moments of the game – the rain-soaked city streets delivering a masterclass in detail, effects, lighting and RT features. It sets the stage for a game that’s a stunning showcase for the RE Engine," reported Digital Foundry.
The PS5 Pro’s ray tracing mode is particularly impressive, achieving a mostly locked 60 frames per second while delivering image quality that appears close to native 4K. This is accomplished through a sophisticated temporal upscaling solution, which takes a base resolution just over 1080p and transforms it into an image that rivals true 4K. Ray tracing isn’t just a buzzword here—it brings transformative reflections and global illumination, although some minor artifacts do pop up from time to time. For those with displays that support it, the 120Hz mode offers consistently high performance, albeit at the expense of ray tracing and upscaling, resulting in a slightly softer image reminiscent of PC’s FSR1 scaling. Yet, thanks to VRR support, the action remains smooth.
Character models are another highlight. The realism is striking: high-quality materials, lifelike cloth rendering, nuanced skin shading, and eye refraction all combine to bring protagonists and foes alike to life. The strand-based hair system, first introduced in the Resident Evil 4 remake, returns here with improved efficiency and visual integration. And, as Digital Foundry notes, these models are “some of the best I’ve seen in a video game.”
When it comes to cross-platform performance, the PS5 Pro stands out as the definitive console experience. The Xbox Series X delivers a similar performance to the base PS5, with slightly higher than native 1080p upscaling, while the Series S dials things back further, scaling up from a 720p base and omitting features like the hair strand system. Image quality is lower on the Series S, but performance remains smooth. Across all platforms, the game boasts excellent black levels and 3D audio design, which not only enhances the atmosphere but also helps players pinpoint enemy positions—a vital tool in any survival horror adventure.
Of course, technical prowess is only part of the story. How long will it take players to unravel all the horrors that Resident Evil Requiem has to offer? As with many entries in the series, the answer depends heavily on play style. According to GamesRadar, an average first playthrough—mixing story progression, exploration, and a bit of collectible hunting—takes around 14 hours. Those who stick strictly to the main story can finish in about 9 hours, while completionists who scour every corner and solve every puzzle may find themselves clocking in between 16 and 18 hours.
IGN staffers echoed this range in their own playthroughs. Jesse Gomez, a senior video producer, completed his first run in just under nine hours on Standard (Modern) difficulty, meticulously tracking down nearly every collectible. On a second, more aggressive run through the unlockable Insanity difficulty, he managed to finish in just over four and a half hours—though not without a few harrowing encounters. Dale Driver, associate director of video programming, took a more thorough approach, spending 16 hours to reach the credits after collecting every antique coin and safe code. He noted that prior experience with a preview build gave him a slight edge, likely shaving an hour or two off his total time.
Other IGN editors reported times that fell comfortably within the expected range. Tristan Ogilvie rolled credits in just over 10 hours for one ending, then added another 30 minutes to see the alternate conclusion. Matt Purslow wrapped up his playthrough in 11 hours, describing it as “reasonably thorough but not fully completionist.” Brian Altano, meanwhile, spent about 12 and a half hours on Standard (Classic) difficulty, immersing himself in every secret, collectible, and easter egg he could find. He plans to invest upwards of 40 hours into the game, especially with the lure of post-game challenges and the potential for future DLC.
Replayability is a cornerstone of the Resident Evil formula, and Requiem is no exception. Completing the campaign unlocks a New Game Plus mode, which offers new weapons, items, and various rewards. This encourages players to revisit the game, try new challenges, and attempt speed runs—some of which come with their own unique rewards, like finishing without using a single healing item. The unlockable Insanity difficulty promises a punishing experience for those brave (or foolhardy) enough to attempt it. "There’s one specific Mr. Raccoon bobblehead I definitely wouldn’t have found without the help of IGN’s guides guru," said Brian Altano, highlighting the depth of secrets waiting to be discovered.
Players can step into the shoes of both Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy, each offering a different perspective and play style. The campaign’s branching paths and multiple endings add further incentive to replay and experiment. As Matt Purslow pointed out, “11 hours is pretty typical for a Resident Evil game, but relatively slender compared to many of today’s massive, RPG-style games, and so a second playthrough is certainly on the cards.”
In terms of audio and atmosphere, Resident Evil Requiem continues the series tradition of immersive, pulse-pounding design. The 3D audio not only builds tension but also serves a practical purpose, allowing players to track the movements of lurking enemies. Black levels have been improved over previous entries, ensuring that the game’s many shadowy environments look crisp and foreboding rather than muddy or indistinct.
All told, Resident Evil Requiem stands as a testament to Capcom’s technical ambition and commitment to the survival horror genre. With its refined graphics, robust campaign, and wealth of replay options, it’s no wonder that critics and fans alike are hailing it as one of the best entries in the series. Whether you’re in it for the story, the scares, or the speed runs, there’s something here for every kind of player. And for those hungry for even more, the promise of future content ensures that the nightmare is far from over.