Resident Evil Requiem's Leon Focus Has Fans Excited And Worried

"The older version of the Raccoon City cop will co-lead the upcoming survival horror game alongside new hero Grace Ashcroft when it launches on February 27. For some, this reveal was a moment of celebration, as Leon is a fan-favorite character who hasn't been playable in a mainline game since 2012's Resident Evil 6 (though he's playable in two of Capcom's more recent remakes), but for others, the fact that Grace doesn't have the spotlight to herself is a disappointment."

"So imagine everyone's surprise when Leon showed up with a small arsenal, his trademark cheesy one-liners, and much more action-focused gameplay. Capcom says that will be a roughly 50/50 split between the two characters, which sounds like a good way to keep the game from getting stale, at least. But some feel that Resident Evil is leaning too heavily on its original cast of characters, and that the series could use some new blood."

"After two games starring the deliberately nondescript Ethan Winters, and most of the games before that passing the protagonist ball back and forth between Leon, Jill Valentine, and the Redfield siblings, fans were excited about Grace and Resident Evil putting the spotlight on a relative unknown. She has ties to previous games through her mother Alyssa Ashcroft, who appeared in the games, but Grace is the first new Resident Evil hero in a hot minute."

Capcom confirmed Leon Kennedy will co-lead Resident Evil Requiem alongside new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, with the game launching on February 27. Marketing positioned Grace as the central figure with a survival-horror, puzzle-focused playstyle. Leon's inclusion introduces more action-focused gameplay, his signature one-liners, and a small arsenal. Capcom describes a roughly 50/50 gameplay split between the two characters. Fans reacted variably: some celebrate Leon's return as a favorite, while others are disappointed that Grace no longer has sole spotlight and worry the series relies on established characters rather than new heroes.

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