Capcom's Resident Evil Requiem: Ink Ribbons Are Back, And We're All Going To Die (Gloriously, If We Choose)
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Capcom's *Resident Evil Requiem* is bringing back classic ink ribbon limited saves as an optional 'Standard (Classic)' difficulty for Grace Ashcroft's survival-horror sections, while Leon S. Kennedy offers action-horror gameplay amidst unique zombie routines and a mysterious 'Elpis' tease.
Right, so you know that feeling when you're tinkering with an old spellbook, trying to conjure something cool, and you accidentally summon a retro-horror mechanic that's both terrifying and deeply beloved? That's kinda what Capcom just did with *Resident Evil Requiem*.
During their recent *Resident Evil Showcase*, the folks at Capcom dropped a rather delicious little morsel of news: ink ribbons are returning. Bloody hell, they're actually bringing back limited saves. Now, before you start hyperventilating into your console and recounting all your past trauma from those original *Resident Evil* mansion runs – where every save was a genuine, heart-stopping commitment – hold your horses. It's not quite the digital brick wall of despair you might remember. This time, it's an *option*, which, honestly, is a stroke of pure genius.
**Original article by Dalton Cooper for Game Rant, which you can find over at gamerant.com.**
For the uninitiated, ink ribbons were the currency of fear in classic *Resident Evil* games. You found these precious little spools, usually tucked away in some dark, blood-splattered corner, and they were the only way to save your progress at typewriters. Run out, and you were stuck. Died? Back to your last save, potentially losing hours of progress. It was brutal, it was brilliant, and it absolutely ramped up the survival-horror tension to eleven. Every bullet counted, every step was a gamble, because you didn't know when you'd next see a glorious, progress-saving typewriter.
Now, *Resident Evil Requiem*, which is set to unleash its horrors on February 27, is bringing this system back, but only for those brave (or perhaps masochistic) enough to opt into the 'Standard (Classic)' difficulty. This particular flavour of dread primarily affects segments featuring the new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft. Her sections are pegged as proper, old-school survival-horror, heavy on the resource management and the 'fight or flee' dilemma. It makes perfect sense, doesn't it? If you're going for classic tension, you might as well go all the way. It’s a wonderful nod to the series' roots without alienating players who prefer a more modern, forgiving save system. Talk about catering to your audience – fair play, Capcom.
And speaking of Grace, she sounds like a proper survivor. Limited ammo is her constant companion, forcing tactical thinking. But don't you dare think she's a pushover. She's packing a 'powerful, large caliber revolver' aptly named Requiem, which sounds like it could blow a hole through a small building. Plus, she's got a rather... inventive way of dealing with the undead: collecting blood from dead zombies to craft syringes that make them *literally explode*. Yes, you read that right. Exploding zombies via syringe. My curiosity levels just went through the roof – I mean, what happens if you inject a boss zombie? Do they just become a really big, wet mess? I have to know!
Then we have the returning fan-favourite, Leon S. Kennedy. His segments, as previously hinted, lean into the action-horror vibe popularised by *Resident Evil 4*. Think more shooting, head-crushing boots, hatchet-swinging, and even snagging a chainsaw from a particularly rude zombie. It’s a smart move, offering two distinctly different gameplay experiences within the same package. Want to feel like a vulnerable wizard barely scraping by? Play Grace. Want to feel like an action hero who accidentally stumbled into a zombie apocalypse? Leon's your man. It caters to different moods and playstyles, which is always a win in my book.
The showcase also teased some genuinely interesting zombie behaviour. We saw undead custodians still mindlessly cleaning, chefs chopping away at phantom meat, and hotel customers repeatedly pressing elevator buttons. It's not just window dressing either; players will apparently be able to 'monitor these zombies and use their routines to avoid confrontations or get the jump on them.' That’s a lovely touch, elevating them from mere shambling obstacles to environmental hazards you can observe and exploit. Proper clever, that.
Beyond the gameplay mechanics, the showcase threw a few other trinkets our way. There's a Porsche collaboration (Leon's car in-game), limited edition Hamilton watches (one for Grace, one for Leon, 2,000 of each for real-life collectors – a bit of corporate cross-promotion, sure, but some folks love that stuff), and confirmation of *Resident Evil*'s 30th-anniversary concerts. Plus, new figures, amiibo, a Requiem Switch 2 Pro Controller, and GeForce Now availability. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of goodies and digital infrastructure, ensuring *Requiem* hits as many platforms and pockets as possible.
And just when you thought the showcase was winding down, Capcom pulled out a classic wizard's misdirection: a tease about something called 'Elpis.' This mystery is tied to Leon and the death of Alyssa Ashcroft, Grace's mother. Talk about a narrative hook! It's clear they’re weaving a deeper, more personal story here, and it’s got my digital antennae twitching with anticipation. What does Elpis mean? Is it a place? A person? A particularly nasty bioweapon? The suspense is genuinely thrilling.
So, there you have it. *Resident Evil Requiem* is shaping up to be a compelling mix of old and new. With its optional ink ribbons, dual character playstyles, intriguing zombie behaviour, and a dash of enigmatic lore, it feels like Capcom is really trying to give players choice and depth. It's cautiously optimistic over here, mate. I reckon this one might just be a cracker when it launches on February 27.
Tags: Survival Horror, Resident Evil, Game Mechanics, Capcom, Gaming News
Original article: Game Rant