Resident Evil Requiem devs "tried to make a genuine horror game with Leon," but realised fans would rather have him splatter zombies than be "timid"

The upcoming Resident Evil Requiem is looking very violent and gory indeed, with an inordinate amount of gruesome calamity on offer. It wasn't always intended to be this way, though, as the original concept involved Leon going on a stealthy mission, but the devs thought better of subduing the franchise mainstay.

"We actually tried to make a genuine horror game with Leon," Koshi Nakanishi, director of Requiem, says during a showcase for the game, "but sure enough, we thought that people wouldn't want to see a timid Leon. That was the overwhelming opinion, at least."

The latest footage centres on the former Raccoon Police Department recruit, showing all the ways he can put the boot into zombified enemies. If you haven't watched yet, I can tell you it’s quite a lot. His strain of the narrative serves as a counterpoint to fellow protagonist, and Grace Ashcroft, a fresh face for the series.

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She's "entrenched in the horror aspects of the gameplay," the showcase tells us, skulking around and making strategic choices based on ammo count and how many flesh-hungry undead are shambling around. Her part of the narrative delivers the anxiety, while Leon lets you channel all that frustration and restraint into mashing a zombie head into the wall behind.

"Each part is ordered to offer the ultimate balance of tension and release," Nakahashi states. Interestingly, there's a Classic mode available that employs ink ribbons for saves, but only on Grace's side. I get a sense her arc models the first three Resi games, where Leon swings in with encounters shaped from the stuff of 4, 5 and 8.

There are myriad ways to indulge in the carnage with him too, as Requiem invites you to shoot off separate limbs and body parts of whatever you’re facing. There's a distinct Dead Space vibe here that is completely and utterly delicious to me, and that's just how Leon would want it. Resident Evil Requiem arrives on February 26.

Resident Evil Requiem producer says "Leon's counterpart" Grace is "easily frightened" because you're meant to relate to her – but I think even horror vets should be disturbed by a monster who sniffs your stink