Resident Evil Requiem Revives Ink Ribbons and Classic Survival Tension

Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be a deliberate blend of old and new, combining modern design choices with classic survival-horror mechanics. During the recent Resident Evil Showcase, Capcom confirmed that the iconic ink ribbon save system is making a return—but only for players who actively want that added layer of tension.

Scheduled to launch on February 27, Resident Evil Requiem introduces a new protagonist while welcoming back one of the franchise’s most recognizable faces.

🧟 A Return to Limited Saves—On Your Terms

One of the biggest reveals from the showcase was the return of ink ribbons, a mechanic closely associated with early Resident Evil titles. Rather than forcing limited saves on everyone, Capcom has made this feature optional through difficulty selection.

Ink ribbons only apply in Standard (Classic) mode
Players must find ribbons in the world to save progress
Other difficulties allow modern, more flexible saving

This approach gives longtime fans the nostalgic challenge they crave without locking out newer players who prefer a smoother experience.

🎮 Dual Protagonists, Two Horror Styles

Resident Evil Requiem features Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy as playable characters, each offering a distinct gameplay tone.

Grace’s sections lean heavily into traditional survival-horror
Leon’s gameplay focuses on action-horror, similar to Resident Evil 4
The contrast allows players to experience tension and power in different ways

Grace must carefully manage limited ammunition and decide whether to fight or escape, while Leon’s segments emphasize aggressive combat and weapon variety.

🧠 Smarter Zombies and Environmental Awareness

The showcase also highlighted a new take on enemy behavior. Zombies in Resident Evil Requiem retain habits from their former lives.

Examples include:

A custodian continuing to clean
A chef endlessly chopping meat
A hotel guest pressing elevator buttons

Players can observe these routines to avoid encounters or plan ambushes, adding a layer of strategy that rewards patience and awareness.

🔫 Grace’s Tools and Tactical Survival

Despite her more vulnerable playstyle, Grace isn’t defenseless.

She wields a powerful large-caliber revolver called Requiem
Blood collected from defeated zombies can be used for crafting
Crafted tools include syringes capable of causing explosive effects

These mechanics reinforce the idea that survival depends on smart decisions rather than raw firepower.

🎉 More Than Just Gameplay Reveals

Beyond combat, Capcom confirmed several additional announcements:

A Porsche collaboration featuring Leon’s in-game car
Limited-edition Hamilton watches for both protagonists
Global concerts celebrating Resident Evil’s 30th anniversary
New collectible figures, amiibo, and a Switch 2 Pro Controller
Availability on GeForce Now alongside other platforms

The showcase ended with a mysterious tease involving Elpis, connected to Leon and the death of Grace’s mother, Alyssa Ashcroft—details that remain intentionally vague.

🧩 Final Thoughts

Resident Evil Requiem appears to respect its roots without being constrained by them. By reintroducing ink ribbons as an optional difficulty feature, Capcom preserves classic survival tension while keeping the experience accessible. Combined with smarter enemies, dual gameplay styles, and a strong narrative hook, Requiem looks positioned to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.