Resident Evil Requiem is a masterclass in how to evolve a long-running franchise while still honoring exactly what made it great in the first place. Going in, I was a little skeptical of the split gameplay, but it completely blew my expectations out of the water.

The absolute standout feature of Requiem is how refreshing the gameplay split feels. You get a total, whiplash-inducing contrast in the best way possible. Grace’s sections deliver pure, suffocating survival horror where you feel genuinely helpless, and just when the tension gets to be almost too much, it shifts. Suddenly, you're playing as Leon in high-octane action combat. The pacing between the two is handled perfectly.

Grace is an incredibly vulnerable, realistic protagonist. Her voice acting and motion capture work are absolutely flawless, making you feel every ounce of her fear. Similarly, Gideon is a massive highlight; his voice actor did an astounding job bringing a complex, memorable presence to the screen.

Leon is BACK, and he's as great as ever. Without venturing into spoiler territory, seeing him alongside other legacy characters making their appearances feels incredibly rewarding for longtime fans of the series.

Honestly, there isn't much to complain about, but if I have to nitpick (and echoing some common sentiments from the community):

As is tradition with almost every Resident Evil game, the final act leans a bit heavier into explosive action and loses a tiny bit of the atmospheric dread built up during Grace’s earlier chapters.

While it is amazing to see other legacy characters return, a few of their appearances feel a bit brief. You'll definitely be left wanting more screen time for some fan favorites.

Whether you are here for the terrifying, methodical horror or the slick, third-person action, Requiem delivers on both fronts without compromising either. It’s a beautifully optimized, incredibly well-acted love letter to the franchise. Don't skip this one.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterclass in how to evolve the classic turn-based RPG formula, but more importantly, it is an absolute triumph of interactive storytelling. Going in, I knew the game looked gorgeous, but nothing could have prepared me for how deeply and profoundly this experience would break my heart.

The absolute standout feature of Expedition 33 is how engaging the combat feels. You get the methodical, deep menu-planning of a classic RPG instantly paired with twitch-reflex active mechanics. Executing precise dodges, parries, and timed combo attacks keeps you glued to the screen, turning every boss fight into a high-stakes, cinematic dance.

The deeply emotional narrative is anchored by some of the rawest, most stellar voice acting in gaming. The crew of 33 feels incredibly grounded and human. You feel every ounce of their desperation and determination, making even their flawed, self-destructive choices completely understandable. There were several times I simply had to put the controller down because the story beats were so intensely poignant; honestly, this is probably the most I've ever cried playing a game.

Elevating every single one of those heavy moments is a flawless, haunting soundtrack. Lorien Testard’s utterly transcendent score is easily one of the greatest RPG soundtracks of the decade. The sweeping strings and operatic vocals swell during the most devastating narrative beats and effortlessly kick into high gear during combat, constantly magnifying the emotional weight of everything on screen.

Whether you are here for the slick, highly active turn-based combat or the breathtakingly emotional narrative, Expedition 33 delivers on all fronts. It’s an impeccably acted, beautifully scored love letter to the RPG genre that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Do not miss this.