Resident Evil Requiem stands as the pinnacle of the modern series, yet its conclusion is marred by a binary choice that feels like an irritating echo of Resident Evil 7’s most frustrating ultimatum. Despite the game’s stellar combat, inventive puzzles, and relentless horror, the final sequence forces players into a narrative crossroads that undermines the experience.
The Burden of the Final Choice
After navigating the ruins of Raccoon City and the depths of the ARK facility, players—as Grace—are tasked with a high-stakes decision: release or destroy Elpis. Zeno dangles the promise of sparing Leon’s life in exchange for the release, creating a moment of artificial tension. Choosing to save Leon is clearly the “correct” path, as Elpis is revealed to be a cure rather than a virus, leading to a satisfying conclusion, a boss fight against a Nemesis-form Victor Gideon, and a canon ending that sees the BSAA intervene.
Why the “Bad Ending” Feels Unnecessary
Conversely, opting not to release Elpis triggers a non-canon “bad ending” where ARK collapses and Leon dies. The game effectively punishes the player for this choice, even offering the option to retry the decision. This inclusion begs the question: if this path is clearly non-canonical and narratively inferior, why does it exist? It serves only as a reminder of the poorly implemented choice mechanics found in Resident Evil 7.
The Shadow of Resident Evil 7
The frustration stems from the precedent set by Resident Evil 7, where players were forced to choose between saving Mia or Zoe. I opted to save Zoe, feeling that Mia’s deceitful nature throughout the game made her a liability. However, this choice was rendered meaningless when Mia reappeared in Resident Evil 8, completely invalidating the player’s agency.
While Requiem’s final choice doesn’t cause the same degree of narrative whiplash as the Mia situation, it remains a tired trope. Forcing players to “fail” a choice that is obviously non-canon adds nothing to the gameplay loop. Even if we dismiss the bad ending as a failed skill check, it is difficult to shake the feeling that the developers are leaning on a gimmick that the series has outgrown.
