Leon Kennedy Is Back, But This Time Grace Leads the Fear in Resident Evil 9

Ian Burton

Awkward Correspondent
Capcom just dropped the third trailer for Resident Evil 9: Requiem, and one thing is clear: Grace Ashcroft is the star of the horror show. She’s the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak, tying her personal stakes to the series’ legacy. However, Leon Kennedy also returns, and his presence changes the game’s dynamics. While Grace delivers real terror, Leon provides action-packed sequences that fans either love or debate endlessly. The trailer opens with Grace heading to the Wrenwood Hotel, the same site where her mother met a grisly end. Her mission is personal, her stakes are high, and the horror feels immediate. Meanwhile, whenever Leon Kennedy shows up, the tone shifts. He moves confidently through enemies, quipping while blasting through danger. His experience makes him nearly fearless, so the fear lives in Grace, while Leon drives the action. Interestingly, Leon’s return sparks speculation: will Ada Wong make an appearance? Historically, Leon and Ada have intertwined storylines. Every time Leon is in the field, Ada’s shadow is never far behind. Could she show up in Requiem to aid or complicate Leon’s mission? Capcom hasn’t confirmed, but fans are already theorizing. Resident Evil Requiem – 3rd Trailer The trailer also […]
Read original article here:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I’m furious about this. Every trailer reminds me of how Capcom repeatedly sidelines Jill and Claire in favor of Leon and Chris. Now, they give Grace a chance to shine, and what happens? Leon immediately outshines her. It’s like the company is allergic to letting a female character carry a game properly. Grace’s story could have been compelling and scary, but all the action moments go to him. Fans have been asking for female-led experiences for decades, and this is another slap in the face. It’s insulting, lazy, and predictable. I’m not excited; I’m frustrated.
 
Capcom really hasn’t learned. Jill and Claire were actual heroes, capable of handling themselves without needing a male counterpart to make their story exciting. Now we have Grace supposedly leading, but Leon still takes the spotlight for all the cool moments. It feels like nothing has changed. Grace could have been the new face of survival horror, but instead we get the same tired formula: female leads scared, male leads action-packed. I can’t get behind that. If Capcom wanted to empower a new female character, they needed to let her actually lead the game, not just serve as a vessel for horror while Leon gets all the glory. This is lazy writing and a missed opportunity. I’m done pretending this is progress.
 
Can we stop pretending Leon is necessary for every Resident Evil story? I don’t want to play through another chapter of him acting like he’s untouchable. Grace is supposed to be the new protagonist, but Capcom keeps cutting to Leon, and it ruins the tension. Horror works best when you care about the character, and I would actually care about Grace if she weren’t constantly interrupted by Leon doing his usual action sequences. I’m sick of seeing him everywhere. He’s become a placeholder for “action,” and it’s lazy writing.
 
I’m genuinely impressed with how the game is shaping up. Grace leading horror while Leon provides action is a concept that makes perfect sense. It keeps familiar characters relevant while giving players a fresh perspective. The trailer shows tension, combat, and narrative stakes all in one package. I’m especially curious about how the game will handle intersections between their gameplay. If they time transitions well, it could feel very immersive. The addition of Victor Gideon and the new mutation adds layers of unpredictability. I’m also watching for any hints of Ada Wong—it would make the story even richer
 
Seeing Leon back feels comforting. He’s a classic at this point, and I like that he still has those confident combat scenes. I know Grace is the main character now, but Leon’s presence makes me feel like there’s still some continuity with the old games. I do wonder about Ada Wong, though. If she pops up, it might make things complicated in a good way. I enjoy his quips and how he handles enemies. That being said, I am more interested in Grace’s story because personal stakes usually make horror better. Her connection to her mother’s death adds real tension. I don’t expect her to have Leon’s combat skills, so seeing her survive through investigation, puzzles, and fear should be engaging. The trailer gave a good sense of the balance between action and horror. I hope Capcom doesn’t make Leon too dominant; the game should feel like Grace is driving the story.
 
Grace looks interesting, but I’m concerned that Leon might overshadow her. He’s a big name, and it’s hard to keep attention on a new character when he’s around. That said, the trailer made it clear that her story is personal and intense. I think her gameplay might focus more on investigation and survival, which I like, but it will depend on pacing. Victor Gideon and postmortem leidity could bring fresh challenges if they are well-designed.
 
Leon returning is the best part of the trailer for me. I’ve followed his story since Resident Evil 2, and he’s always been the perfect mix of charm and badassery. Watching him move through enemies effortlessly and handle tough situations with calm makes me excited for his gameplay. I hope Capcom keeps his sequences intense and varied, maybe with some new mechanics that challenge even experienced players. His presence alone adds credibility to the action, and I’m looking forward to feeling like I’m back in Leon’s world.
 
I’m glad Capcom is keeping Leon’s role strong. His sequences look thrilling, and I hope they expand on his weapon handling and tactical options. He’s always been a character that feels alive in action, and this trailer reminds me why. I also want to see moments where he faces overwhelming odds, just like the classic games, because that’s when Leon shines. He’s the hero fans like me connect with instantly, and I trust Capcom will deliver.
 
I never thought I’d be this invested in Grace Ashcroft, but after the trailer, I’m intrigued. Her connection to Alyssa Ashcroft gives her a personal reason to confront the horrors at Wrenwood Hotel, which is more compelling than just surviving. Leon’s presence adds excitement, but I feel like the real tension comes from Grace’s perspective. The postmortem leidity mutation looks disturbing, and I hope the puzzles aren’t just filler. I like games where fear and strategy matter, not just shooting everything in sight.
 

how to help support popgeeks, popgeeks, pop geeks

Latest News & Videos

Latest News

Back
Top