Resident Evil’s ‘Addictive Fear’ Is Keenly Calibrated

February 28, 2026 - 01:26

The horror genre often leans on sudden shocks, but the creative force behind the latest Resident Evil installment aims for a deeper, more sustained dread. The director of the upcoming "Resident Evil Requiem" reveals a meticulous calibration of terror, drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of cinematic and television masters to build an atmosphere of addictive fear.

Moving beyond simple jump scares, the approach focuses on psychological tension and lingering unease. The director cites the oppressive, architectural horror of Stanley Kubrick’s "The Shining" as a key reference for crafting an environment that feels inherently wrong and threatening. Furthermore, the conspiratorial paranoia and unsettling monster design of "The X-Files" inform the game’s narrative pacing and creature concepts.

Perhaps most intriguing is the mention of "Weapons," the upcoming film from horror auteur David F. Sandberg. This highlights a study in sustained atmospheric horror, suggesting "Requiem" will prioritize a pervasive sense of doom over momentary frights. This deliberate synthesis of influences points to a game designed to get under the player’s skin, creating a chilling experience that resonates long after the controller is set down. The goal is a fear that is not just startling, but profoundly immersive and psychologically potent.