Resident Evil Requiem director encourages players to question Leon’s choices when faced with the menacing “hot uncle” wielding a bloody axe.

Resident Evil Requiem’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, reveals that Leon Kennedy’s weapon choice in the upcoming ninth installment of the horror franchise is a deliberate move to make players question his mental state.

In a recent interview, Nakanishi shared insights about Leon’s return as a significantly older character compared to his last appearance. The team at Capcom was acutely aware of the transformations he would have undergone over the years. Aging has given him a “hot uncle” vibe, complemented by a design that’s sure to catch attention, but it also brings forth a “ruthless anger.”

“Leon is back in this game, and we really explored the question of ‘what kind of person would Leon become? What thoughts would he have?'” Nakanishi explained. “This version of Leon has been through countless battles; he carries a world-weary demeanor and radiates a fierce anger.”

This evolution in Leon’s character has influenced the decision to alter his primary combat style. In Requiem, he wields an ax as his main weapon, symbolizing the internal shifts he has experienced.

“A representation of this change in attitude is that Leon uses an ax as his primary weapon in this game,” Nakanishi elaborated. “When you play, you might find yourself thinking, ‘What’s going on with you, Leon?’ as he swings his bloody ax. That’s the reaction we’re aiming for.”

Nakanishi also noted that Resident Evil Requiem underwent significant changes midway through its six-year development, returning to the narrative roots of the first six games.