Gaming Trends: Resident Evil Requiem & Poppy Playtime Chapter 5
- Rob Miller
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
April 11, 2026
Hello there...Rob here finally. Yes, finally here with some thoughts on two games from familiar gaming series. First we have Poppy Playtime Chapter 5: Broken Things, which was released on February 18.
Poppy Playtime Chapter 5: Broken Things
I was a backseat gamer for this one, while a friend of mine played it and I will say that it is darker than the last two chapters. We are now in the domain of The Prototype. Not only are we in its domain, but we finally get to see what it looks like. Here are a few points to look at courtesy of Stream and MKAU Gaming...
The Gameplay Experience
Players often describe the experience as "insane" and "the darkest chapter yet". It moves away from the brighter factory sections into the Labs, the "underworld" of Playtime Co.. A typical playthrough lasts about 3.5 to 5 hours, characterized by a constant sense of being watched rather than just jumping at scares
From Stream
The Best Parts
The Narrative Payoff: Long-standing fan theories are finally confirmed or debunked, particularly regarding Poppy’s true identity and the origin of the Prototype.
Visual Atmosphere: Using Unreal Engine 5, the "dollhouse" and "surgical experiment" areas are praised for being the most polished and unsettling environments in the series.
Major Reveals: Seeing the Prototype’s face for the first time is a massive highlight for the community.
From Stream
The Puzzles
Puzzles in Chapter 5 are significantly more complex than previous entries, often involving:
New GrabPack Tools: Using UV light to reveal hidden codes and new electrical conduction mechanics.
Multi-layered Challenges: Solving "upside-down power puzzles" and managing resources while navigating environmental obstacles.
High-Stakes Logic: Some puzzles are built directly into chase sequences, requiring players to solve problems while being actively hunted.
From MKAU Gaming
Least Favorite Elements (The Cons)
Frustrating Chase Mechanics: Specifically, the Lily Lovebraids chase is heavily criticized for being a "nightmare" of trial and error, where players die repeatedly with very little time to react.
Pacing Issues: Critics felt the game was "stretched too thin" with too many puzzles placed between story beats, sometimes making the experience feel like "filler".
Confusing Ending: The conclusion leaves players on a massive cliffhanger that some felt was designed more to set up Chapter 6 than to provide a satisfying ending to the current story.
From Stream
My thoughts (short style): I certainly agree about the visuals, the lore, and how we get to see what the Prototype finally looks like, the connection between the Prototype and Poppy, and the introduction of a few new faces.
The puzzles are always challenging, but this time you really needed to put your thinking cap on! The pacing felt long, but I somehow knew there wasn't going to be an ending, we are definitely going into Chapter 6.
Game Grade: B-
Resident Evil Requiem
The ninth installment was released back in February 26 earlier this year and I have to say that it sits up there with 7 and 8, my two favorites. This one is also becoming a favorite!
Requiem begins with FBI intelligence analyst Grace Ashcroft who is sent to investigate a body that was found at the Wrenwood Hotel, where her mother was murdered eight-years ago. Meanwhile, our legendary hero, Leon S. Kennedy is back, who is also on the case. When our characters meet, they go on a journey of truth and discovery of the true behind the scenes of Racoon City's demise.
I did research what others have said about the game, but I did play and what I say is that story wise is pretty good. Visuals are stunningly clear, each detail didn't go to waste. As with every Resident Evil games, you collect your important stuff to make weapons and things.
It's good to see Leon back, not as a rookie, but this time as a seasoned veteran. You can play as a third person for both characters, but I really like to play that for Leon. As for Grace you can play first person, experiencing the horror she goes through.
When you play as Leon, you feel confident to kick some major ass, nothing get's past by him. As Grace you don't feel confident, but you are going through some horrors as a first time FBI rookie. They each head back to Racoon City, where it all began. Both discover some very interesting truths of the abandoned city. In all, I love this game, for the lore and stories behind the franchise, visuals, and all.
Game Grade: A +
Ok, now that I have finally put my two cents in, it's time to go, but I'm still searching for more games to play and be a backseat gamer too. Later!
Featured and other images: Wix Media, PlayRatedGames, Fandom Wire, Poppy Playtime Wiki-Fandom, Crunchyroll, XBox Wire, and GameReactor
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