A fan explains their love for the Resident Evil Requiem game and its iconic character, Leon S. Kennedy.

As the 30th anniversary of Resident Evil approaches, I can't help but feel nostalgic about my love for the series. I remember playing the original game as a child and now, looking back, it's hard to believe how much time has passed. But despite the years that have gone by, my passion for Resident Evil has only grown stronger.

I have been a dedicated fan of the franchise for three decades now, having played almost every game in the series. There's something about the brain-eating zombies and grotesque mutations that draws me in like a comforting meal. There's nothing quite like the thrill and terror of playing a new Resident Evil game.

As I sit down to write this, I find it difficult to explain the appeal of the games to even another fan. Since Resident Evil 4, the games have become more action-oriented, but they didn't start out that way. And while they can be frightening at times, especially in Resident Evil Requiem, they are more often tense than truly scary.

One of the things that I love about the series is its ongoing story, spanning 30 years. However, it's complete nonsense and the scripts are always terrible - which is part of its charm. The games can be unintentionally funny, but they're not outright comedies like Army Of Darkness or Shaun Of The Dead.

They strike the perfect balance between being third person combat games and having a strong story. Surprisingly for a Japanese franchise, the boss battles are often forgettable. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more.

Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning, it's a must-read for any fan of the series. Resident Evil has been imitated countless times, but it remains a unique experience. Even today, it's hard to tell how much of the campy and corny elements are intentional.

The character of Leon S. Kennedy, introduced in Resident Evil 4, is a prime example of this. He's always been the funniest of the main characters, with his bad jokes and one-liners.

And let's not forget his iconic hair and rugged stubble. He may be 50 in Requiem, but he certainly doesn't look or move like it. Perhaps the idea is that he's aging with the games and their audience.

In Requiem, almost everything that comes out of Leon's mouth is hilarious - from dad jokes to his ultra-confident delivery as an invincible video game character. It's no surprise that the game has been a major success, becoming the fastest-selling entry in the series. And with the 30th anniversary on the horizon, we can only imagine what surprises Capcom has in store for us.

It's heartening to see that big budget single-player games like Resident Evil can still be successful in a market dominated by multiplayer and microtransactions. It's a testament to the strength of the series and its dedicated fanbase. For me, Resident Evil will always be the perfect video game.

The gameplay is top-notch, the storytelling is entertaining, and the graphics are stunning. But what sets it apart is its unique blend of weirdness and fantasy that can only be achieved through a video game. While the Resident Evil movies may be considered schlock, just like the games, they lack the same DNA that makes the games so entertaining.

The dialogue may be cheesy, but everything else is the best it can be. The mix of elements that make up Resident Evil only works because it's a video game. It allows players to put their own spin on things and read between the lines, creating a truly immersive experience.

As a longtime fan, it's exciting to see the future looking bright for my favorite video game series.