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Leon S. Kennedy: Ass-kicking Agent Extraordinaire
Hi, everyone!
It's time for another deep dive on a Resident Evil character just as beloved and iconic as Chris...
From Resident Evil 4 remake.
Leon S. Kennedy!
Leon first showed up in Resident Evil 2 in 1998, and would go on to appear in all sorts of media―most recently in the new Resident Evil 4 remake. He's the perennial hero, who shows no sign of slowing down!
In this article, I'll be shining a light on the rookie-cop-turned-agent and some of his exploits.
As an agent working directly for the U.S. president, Leon S. Kennedy does all he can to protect the country and its people.
Still, as badass as he is, Leon wasn't always a hardened, quippy agent. In Resident Evil 2, he was just a young, rookie cop looking to protect and serve. In 2019's remake of Resident Evil 2, we got to see him with a more modern, realistic look.
From Resident Evil 2 remake.
The iconic opening scene of the Resident Evil 2 remake shows Leon arriving in Raccoon City for the first time, but instead of being greeted by his future colleagues, he's met with a horde of zombies.
From Resident Evil 2 remake.
After escaping the initial onslaught by the skin of his teeth, Leon happens upon another survivor: Claire Redfield. The two of them then try to find a way out (separately) of the unimaginable hellscape that is Raccoon City. Man, they're both so freakin' awesome!
Leon in the Resident Evil 2 remake. Though just a rookie, he displays all the fortitude and courage of a seasoned officer.
Leon's desire to help people really shines in the scene with gun shop owner Kendo. Leon explains to Ada that helping people like him is why he joined the force. Even so, despite Leon's best intentions, he is unable to help Kendo, and instead has to watch him walk away to stay with his infected daughter. The scene really makes you feel the tragic side of the game's setting.
This scene in the Resident Evil 2 remake really drives home how hard Leon tries to do the right thing, no matter what.
While the younger, bright-eyed Leon is great, there's something special about the hardened, grown-up Leon we see in Resident Evil 6. And you've gotta love that stubble!
From Resident Evil 6.
Leon's story in Resident Evil 6 starts with him pointing his gun at a zombie. But it's not just any zombie... It's the man who helped make him the bio-terror-fighting agent he is: President Adam Benford. Leon pleads with his former mentor, but it's too late. Just as the zombified president is about to attack Leon's partner, Helena, Leon is forced to pull the trigger.
Though a supposed ally of Leon's, Helena admits that the entire incident is her fault. Plagued with uncertainty and doubt, Leon joins forces with Helena and attempts to uncover the truth behind the zombie outbreak.
Leon in Resident Evil 6 after shooting the president. As an agent, Leon did what he had to do for not only the country, but humanity, too...
One of Resident Evil 6's key features is the wide array of combat options players have. In addition to all the guns, there's melee, quick shots, dodging, counters, and more, making for a multitude of ways to take down enemies.
Leon in Resident Evil 6. Is there anything cooler than Leon dual-wielding pistols?!
The plane scene in Resident Evil 6. Piloting a plane is part of a U.S. agent's job description...right?
It's also great to see Leon and Ada reunited again! Leon coming to the rescue of Ada when she's in a pinch is peak badassery!
Despite their will-they-won't-they relationship, this scene makes you feel they've got each other's backs! From Resident Evil 6.
When it comes to the most memorable of Leon's adventures, it's got to be Resident Evil 4, the progenitor for the recent remake!
From Resident Evil 4.
After surviving the hell that was the Raccoon City Incident, Leon is now a seasoned U.S. agent working directly for the president. His newest mission is to rescue the president's daughter, Ashley Graham, who has been kidnapped. Leon heads to Europe to find her, but when arrives at a remote village, the residents don't so much welcome him with open arms as lunge at him with them!
Resident Evil 4 was first released all the way back in 2005 and was the first in the series to adopt the "over-the-shoulder" perspective.
The villagers who attack Leon not only seem like they're being controlled, but also like they're worshipping something. To save Ashley, Leon first has to find out what's going on in the village.
Leon never loses his cool factor. Just look at him kicking this deranged cultist in the face! He makes it look so easy! Not only is he calm enough under pressure to be able to do roundhouses and suplexes, he never once loses his sense of justice. Who doesn't love that?! From Resident Evil 4.
Leon in Resident Evil 4 is always in cool, calm, and in control, making stopping insane cultists look like child's play. Who wouldn't want to be like Leon, kicking ass in the name of justice?!
With a variety of combat options available, as well as a delicate balance of horror and action, Resident Evil 4 was a huge hit. Leon gets a graphical glow-up with the latest technology in the remake, so be sure to check it out!
From Resident Evil 4 remake.
When it comes to Leon, there's so much more to share, but I'll leave it here for now. Let us know how much YOU geek out over Leon on social media with the #REBHFun hashtag!
Well, that's all for this time!
See you in the next Under the Umbrella article!
CONTENTS
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Jill Valentine: Famed Operator, Storied Survivor
Jun.07.2024 UNDER THE UMBRELLA
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Winter 2023 Resident Evil Ambassador Online Meeting Wrap-up
Jan.31.2024 UNDER THE UMBRELLA
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HUNK: The Fearless and Fearsome 4th Survivor
Nov.08.2023 UNDER THE UMBRELLA
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Ada Wong: Elusive Femme Fatale
Sep.20.2023 UNDER THE UMBRELLA
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