A Bold Yet Imperfect Reinvention of the Classic Formula
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard dares to take bold strides within the storied horror franchise. While some risks hit the mark and others fall short, this first-person reimagining wisely harks back to the series’ roots in survival-horror — emphasizing tense exploration and meticulous item management over pure action. This blend of innovation and nostalgia makes it the most enjoyable Resident Evil entry in years.
The atmosphere in Resident Evil 7 is a triumph, largely thanks to the unsettling Dulvey plantation, where protagonist Ethan is lured by a mysterious email from his missing wife. If the original Resident Evil games drew inspiration from George A. Romero’s zombie films, this installment channels the visceral horror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, complete with grisly visuals, decrepit shacks, and cannibalistic terror.
The Dulvey plantation is a masterclass in horror design.
Exploring the plantation reveals a narrative rich with disturbing details about the Baker family’s descent into madness. The home feels genuinely lived-in, with personal artifacts like old photos, academic trophies, and a discarded football helmet adding a layer of eerie realism. This shift from the cold, medieval Spencer Mansion to the intimate squalor of the Baker household offers a fresh perspective, focusing on a more personal kind of horror.
However, Resident Evil 7 occasionally leans too heavily on cliched “hillbilly horror” tropes, sometimes veering into caricature. Despite this, the game’s setting consistently delivers a potent sense of place, making the frequent backtracking through the sinister Dulvey property engaging rather than repetitive.
Puzzles are a notable weak point, often feeling simplistic and infrequent.
The game’s puzzles, unfortunately, lack the complexity and frequency of previous titles. Rather than challenging riddles or codes that could punish incorrect attempts, Resident Evil 7 often hands solutions to the player too readily. For instance, a child’s drawing might point directly to a hidden switch, removing any sense of discovery or challenge. A subtler approach that encouraged more thorough investigation would have been a significant improvement, especially given the first-person perspective’s potential for detailed scrutiny.
Combat in Resident Evil 7 is a mix of intense encounters and predictable enemies. The Baker family, particularly Jack Baker, stands out as one of the most memorable adversaries. Jack’s unpredictable appearances and relentless pursuit create some of the game’s most thrilling moments, forcing players to choose between fleeing or fighting, often with limited resources.
The Bakers are standout antagonists, but the Molded fall short.
Contrary to the expectations set by its first-person perspective, Resident Evil 7 avoids heavy stealth mechanics. Players must confront enemies directly, as they will continue to roam and threaten future progress. This maintains the series’ traditional combat style while increasing tension by removing the safety of load screen doors.
However, the Molded, the game’s other primary enemy type, fail to maintain the same level of fear. These hulking, black creatures become predictable, appearing only in areas overtaken by mold and emitting a distinct sound. This predictability undermines potential jump scares and reduces their overall impact.
The core survival-horror mechanics, such as item scavenging and inventory management, remain strong. Limited inventory space and the need to conserve ammunition and health items add a layer of strategy that fans of the original games will appreciate. Yet, more varied and unpredictable enemies would have heightened the overall scare factor.
A nostalgic return to the series’ roots with a modern twist.
Despite the shift to a first-person perspective, Resident Evil 7 retains an adventure game feel reminiscent of the series’ 1990s origins. The game maintains a compelling pace, ensuring players always have a clear sense of their next objective. This clarity, while sometimes reducing tension, prevents frustration and keeps the narrative moving smoothly.
The integration of story direction, loading screen recaps, and simple objectives helps maintain this pace. If players ever lose track, a quick button press reveals their current goal, minimizing potential dead-ends and enhancing overall enjoyment.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard successfully grounds itself in the elements that made the original great while embracing a risky new style that both enhances and occasionally detracts from the beloved formula. This installment is the closest a numbered sequel has come to recapturing the slow, atmospheric adventure game essence of the early titles. It’s a welcome return to form, and a promising direction for the series’ future.
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