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The Resident Evil franchise has spanned 25 years, a significant feat in the ever-evolving gaming industry. Survival horror, as a genre, faces unique challenges, often grappling with repetitive gameplay and stale storylines. Yet, Resident Evil has consistently adapted and innovated, captivating players with each new installment. Resident Evil Village, the eighth main entry in the series, continues this legacy, delivering a high-quality, engaging experience that builds upon the foundations of its predecessors.

Following the success of the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes, Capcom returns to the main storyline with Village, continuing Ethan Winters’ journey after the harrowing events of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. The game quickly achieved impressive sales figures, selling over 3 million copies within days of its release, a testament to its widespread appeal and critical acclaim. But what makes Resident Evil Village so compelling?

A Masterclass in Survival Horror

Survival horror games can easily become dated, with outdated mechanics and tropes failing to resonate with modern audiences. Even Resident Evil has stumbled, with Resident Evil 6 being a prime example. However, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard revitalized the series, introducing a new perspective, setting, and gameplay style.

Resident Evil Village – Ethan Winters

While Resident Evil 7’s first-person perspective, limited enemy variety, and confined setting were divisive, Resident Evil Village expands on this foundation, offering a more expansive and varied experience. The game draws inspiration from Resident Evil 4, placing players in a mysterious European village teeming with hostile creatures. Ethan’s search for his daughter unfolds across diverse environments, from the dilapidated village to the opulent Dimitrescu Castle and dark, monster-infested dungeons.

Resident Evil Village – Dimitrescu Castle

Each area presents unique challenges and enemies, contributing to a constant state of tension and fear. The game masterfully blends action, stealth, and puzzle-solving, ensuring a thrilling and engaging experience. Unlike relying solely on jump scares, Village creates fear through overwhelming odds, powerful supernatural adversaries, and a constant sense of vulnerability.

Resident Evil Village – Village Environment

The return of classic Resident Evil-style puzzles is a welcome addition. These puzzles require careful observation, item collection, and logical deduction, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay.

A Captivating Narrative

Resident Evil Village expands the series’ lore, weaving a complex narrative that connects to past events, particularly those of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping players guessing until the very end. The writers at Capcom have crafted a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends horror, action, and mystery.

Resident Evil Village – Key Item

Next-Gen Visuals and Immersive Audio

Built for next-gen consoles, Resident Evil Village showcases stunning visuals, particularly with ray tracing enabled. The RE Engine shines, delivering realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. While demanding on hardware, the game is scalable, offering options for lower-end systems.

Resident Evil Village – Lady Dimitrescu

The audio design is equally impressive, with a haunting score and immersive sound effects that enhance the atmosphere. Playing with headphones is highly recommended for the full experience.

Minor Gripes

Despite its strengths, Resident Evil Village has a few minor shortcomings. The game is clearly designed for controllers, with the mouse and keyboard controls feeling less intuitive. Additionally, scripted door sequences, while a common game design element, occasionally disrupt the flow of gameplay.

Conclusion

Resident Evil Village is a must-play for fans of survival horror and the Resident Evil series. It successfully blends action, horror, and exploration, delivering a captivating and thrilling experience. While a few minor issues exist, they don’t detract from the overall quality of the game. Resident Evil Village is a worthy successor to the franchise and a testament to Capcom’s ability to innovate within the genre.