Resident Evil 7: Biohazard - A turning point in the survival horror series
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marks a significant turning point in Capcom's legendary survival horror series. Released in 2017, the game returns to the roots of the franchise while delivering a fresh, modern take on the genre. By switching to a first-person perspective and focusing on a more intense, personal horror experience, Capcom has successfully revitalized the series and set new standards.
Captivating plot and atmosphere
The story of Resident Evil 7 takes us to the fictional town of Dulvey, Louisiana. We take on the role of Ethan Winters, an ordinary man searching for his wife Mia, who has been missing for three years. His search leads him to a dilapidated mansion, which turns out to be the home of the Baker family - a group of seemingly immortal psychopaths infected by a mysterious fungus. What begins as a rescue mission quickly turns into a nightmare in which Ethan must fight for his life and uncover the gruesome secrets of the Baker estate.
The switch to the first-person perspective proves to be a stroke of luck. The immediate proximity to the action reinforces the player's feeling of helplessness and vulnerability. Every step through the rotting corridors of the Baker house is characterized by tension and fear. The detailed, photorealistic graphics of the RE Engine do their bit to create an eerie, oppressive atmosphere that captivates the player from the first to the last minute.
Intensive gameplay and resource management
The gameplay of Resident Evil 7 is once again more oriented towards the classic parts of the series. Resource management, puzzles and the constant threat of sinister enemies take center stage. The battles are intense and challenging, with the limited ammunition forcing the player to weigh up each confrontation carefully.
Some of the key gameplay features include:
- Limited ammunition: Players must be strategic and manage their resources wisely.
- Comprehensive puzzles: The intelligently designed puzzles contribute to immersion and encourage reflection.
- Challenging opponents: The Baker family and other sinister creatures are always a threat.
The boss battles against the various members of the Baker family are particularly noteworthy. They are creatively designed and stay in your memory for a long time. Each boss fight requires specific strategies and contributes significantly to the excitement of the game.
Virtual reality - a new dimensional experience
A particular highlight is the VR support for PlayStation VR. The opportunity to experience the horrors of the Baker estate in virtual reality takes the horror experience to a whole new level. The immersion is so intense that even hardened horror fans are likely to break out in a sweat. This VR version offers an even deeper connection to the game world and enhances the emotional impact of every scene.
Outstanding sound design
The atmosphere of the game is significantly supported by the outstanding sound design. Every creak of the floorboards, every distant noise and every sudden scream contribute to putting the player on permanent alert. The sparingly used but effective music underlines the moments of tension perfectly.
Together with the visual effects, the sound design creates an immersive environment that plunges the player into a world full of fear and uncertainty. This makes the horror experience even more intense and captivating.
Gripping storytelling and character development
Resident Evil 7 also shines with its narrative style. The story unfolds slowly and only reveals its secrets bit by bit. Video tapes that can be found in the game allow the player to relive events from the past and offer additional insights into the background story.
The characters, particularly the Baker family, are both fascinating and repulsive, with their motivations and backgrounds becoming clearer as the game progresses. Ethan Winters evolves from a desperate man to a determined survivor as the game progresses, allowing him a deeper emotional connection to the player.
Good balance of progression and exploration
The game offers a good balance between linear progression and exploration. While the main story leads the player through different areas of the estate, there are always opportunities to search for resources and secrets off the main path. This open exploration encourages immersion in the game world and rewards curious players with additional content and challenges.
The puzzles are cleverly designed and fit naturally into the environment without interrupting the flow of the game. This ensures a seamless gaming experience with a focus on tension and atmosphere.
High replayability and DLC expansions
Another plus point is the replayability. Additional difficulty levels are unlocked after the first run, including the particularly challenging 'Madhouse' mode. There are also different endings, depending on the player's decisions, which invites multiple playthroughs.
The DLCs 'Not a Hero' and 'End of Zoe' expand the main story with interesting subplots and offer additional hours of gameplay. 'Not a Hero' lets the player take on the role of Chris Redfield and offers a more action-oriented gameplay style, while 'End of Zoe' presents an unexpected twist in the story of the Baker family.
Technical aspects and platform availability
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is available on various platforms, including PlayStation 4 (with VR support), Xbox One, Windows PC, and later also on Nintendo Switch (as a cloud version), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The wide availability allows players on different systems to immerse themselves in this horror adventure.
Technically, the game impresses with the RE Engine, which offers a high level of detail and smooth performance. The visual implementation and performance on the various platforms contribute significantly to the overall experience and ensure that the game runs smoothly on all devices.
Commercial success and influence on the series
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard has not only sparked enthusiasm among fans and critics, but has also enjoyed great commercial success. With over 14 million units sold (as of November 2024), it has established itself as one of the most successful titles in the series. This success has paved the way for further developments in the series, such as the direct sequel Resident Evil Village, which further expands and refines the elements introduced in part 7.
The commercial success of Resident Evil 7 shows that a successful reinterpretation of the series is possible and that the fans' trust in Capcom is justified. The combination of innovative gameplay, haunting atmosphere and captivating narrative has contributed significantly to this success.
Conclusion: A milestone in the survival horror genre
In conclusion, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a milestone in the survival horror genre. Not only has it successfully brought the Resident Evil series into the modern era, but it has also proven that classic horror can work in a contemporary guise. With its immersive atmosphere, gripping gameplay and gripping story, it has set new standards and remains an impressive gaming experience even years after its release.
For fans of the horror genre and the Resident Evil series, this game is an absolute must-have and proof that the series is still capable of surprising and captivating even after more than two decades. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard sets new standards and remains an outstanding example of first-class survival horror that will delight both long-time fans and new players alike.
