Survival Horror Renaissance: ‘Resident Evil 7’
With ‘Resident Evil 7,’ Capcom has given the finger to scepticism about the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise. The previous instalment, ‘Resident Evil 6,’ felt like it was from a different universe than its devoted fan base, leaving the once-revered horror series floundering for relevance.
Sure, there were a couple of decent HD remasters and the Revelations spinoff holding its ground, but the bitter taste of ‘Resident Evil 6”s debacle lingered.
Fast forward a little over four years from ‘Resident Evil 6’ and Capcom’s new addition to the series is not just a return to form; it’s a whole new level. ‘Resident Evil 7’ boldly asserts that, with the right mix of pressure and time, Capcom still possesses the creativity to explore new design and narrative territories in its most beloved and commercially successful franchise.
Enter Ethan Winters, the protagonist of ‘Resident Evil 7,’ a rather unremarkable guy whose quest to find his missing wife takes him to the eerie bayou of Louisiana. Here, Ethan is ensnared by a deranged family of cannibals known as the Bakers. The game’s seemingly standalone story deviates significantly from the zombie outbreak roots of the series.
While ‘Resident Evil 7’ doesn’t demand a PhD in ‘Resident Evil’ lore, it does carry echoes of the series’ history. Dulvey, Louisiana, may not be Raccoon City, but like the original ‘Resident Evil,’ RE7 unfolds in and around a single sprawling house.
A significant chunk of the game’s 10 to 12 hours is spent exploring the Baker residence — not just casually wandering but truly immersing yourself in it. You will find yourself meticulously searching every nook for resources, memorizing secret passages, and strategizing about which doors provide the best hiding spots or quickest escape routes.
What sets ‘Resident Evil 7’ apart is its ability to make people genuinely scared and vulnerable. Ethan isn’t a special forces agent or a seasoned cop; he’s an average guy with zero combat prowess. When confronted by the Bakers and other terrifying foes in their house, Ethan’s best tactic often boils down to running for dear life. The more you are familiarized with the house’s layout, the better you become at dodging and outsmarting enemies without wasting precious ammo and healing items.
Of course, combat is still a part of the game, with various weapons offering distinct experiences. The shift to a first-person perspective, a major departure for the series, has been controversial among fans. However, contrary to naysayers, this change takes ‘Resident Evil 7’ closer to its roots than it’s been in over a decade.
While the fully controllable first-person view differs from the fixed third-person cameras of old-school Resident Evil games, it shares a crucial element: a restricted perspective. Resident Evil 7 amplifies this tension by limiting Ethan’s turning speed, making exploration nerve-wracking. In the original games, caution stemmed from obscured corners; in RE7, you’re cautious because you never know if an enemy lurks behind you or is approaching from a dark hallway. This constant suspense, coupled with the game’s eerie audio, contributes to a hair-raising experience.
However, Resident Evil 7 isn’t without its flaws. It succumbs to one of the series’ enduring weaknesses — a scarcity of bosses, and when they do appear, they disrupt the otherwise impeccable tension and pacing. Boss fights necessitate stocking up on ammo and healing items, but the lack of clear feedback on whether you’re hurting the boss diminishes the satisfaction present in other battles.
Despite this drawback, ‘Resident Evil 7’ achieves a delicate balance between stealth, survival, and empowerment, maintaining a dynamic pace that prevents boredom. The alternating rhythm between slower, low-power segments and intense combat every 20 or 30 minutes keeps the game engaging.
Expectations for ‘Resident Evil 7’ were modest, but the game exceeded them. The ‘Resident Evil’ series has thrived for over two decades by embracing change, and Resident Evil 7’s innovations, especially the move to first person, seamlessly integrate with the established universe.
