Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – A Gritty Reboot for a Classic Franchise?

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – A Gritty Reboot for a Classic Franchise?

Dive into the Louisiana bayou with me as we explore “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard,” a game that dared to shake up the series’ formula while staying true to its core horror DNA. Released in 2017 by Capcom, this installment took a bold step back from the action-heavy focus of its predecessors, embracing a first-person perspective and a claustrophobic setting reminiscent of classic survival horror titles like “Silent Hill.”

“Resident Evil 7” introduces us to Ethan Winters, an average Joe thrust into an unimaginable nightmare. After receiving a mysterious email from his missing wife Mia, Ethan journeys deep into the swamps of Dulvey, Louisiana, in search of answers. He soon finds himself trapped within the Baker family’s dilapidated plantation, encountering twisted individuals with superhuman strength and insatiable hunger.

The game expertly blends psychological horror with visceral action. You navigate darkened corridors, solve intricate puzzles to progress, and confront grotesque enemies. The shift to a first-person perspective adds an immediate sense of vulnerability, immersing you in Ethan’s struggle for survival. Every creak of the floorboards, every flickering lightbulb, sends shivers down your spine.

Exploring the Baker Family’s Twisted Reality

“Resident Evil 7” delves into a chilling story about a family corrupted by an ancient evil. The Bakers – Jack, Marguerite, Lucas, and their matriarch Evelyn – have been infected by a bioweapon known as the Mold, a mutagenic fungus that twists its victims both physically and mentally. Each Baker exhibits unique mutations and personality quirks:

Family Member Mutation/Trait
Jack Immense strength and durability, wielding a chainsaw with brutal efficiency.
Marguerite Can regurgitate insects as projectiles and possesses heightened agility.
Lucas A sadistic hunter who sets elaborate traps for his victims.
Evelyn The mastermind behind the family’s affliction, manipulating her children and displaying unnerving psychic abilities.

As Ethan unravels the Baker family’s horrifying past, he encounters flashbacks that piece together their tragic transformation. Once ordinary people caught in a web of deception and manipulation by the insidious Mold, they become monstrous reflections of their former selves.

Gameplay Mechanics: Resource Management and Tension

“Resident Evil 7” emphasizes resourcefulness and strategic decision-making. You must scavenge for ammunition, healing herbs, and crafting materials to survive encounters with the Bakers and other grotesque denizens lurking in the plantation’s shadows.

  • Limited Inventory: Ethan can only carry a finite number of items, forcing players to prioritize what they need most.
  • Crafting System: The game introduces a crafting system allowing you to combine found items to create more potent weapons and healing mixtures.
  • Stealth and Escape: In many scenarios, direct confrontation is unwise. Utilizing stealth tactics, hiding in shadowed corners, or finding alternate routes become crucial for survival.

The constant sense of tension and the need to conserve resources heighten the feeling of vulnerability. You’re always on edge, wondering when the next encounter will occur or if you have enough bullets to see yourself through.

Visual Fidelity and Atmosphere: A Masterclass in Horror

Capcom delivered a visual treat with “Resident Evil 7,” utilizing the power of modern hardware to create a haunting and realistic environment. The dilapidated Baker plantation is rendered in stunning detail, from the peeling paint on the walls to the grotesque contortions of its infected inhabitants.

The game’s sound design plays a crucial role in building atmosphere.

Eerie creaks, unsettling whispers, and the guttural groans of the Bakers all contribute to an immersive soundscape that leaves you constantly on edge. The use of silence and sudden bursts of noise effectively heightens tension, making even mundane moments feel fraught with danger.

DLC: Expanding the Nightmare

“Resident Evil 7” received multiple DLC expansions, each adding new chapters to the story and exploring different perspectives within the game’s world.

  • Banned Footage Vol. 1 & 2: These add-ons allow players to experience the events of the main story from the perspective of other characters, revealing new insights into the Baker family’s past.

  • Not a Hero: This action-packed DLC follows Chris Redfield as he investigates the whereabouts of a missing BSAA unit and confronts a powerful new bioweapon.

  • End of Zoe: This expansion focuses on the fate of Zoe Baker, a seemingly innocent member of the Baker family who plays a crucial role in Ethan’s escape.

Legacy and Reception: A Return to Form for the Series

“Resident Evil 7: Biohazard” was met with critical acclaim upon release. Critics praised its return to survival horror roots, immersive atmosphere, and compelling story. The game’s shift to a first-person perspective proved divisive among some fans but ultimately helped breathe new life into the franchise.

By embracing a grittier tone and focusing on psychological terror, “Resident Evil 7” demonstrated that the series could still deliver scares while offering a fresh take on its established formula.

Should You Play It?

For fans of horror games, “Resident Evil 7: Biohazard” is an experience not to be missed. Its unsettling atmosphere, grotesque antagonists, and emphasis on resource management create a truly terrifying and unforgettable gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or newcomer to the franchise, this game offers a chilling journey into the darkest recesses of human nature. Just remember to keep your lights on and your volume low…you never know what might be lurking in the shadows.