Resident Evil Village is the latest installment in the Resident Evil franchise, which has been a cornerstone of survival horror gaming since its inception in 1996. Released in May 2021 by Capcom, the game is the eighth main entry in the series and follows the events of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Set in a mysterious European village filled with grotesque creatures and dark secrets, Resident Evil Village takes players on a thrilling, terrifying journey through a beautifully detailed, yet horrifyingly dangerous world.
Building on the success of its predecessor, Resident Evil 7, Village mixes first-person gameplay with a more traditional survival horror experience while incorporating elements of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving. This blend of old and new has made it a favorite among both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.
Let’s take a closer look at the story, gameplay, features, and reception of Resident Evil Village, as well as what makes it one of the most talked-about survival horror games in recent years.
The Story of Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village picks up three years after the events of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, with Ethan Winters and his wife Mia living a peaceful life in a secluded home, away from the horrors they experienced in Louisiana. However, their peaceful life is shattered when Chris Redfield, a recurring protagonist in the series, arrives unexpectedly and attacks the family. Chris, whose motives are unclear, kills Mia and kidnaps Ethan’s daughter, Rose, sparking the beginning of Ethan’s new nightmare.
Ethan’s journey takes him to a remote European village, where he must confront various terrifying enemies, including powerful figures like Lady Dimitrescu, the towering vampire-like antagonist, and other grotesque creatures that inhabit the village. As Ethan uncovers the dark secrets behind the village and its inhabitants, he discovers connections to Umbrella Corporation, the sinister organization responsible for the viral outbreaks throughout the series.
The plot of Resident Evil Village delves into themes of family, revenge, and loss, with a compelling mix of emotional moments and action-packed sequences. As Ethan traverses the village, he unravels a complex story involving supernatural elements, virus experiments, and the eerie connection between his daughter and the events unfolding around him.
Gameplay: A Perfect Blend of Survival Horror and Action
One of the most striking features of Resident Evil Village is its evolution in terms of gameplay mechanics. The game maintains the first-person perspective introduced in Resident Evil 7, allowing for an immersive experience that heightens the tension and horror. The gameplay offers a blend of traditional survival horror elements with new action-oriented mechanics, striking a balance that satisfies both long-time fans of the series and those new to the franchise.
Exploration and Puzzle-Solving:
Much like previous Resident Evil titles, exploration plays a key role in Village. The game takes place in a large, interconnected world, with the village at its center, surrounded by different areas like castles, dungeons, swamps, and forests. Players must explore these areas to find resources, solve puzzles, and uncover the backstory of the village and its inhabitants.
In keeping with the survival horror roots, Resident Evil Village requires players to manage limited resources, such as ammunition, healing items, and currency. Players can use the currency to purchase upgrades and supplies from The Duke, a large, mysterious merchant who offers essential items and information throughout the game.
Combat and Enemies:
Combat in Resident Evil Village feels more action-packed compared to its predecessors, with players using a variety of weapons, including handguns, shotguns, rifles, and even grenades. However, the game still incorporates survival horror aspects, such as the need to conserve ammunition and use the environment to your advantage.
The game introduces a new roster of terrifying enemies, from werewolf-like creatures known as Lycan to the horrifying vampire-like Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters. Each enemy has its own set of challenges, requiring players to adapt their strategy based on the creature they are facing.
The bosses in Resident Evil Village are another highlight, with memorable battles against powerful enemies, including Lady Dimitrescu, Mother Miranda, and Heisenberg, each offering unique mechanics and requiring different tactics to defeat.
Customization and Progression:
As you progress through the game, Ethan can upgrade his weapons and abilities by using crafting materials and money found throughout the environment. This customization system allows players to tailor their gameplay experience, whether they prefer upgrading firepower, mobility, or health. The game also offers a New Game+ mode, allowing players to replay the game with all their unlocked items and upgrades.
Visuals and Sound Design:
Visually, Resident Evil Village is a stunning game. Powered by Capcom’s RE Engine, the game delivers gorgeous graphics and highly detailed environments, bringing the eerie village and its surroundings to life. The character models, especially the towering Lady Dimitrescu and other unique enemies, are impressively designed, with meticulous attention to detail.
The sound design also plays a crucial role in creating the atmosphere of the game. From the ambient sounds of creaking doors and distant footsteps to the chilling growls of enemies, the soundscapes enhance the tension and horror throughout the game. The soundtrack, composed by Mikolai Stroinski and Richard Strauss, perfectly complements the atmospheric tension and action sequences.
Reception and Critical Acclaim
Upon its release, Resident Evil Village received critical acclaim for its captivating narrative, impressive visuals, and thrilling gameplay. Critics and players alike praised the game’s pacing, its blend of survival horror and action elements, and the unforgettable characters and bosses, particularly Lady Dimitrescu.
The game’s sense of atmosphere and the return of fan-favorite characters like Chris Redfield were also lauded. However, some players felt that the action-focused approach diluted the traditional survival horror experience found in earlier entries of the series. Nevertheless, Resident Evil Village was widely regarded as one of the best survival horror games of 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What platforms is Resident Evil Village available on?
Resident Evil Village is available on multiple platforms, including:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox One
- PC
- Stadia
Additionally, it has been made available for next-gen consoles with enhanced graphics and ray tracing support.
2. Is Resident Evil Village connected to previous Resident Evil games?
Yes, Resident Evil Village continues the story of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, with Ethan Winters as the protagonist. While the game introduces new characters and settings, there are references to events from past games, and characters like Chris Redfield make appearances.
3. Can I play Resident Evil Village in third-person mode?
While Resident Evil Village primarily uses a first-person perspective, the game includes a third-person mode in a post-launch update (available in the “Winters’ Expansion” DLC). This mode allows players to experience the game from a more traditional Resident Evil perspective.
4. Is there multiplayer or co-op gameplay in Resident Evil Village?
Resident Evil Village is primarily a single-player experience. However, the game features a multiplayer component in the form of Resident Evil RE:Verse, an online multiplayer mode that allows players to battle each other using iconic characters from the series. It’s separate from the main game’s story and is available for free to those who own Resident Evil Village.
5. How long does it take to complete Resident Evil Village?
The length of time to complete Resident Evil Village varies depending on your playstyle. On average, the main story takes 10-15 hours to complete, while exploring side content and collectibles can extend the gameplay to 20-25 hours or more.
Conclusion
Resident Evil Village has proven itself as a remarkable entry in the long-running Resident Evil franchise. With its gripping story, terrifying enemies, and impressive visuals, it successfully blends the classic survival horror elements with modern action gameplay, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer, Resident Evil Village offers an unforgettable journey into the dark and twisted corners of horror gaming.
