Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

- Reviewed on PS4 -

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard released on January 23rd, 2017. 

Using the brand new (at its time) Resident Evil Game Engine, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard went back to its roots of being a great horror experience (in my opinion). 

Combining the action sequences of past RE titles, and the famous RE puzzles their known for, RE7 is a perfect blend of Resident Evil features that some say, saved the franchise from becoming stale.  

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

You take on the role of main protagonist Ethan Winters (making his series debut). 

After a video emerges of his long-lost wife, Mia, Ethan heads to Dulvey, Louisiana where a whole nightmare is waiting for him.

During my first, initial playthrough of RE7, I was terrified beyond belief. 

RE7 kind of gave me my first, true horror experience, and was one of the first Resident Evil titles I played / owned. 

This scary atmosphere RE7 has / induces, is one of the main features that makes RE7 so great (in my opinion). 

From the fear inducing music, to the monsters called, The Molded, RE7 is unrelenting for the faint of heart (if going in blind).

Capcom did a great job with the ambience of RE7, and they even set this up with the theme song, "Go Tell Aunt Rhody", in the opening credits of the game. 

One thing I was extremely thankful for, in RE7, was the cast of characters.

Every single person (and monster), in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, felt memorable, and important. 

From the mysterious Eveline to the entire Baker family, you will get to know / see / fight your way through the Baker estate and the swampy setting Capcom has put you in.

Speaking of the Baker family, all members of the family include...

    - Jack Baker

    - Marguerite Baker

    - Lucas Baker

    - Zoe Baker

    - Joe Baker (DLC)

    - Eveline

The voice acting for all members are great, and believable. However, Ethan Winters is not as convincing / believable while playing.

The main issue with Ethan's voice acting, is the scenarios in which he's in, and how he reacts. 

If we're playing as Ethan, and he acts calm in scary / stressful situations, then why should the player(s) be acting scared? 

This isn't an issue for the entire game, Ethan is a believable character, however, adding a little more would've helped with the immersion. 

As you try to find Mia and survive the horrors of the Bakers estate, you will go through puzzles, and key locations in RE7.

These key locations can also have / introduce new enemies and bosses. 

For example, Marguerite has been given terrifying control over bugs and insects. 

As you progress through the (SPOILER) Old House, you will encounter Marguerite and see her powers one by one.

This will lead up to a fight (boss fight that is) with Marguerite later on, in the horrific Greenhouse. 

Foreshadowing is present in RE7 and is key for any newcomers' survival.

The puzzles in the Resident Evil series have been a mainstay for its lifetime, and although I wasn't a fan (as of writing this blog post) of those puzzles back then, the puzzles in RE7 aren't stress / anger inducing as they once were (at least for me).

You will find yourself searching for clues, keys, and even keycards to progress.

You can save your progress in safe rooms (similar to past Resident Evils) which have item boxes and sometimes ammunition. 

Weapons can be used in RE7 (of course) and although the weapon selection does feel a little bland, they do serve as essential features of your journey.

The weapons in RE7 that can be found and used, range from your standard M37 shotgun to a small, fragile survival knife.  

Collectibles are also in this title, and they also have a purpose as well! 

The collectibles (and their purposes) are...

    - Files (Lore)

    - Antique Coins (Buy Upgrades / New Weapons)

    - Mr. Everywhere (Unlock New Traits and Items)

    - Videotapes (Learn Hints and Tips for New Sections / Lore)

Having collectibles serve a purpose is ideal for long-term play throughs. Not only that, but having this feature keeps fans coming back to the series (like I do). 

The main story is a whirlwind of emotions, and actually has two different endings (depending on who you give the vaccine to).

The DLC for RE7 is a great experience, and although you don't have to buy them and play through them, I suggest you definitely play End of Zoe, Not a Hero, and Daughters, as they both continue / show key events in the RE7 lore. 

Majority of the DLC is minigames, but again, some are noteworthy. 

Pros: 

    - Extremely Scary

    - Great Monster Designs

    - Memorable Characters

    - Amazing, Detailed Lore

    - Good Graphics

    - Immersive Atmosphere / Music

Cons:

    - Bad Voice Acting / Execution of Emotion (for Ethan Winters)

    - Bland Weapon Selection

My Rating for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (on PS4):

4 / 5

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Disclaimer

All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.