Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
" Immersive action-adventure with first-person horror and stunning graphics but occasional pacing issues "
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard Review
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard marks a bold and successful return to the franchise's survival horror roots, delivering a deeply immersive experience through its shift to a first-person perspective. Players assume the role of Ethan Winters, navigating the claustrophobic and menacing Baker estate as he searches for his missing wife. The game's atmosphere is thick with dread, enhanced by stunning, grotesque graphics and meticulous sound design that keeps tension high throughout the journey.
Gameplay emphasizes classic survival horror elements such as resource management, puzzle-solving, and intense combat against memorable antagonists like the Baker family. While the story is compelling and well-paced, some players noted a dip in narrative quality during the final act. The game’s DLCs add variety and depth, though certain modes have been criticized for difficulty spikes and frustrating mechanics. Overall, Resident Evil 7 is widely praised as a revitalizing and masterful entry in the series, balancing terror and engagement effectively for both veterans and newcomers.
Highlights
The first-person perspective significantly enhances immersion, making every encounter and environment feel personal and terrifying. The Baker family stands out as iconic, well-developed villains adding emotional weight and unpredictability. Graphically, the game impresses with its detailed, realistic environments and unsettling creature designs, powered by the RE Engine. Classic survival horror mechanics like scarce resources and challenging puzzles are well-executed, maintaining tension and strategic gameplay. The story is engaging and accessible, with a strong atmosphere that grips players from start to finish.
Criticisms
Some players felt the final act’s narrative became more conventional and less engaging, slightly diminishing the earlier tension. Backtracking and certain gameplay decisions were seen as unnecessarily tedious or frustrating. A few DLC modes, especially 'Ethan Must Die,' were criticized for unfair difficulty and design choices. Additionally, some found the abundance of puzzles and achievements to be overly time-consuming or repetitive. Minor annoyances include unskippable cutscenes upon death and occasional pacing issues during slower sections.
Pros
- • Immersive first-person perspective enhances horror and tension effectively.
- • Memorable and well-developed Baker family villains add depth.
- • Stunning, realistic graphics create a grotesque yet beautiful atmosphere.
- • Classic survival horror mechanics with balanced resource management.
- • Engaging, well-paced story accessible to newcomers and fans alike.
- • Excellent sound design that amplifies suspense and fear.
- • Puzzles and exploration offer satisfying old-school survival horror elements.
Cons
- • Final act narrative feels more conventional and less compelling.
- • Some backtracking and gameplay decisions can be tedious.
- • Certain DLC modes feature frustrating difficulty spikes.
- • Achievements and puzzles may feel repetitive or time-consuming.
- • Unskippable cutscenes upon death can disrupt pacing.
- • Enemy variety could be improved for more diversity.
- • Some players find aiming mechanics less intuitive.
Rating Criteria
Fear and isolation seep through the walls of an abandoned southern farmhouse. "7" marks a new beginning for survival horror with the “Isolated View” of the visceral new first-person perspective.
