Resident Evil Village Offers Great Balance Between Survival and Horror

Since the initial Resident Evil in 1996, the series has undergone several transformations. Capcom has consistently experimented with new methods of bringing horror to life, from tank controls and fixed camera angles to first-person shooter mechanics.

In Resident Evil Village, the developers took the first-person gameplay introduced in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard to the next level with more action-packed gameplay, varied environments, and a truly memorable cast of characters.

With a rumor of Resident Evil 9 being hinted at, now’s an excellent opportunity to replay or experience Resident Evil Village for the first time!

The Ideal Blend of Survival and Horror

Most commendable about Resident Evil Village, perhaps, is how it balances horror and survival. This is not a monster-shooter, as such; it is a game about resource management, decision-making under pressure, and atmospheric tension. Ammo is scarce enough to have you exercise caution, but not so limited as to render the game frustrating. The inventory system encourages strategic planning, much like the older games in the series, but is streamlined enough to never become tiresome.

The game features many different types of enemies that require different strategies to defeat, further developing the survival aspect. Whether you’re battling lycans throughout the snowy village or navigating the gruesome halls of House Beneviento, the constant shift in tone and pacing keeps the player on their toes.

Memorable Setting and Storytelling

The titular village is almost a character in itself. Gothic architecture and folklore from Europe are the inspirations for the game world, which is divided into several distinct zones, each of which is ruled over by a singular antagonist. Every area of the game, from the now-iconic Lady Dimitrescu to the grotesque creations of Moreau, offers a fresh flavor of horror. Capcom has done an excellent job of crafting an interconnected world that’s rife with secrets, lore, and visual storytelling.

The game continues Ethan Winters’ story from where Resident Evil 7 left off. What begins as a personal mission quickly turns into something much darker and more malevolent. While the tale does venture into the fantastical at times, it is continually rooted in the emotional journey of Ethan, giving players a story that is both epic in nature yet intimate in presentation.

Beautiful Visuals and Audio Design

Resident Evil Village uses the RE Engine to deliver some of the most visually impressive settings in the series. Whether it’s snow-covered forests or candle-lit castle corridors, every environment is dripping with detail and atmosphere. The lighting, in particular, plays a huge role in building tension, creating shadows and silhouettes that leave players wondering what’s lurking just out of shot.

The sound design is equally stunning. Creeping footsteps, distant howls, and eerie whispers all work together to create a sense of dread that permeates every moment. The use of spatial audio works to further the sense of immersion, with every creak of the floorboards and growl of some unseen monster sounding near and present.

A Horror Experience with Replay Value

Unlike horror games that drop off after that first playthrough, Resident Evil Village encourages multiple runs. With guns and difficulty modes to unlock, let alone the fan-favorite return of The Mercenaries mode, there’s every reason to dive back into the nightmare. The pacing also lends itself to speedrunning, so competitive players and horror fans both have flocked to it.

Final Thoughts

In a series that’s typically defined by extremes, either pure action or constant psychological distress, Resident Evil Village finds the sweet spot. It honors the series’ roots while embracing modern game design, resulting in a game that’s both terrifying and incredibly playable.

Regardless of whether you’re a longtime Resident Evil fan or a newcomer looking for a premier survival horror experience, Resident Evil Village is bound to satisfy. It’s a testament to Capcom’s ability to evolve with the times without compromising what made the series wonderful to begin with.