When Capcom promised that it would bring the Resident Evil franchise back to its horror roots after Resident Evil 6 suffered both critically and financially due in part to its action heavy direction, we never would have expected the series to get the full PT treatment. Yet, after Resident Evil 7 debuted at Sony’s E3 2016 press conference, we’re left with something that is undeniably creepy, but looks a lot more like something we’d expect from Silent Hill.
Based on the trailer below, we don’t have a whole lot to go on. Taking place in America in the aftermath of the events in Resident Evil 6, the first person horror game takes players through a decrepit house, full of all of the grotesque imagery that we would be more likely to see in a certain playable teaser. Using a variety of jump scares, the dark atmosphere, and visual tricks to keep the player feeling tense, that sense of horror that the series has been lacking definitely feels like it’s back in play. Considering that the entire game can be played using PlayStation VR only makes the idea that much more terrifying.
This trailer is such a departure from past Resident Evil games that I can’t help but have a mountain of questions after watching it over. Where are all the monsters? Why do ghosts seem to be such a major part of the scare factor? Will there be any zombies or tie ins to the Umbrella Corporation? And how will the Wesker family tie in to the whole thing after the conclusion of Revelations 2? We’re definitely intrigued with this new direction, and I’m glad to see that someone is picking up the PT mantle after so many indie games have ultimately failed. Still, I can’t help but laugh at the irony that after years of being accused of ignoring their fans, Capcom finally listens… To Konami’s!
Plus members, go download that demo and tell us what you think in the comments. There’s definitely a lot to talk about, so I’m looking forward to your thoughts on this new direction! One thing is for sure though, RE7 is putting the horror back into the series that put it on the map.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is scheduled to release on