One of the most important things a long running series can do is evolve. Sometimes this is gradual, which Resident Evil successfully did. However, Resident Evil has also been known for wild massive overhauls as well. The transition from Resident Evil 6 to Resident Evil 7 was one of the most significant and impactful shifts in the survival horror genre. Rejuvenating a series that had started to drift away from its roots.
This change wasn’t without precedent. Resident Evil has a history of evolving its gameplay to keep up with the times. Before Resident Evil 4, the series had relied on tank controls and fixed camera angles in its early entries. While effective at creating tension, had begun to feel outdated as gaming technology advanced.
When Resident Evil 4 launched, it redefined the franchise with its over-the-shoulder third-person perspective. This change made the game feel more fluid and action-oriented. Players could aim precisely, move with more freedom, and engage with enemies in a more dynamic way. The shift was a massive success, not only impacting the Resident Evil series but the industry as a whole. Resident Evil 4’s approach influenced countless games, like Gears of War and nearly every third-person shooter that followed, setting a new standard for how action games were designed.
However, by the time Resident Evil 6 arrived, the formula had shifted too far toward bombastic action. The game felt more like a high-octane shooter than a true survival horror experience. There were large-scale set pieces, relentless firefights, and explosions at every turn. While some players, including myself, find things to appreciate in Resident Evil 6—the varied campaigns, the fluid combat, and the sprawling content—it’s hard to argue that the game retained much of the series’ original horror DNA.
Instead of genuine terror, the scares were replaced by action, which came at the expense of tension and atmosphere. Even Resident Evil 4, while iconic, leaned more into action, offering Goosebumps-level scares rather than anything deeply terrifying.
With Resident Evil 7, Capcom recognized that it was time for a major shift, returning to what made the series special in the first place. The studio made the bold decision to move the game to a first-person perspective. This move that seemed to draw inspiration from the atmosphere and style of P.T., the legendary horror teaser for the canceled Silent Hills. This first-person perspective immediately made the game feel more intimate and claustrophobic, amplifying the sense of dread that defined the early Resident Evil games.
Resident Evil 7 also brought back the emphasis on survival horror, with a tense and genuinely terrifying setting. A rundown plantation in the heart of the swamps. The Baker family’s estate felt like a living, breathing nightmare. A place where every creaky floorboard or shadowy corner could hide something dreadful.
The Bakers themselves were an unforgettable addition to the series, each member representing a different kind of terror. The patriarch, Jack Baker, especially stood out with his relentless pursuit of the player. This also introduced an overhauled stalker mechanic that made every encounter feel like a fight for survival. The way Jack would burst through walls or calmly taunt the player before lunging into a deadly chase was reminiscent of classic Resident Evil enemies like Mr. X, but with a new, more personal twist.
The marketing for Resident Evil 7 also played a crucial role in building its eerie atmosphere. The cryptic trailers and multiple demos like the “Beginning Hour” kept fans guessing about the nature of the game. This created a sense of anticipation and unease long before players even set foot in the Baker family’s home.
Another significant change in Resident Evil 7 was the introduction of a new protagonist, Ethan Winters. Rather than bringing back series veterans like Chris Redfield or Leon Kennedy, the game chose to focus on Ethan. He’s just a regular guy drawn into the horrors of the Baker estate while searching for his missing wife, Mia. This decision further grounded the game’s horror, as players saw the nightmare unfold through the eyes of someone without the combat experience of a trained agent. And while Resident Evil 7 initially felt like a departure from the series’ ongoing narrative, by the end, it became clear that it was the next chapter in the story, rather than a total reboot. There were enough connections to the broader Resident Evil lore to satisfy long-time fans, while still being accessible to newcomers.
While Resident Evil Village built upon the foundation of Resident Evil 7 with more action and a larger scope, the impact of Resident Evil 7 remains unmatched. The fear, the isolation, and the slower pace made Resident Evil 7 a return to form for the series. A reminder of the kind of white-knuckle survival horror that put the franchise on the map in the first place. Village did refined some of 7‘s rougher edges, offering a more varied experience with a blend of action and horror. However, Resident Evil 7 is the game that I find myself thinking about more often. It’s a game that redefined what Resident Evil could be, proving that even after decades, the series still had the power to surprise, and terrify, its audience.
Resident Evil 7 is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X/S, and through the cloud on Switch.
Published: Oct 30, 2024 09:00 am