It’s time to dust off your old VR headset and prepare to scream your lungs out – Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is back, and it's scarier than your last family reunion! Released first in 2017 and given a facelift for the PS5, this title marks a triumphant return to the franchise’s roots. Dive into a mansion so filled with dread that even Google Maps won’t go near it!
In RE7, you play as Ethan Winters, a dude with the worst luck in the history of video gaming. His wife Mia has gone missing, and in all classic horror fashion, he decides to waltz into the Baker family’s haunted estate in Louisiana to find her. Spoiler alert: this family puts the 'fun' in dysfunctional. You’ll spend the majority of your time solving puzzles, avoiding creepy relatives (seriously, who invited them?), and fighting off creepy, moldy humanoids straight out of a fungus horror movie. Unlike previous entries that favored guns blazing over stealth, think more hide-and-seek, except 'seeking' involves a chainsaw-wielding lunatic. You get a limited inventory and have to manage your resources carefully – run out of healing items or bullets, and you might as well get your character a nice ‘game over’ screen arranged.
This updated version on the PS5 lets you experience the Baker estate in all its grotesque glory. The RE Engine takes full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities, boasting stunning graphical fidelity, with detailed environments that can make you feel like you’re practically breathing in the mildew. By the way, don’t do that; it’s bad for your lungs. The lighting is atmospheric enough to create crippling tension, and the sound design has your skin crawling like it's auditioning for a horror film. The 3D audio enhances the immersive experience, making every creak and distant howl sound like it’s inching closer, kind of like that weird guy from your high school reunion. A perfect touch that succeeds in creating a sense of dread. And for those hardcore horror fans, the game supports VR, rotating your head until you discover that your neck is now part of your inventory.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a masterclass in horror gaming, blending eerie storytelling with innovative gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or just a casual gamer looking to scare yourself silly, this game has something for everyone (except for the faint-hearted). With its blend of immersive graphics, terrifying gameplay, and an original story, it successfully transports players to a world where they might want to leave their lights on at night. So grab your favorite snack, ensure your heart is in good condition, and prepare for a gaming experience that’s not just a game, but a rollercoaster of emotional trauma disguised as a fun night in with the Bakers. Just remember, there’s no coming back from the horror of the Baker family, so good luck!