Resident Evil 7 looks to be such a dramatic departure from the previous games in the series that it may as well be a brand new IP. A first person horror game that seems to be more focused on paranormal and psychological horror, with a brand new faceless protagonist, and an emphasis on slow paced exploration rather than the series’ famous slant towards action? Why even call it Resident Evil at that point?
Because, producer Masachika Kawata assures, the game will have plenty of elements that feel familiar to Resident Evil fans. Speaking to Game Informer, Kawata said, “At first glance, it may not seem like it, but this title will offer plenty of familiar aspects of Resident Evil, from fighting against different creatures to tense, atmospheric exploration and solving various puzzles. As mentioned previously, there are even some subtle nods throughout the game that we hope fans will enjoy discovering as they play.
“We’ve made a lot of effort to really strengthen the core of survival horror to the fullest, so you’ll get the sense that this truly is a Resident Evil title when you get your hands on it. This game also embodies one of the central themes of Resident Evil which is the balance of tension from fearful situations with the relief from being able to overcome them.”
Personally, I’m all for this reinvention- it wouldn’t even be the first dramatic one the series has had in the last decade. The old action format of Resident Evil was getting stale, so if this kind of overhaul is necessary to breathe life into the series again, then I am all for it. I’m just glad they won’t be forgetting their roots in the process, is all.