Resident Evil 7 Biohazard is a survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom. Released in January 2017, it marks a return to the series' roots, emphasizing psychological horror and a more intimate, first-person perspective.
Set in rural Louisiana, the game follows Ethan Winters, a civilian searching for his missing wife, Mia. His investigation leads him to a dilapidated plantation mansion owned by the Baker family, a group of seemingly deranged individuals infected with a mysterious mutagenic substance. As Ethan navigates the mansion's ominous corridors and puzzles, he unravels the dark secrets lurking within and confronts grotesque horrors that test his sanity.
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard introduces a new protagonist and setting while maintaining the series' core survival horror elements, including resource management, puzzle-solving, and tense encounters with hostile enemies. The game emphasizes atmospheric tension and psychological horror, immersing players in a chilling atmosphere filled with dread and uncertainty.
The game's shift to a first-person perspective enhances immersion, placing players directly in the shoes of Ethan as he explores the sinister mansion and its surrounding environments. This perspective change also allows for more intimate and intense encounters with enemies, heightening the feeling of vulnerability and isolation.
In addition to its single-player campaign, Resident Evil 7 Biohazard includes downloadable content (DLC) expansions that expand upon the game's story and introduce new gameplay experiences. These include Banned Footage scenarios, which offer additional challenges and side stories, as well as End of Zoe and Not a Hero, which provide further insight into the events of the main game.
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard received widespread acclaim upon release for its return to the series' survival horror roots, its atmospheric tension, and its reinvention of classic gameplay mechanics. It revitalized the franchise and reignited interest in the Resident Evil series, establishing itself as a standout entry in one of gaming's most iconic horror franchises.
