As I was explaining to a friend very recently, the ‘Resident Evil’ (also known as ‘Biohazard’) franchise is one about survival. It is not a typical game of the Horror genre. Yes, others arrived BEFORE it, but none revolutionized it quite like THIS series did. With its appealing graphics and sound design, plus unique story-telling aspects, coupled by superior atmosphere, the formula has enjoyed success for over 20 years, to date.

While the early games of the series enjoyed a consistent story arc, the latest entries have begun to create more independent tales, which emerge the player without requiring YOU to have any prior experience of the former games. For those like myself, who have admired the ‘Biohazard’ franchise from afar, but have not been exposed to a great number of the games, ‘RE 7’ may have been destined to take up a newly-christened mantle for certain gamers.

My earliest REAL experience with the franchise came in the form of ‘Code Veronica,’ originally released on the SEGA Dreamcast. My biggest complaint was the control layout. While it is no big secret to many of my friends that I prefer 1st-person shooters to the 3rd-person variety, I never understood the concept of “up” ALWAYS translating to “forward.” Some find it more intuitive, but I found it unnatural, as a classic gamer, and STILL do, to this day.

As I prepared for THIS entry, my expectations, based on previous gameplay, mildly concerned me, but what I discovered was a pleasant turn-around, in the form of a 1st-person perspective with easy controls to maneuver. I was in awe of the opening video, introducing me to the lead protagonist of the game, Ethan Winters, as he embarked on a search for his wife, Mia.

The atmosphere surrounding the point of destination is eery and garners plenty of anticipation. You will discover little clues left behind by Mia and all kinds of wasted objects, just serving as elements of the landscape. Eventually, a creepy, “Bates Motel” type of manor appears. My initial instinct was to try and make my way over THERE, but the “explorer” in me decided to take the path slightly downhill. As it turned out, THIS was the way I was supposed to go, so maybe the game designers anticipated their audience would CHOOSE the road less obvious.

As I sifted through an old, run-down shack, I was reminded of another gaming series, which relied more heavily on atmosphere/psychological effects than, say, blood and gore. It was known as ‘Fatal Frame.’ Furthering the comparison with THIS entry of ‘Resident Evil’ was the addition of “found footage,” in the form of VHS tapes. I cannot say, for sure, if they are required pieces for the game, in terms of progressing along, but they certainly help to provide great clues as to the whereabouts of the character(s) with whom Ethan is trying to connect. If THIS experience does not make you more anxious about where YOU are heading within the game, then the element of heightened anticipation must be totally lost on you, in general.

Just like its predecessors, ‘RE 7’ usefully employs minor details around the house, just to trip you up and make you believe that something is possibly lurking around the corner. Sometimes, you have an idea of what it might be, but in other instances, you have NO clue what awaits. The fact that, even as an experienced gamer, you are not sure whether to relax or tighten up, is an extremely effective tool. Even if you are thinking of replaying the game from a specific spot, which you have already passed, you could dread the relapse of what you felt from your FIRST reaction.

Be sure to strategize the use of your weapons/ammo and health tools. As always, they are in limited quantities, as is your personal inventory, though expansions and “saving” locations are relatively close, once you know your way around the property. The puzzles are not overly complicated, though cryptic, at times. Do not be afraid to take a break from the action, every now and then. You will likely be able to finish each segment within a reasonable amount of time.

I only have a couple of gripes and they are both pretty forgivable. Firstly, in order to run, you MUST push down on the left joystick as you move about. After awhile, your thumb may become irritated. Thankfully, walking is usually a fast enough pace, especially in the sections you have newly uncovered. Secondly, when you are in the heat of a great battle, either with a pesky “Mold” or one of the various family members, who represent the bulk of the “bosses” throughout the game, make sure that you are confidently familiar with how to switch weapons and add more ammo. The screen does NOT pause if and when you need to switch something out, which makes you a “sitting duck” if you are panicked and cannot recall how to move items around. I must say, though, if you have no choice but to rely on stealthy moves and a pocket knife, you CAN survive many of the more intimidating creatures you will encounter.

Overall, ‘Resident Evil 7’ is another strong entry into the franchise. Some of its new concepts ought to become a mainstay, although some purists might be unhappy with them. It is a lengthy enough game to keep you busy for a week or two, depending on your level of attention and focus, but you will NOT be too disappointed with the final outcome, as long as you realize that the gameplay itself matters more than the overall story. I cannot say whether or not this title will remain in my memory beyond the first quarter of 2017, but there should be time, later on, to revisit the experience and STILL think of it fondly, even in retrospect. CAPCOM has not lost its stride in within the “survival” genre.

BE AWARE: the action style is modeled after the “shaky camera” type and there is still plenty of intense blood and gore, throughout ‘RE 7,’ even if it has toned down some, compared to earlier releases. By the way, does this cup look familiar to anyone who is familiar with a certain Texas burger franchise?

Title: Resident Evil VII
Developer/Publisher: CAPCOM
Director: Koshi Nakanishi
Writer: Richard Pearsey
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Release: January 24th, 2017