Genre: Survival Horror | Developer: Capcom | Release Date: 2017
Ethan Winters as he searches for his long-missing wife in a derelict plantation occupied by an infected family, solving puzzles and fighting enemies.
Campaign
What truly sets RE7 apart from other entries in the series is its narrative focus. Rather than globe-trotting conspiracy plots or military squads fighting bioweapons, the game keeps things tight, isolated, and terrifyingly human. The story is simple but powerful—Ethan’s search for Mia is emotionally compelling and serves as a strong anchor for the chaos that unfolds.
Ethan may not have the charisma of Resident Evil mainstays like Leon or Jill, but his vulnerability and clear motivation make him easy to root for. He’s just a guy trying to save someone he loves, and that personal investment drives the tension home.
The Baker family is easily one of the best additions to the RE universe. Jack, Marguerite, and Lucas Baker are grotesque, tragic, and wholly unforgettable. Each member offers unique, creative boss encounters and backstory details that add depth and sadness to their madness. They aren’t just monsters—they’re victims, twisted by the game’s true antagonist: Eveline.
While Eveline herself doesn’t command the spotlight quite like the Bakers, her impact is felt in every decaying hallway and grotesque encounter. Through found footage, journal entries, and notes, the game slowly unravels her influence, enhancing the mystery and dread as the campaign progresses.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Gameplay
Resident Evil 7’s shift to first-person perspective was a risky move that ended up being a masterstroke. It transforms the horror from something you watch to something you feel. Every creaky door and sudden noise feel uncomfortably close, immersing players in the fear and dread of Ethan’s journey.
Exploration is a major focus, and the Baker estate is a brilliantly designed environment filled with secrets, shortcuts, and puzzles. The game encourages players to scavenge, conserve resources, and make smart choices with their limited inventory space—classic survival horror design done right.
Combat is satisfying and strategic. Each weapon has weight, and the enemy design forces you to stay alert. The Molded, the game’s primary enemy type, may not be as iconic as zombies, but they’re dangerous in confined spaces and surprisingly unpredictable.
Boss battles, especially those with the Bakers, are a standout. They require more than brute force—timing, movement, and clever use of the environment are key. That said, the running mechanic does feel awkward. Instead of holding down the sprint button, players must tap it once, which can be clumsy in fast-paced encounters. It’s a small issue but noticeable during tight escapes.
Still, RE7 strikes an excellent balance between tension and action. It recaptures the puzzle-solving, resource-managing feel of the original games while refining modern mechanics for a new generation of players.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Production
Capcom’s RE Engine shines in Resident Evil 7. The game doesn’t aim for blockbuster visuals—it focuses on atmosphere, and it nails it. The Baker house feels alive in the worst way: rotting walls, waterlogged basements, flickering lights, and a lingering filth that seeps into every corner.
The art direction is haunting. There’s a sickly, oppressive quality to the world that makes you feel like you’re trespassing in a place long forgotten—and that’s exactly the point.
Motion capture is well-executed, particularly for Jack Baker, whose erratic, intimidating presence steals every scene he’s in. Jack Brand’s vocal performance is equally fantastic—equal parts Southern charm, sadistic menace, and psychotic unpredictability. But it isn't just him. It's the entire cast.
But perhaps the most impressive technical element is the sound design. This is horror audio done right. The creaks of floorboards, the distant dragging of feet, the squelch of something behind you—it’s all expertly crafted to keep your nerves on edge. Even in silence, the tension builds.
Whether you’re playing with headphones or surround sound, RE7’s audio work is among the best in the genre.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a triumph of atmosphere, storytelling, and survival horror design. It brings the franchise back to its roots while still innovating with a new perspective and grounded narrative. The Bakers are unforgettable, the house is a masterpiece of horror design, and the gameplay hits the perfect balance between dread and action. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard gets 4 out of 5.
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