Capcom is gearing up for the launch of Resident Evil 7: biohazard early next year, and with it, a hefty amount of expectation rests on its shoulders. After all, the Japanese publisher is taking a bold step with its classic survival horror franchise, placing the action from a first-person perspective for the first time—horrible spinoffs notwithstanding.
With the Resident Evil 7 release date quickly approaching, we thought it would be handy to compile everything we know about the game so far into one handy article, giving fans plenty to tuck into as they wait to get their hands on the latest slice of zombie-mashing action.
What’s the story? (Warning: gory)
Set approximately four years after the events of Resident Evil 6, Capcom’s latest series installment takes place in the Louisiana bayous, specifically on a plantation in the fictional town of Dulvey, southern United States. Here, we find newcomer Ethan Winters, who is exploring the mysterious and seemingly abandoned Baker residence for his missing wife, Mia, who was previously thought to have died three years ago (that never works out well; just ask James Sunderland from Silent Hill 2). Not much else is known about the plot right now, with Capcom doing its best to keep details close to its chest. However, the Baker family, clearly deranged and under the effects of, well, something, tenaciously pursue Ethan throughout his journey, and seem intent on ‘welcoming’ him to the family. Everything else is being kept under wraps.
Resident Evil 7 gameplay – what’s new?
As mentioned, Resi 7 takes place from a first-person viewpoint. This, perhaps understandably, caused quite a few wrinkles throughout the RE community when it was first announced, although Capcom has since defended its decision, assuring it is a key component in player immersion and helping to bring the series back to its roots. Also, the more discerning Resi fan may recall that the original game was intended to be a first-person horror game, but technical limitations forced Capcom to switch to the fix, third-person view we know today. Outside of that, the game places far greater emphasis on the core components of old-school horror; item management, exploration, and puzzle-solving all return and are at the forefront of the action, as opposed to gunning down legions of cannon fodder undead or Ganado/Majini. Speaking of guns, Ethan is just a regular chap, and not an experienced gun fighter or member of an elite unit such as S.T.A.R.S. or BSAA, which leads a greater sense of vulnerability to the proceedings, something which we haven’t seen for years.
When’s the Resident Evil 7 release date?
Resident Evil 7: biohazard is scheduled for release in the U.S. and Europe on January 24, 2017. The game then hits Japan a few days later, and will be available for PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One. As confirmed during Sony’s E3 2016 press event, the PS4 version will be fully compatible with PlayStation VR from start to finish.
Resident Evil 7 Collector’s Edition – what’s in the box?
Capcom is bringing three different Collector’s Editions of Resident Evil 7 to market: U.S., European, and Japanese editions. We’ll go through each version allowing you to see what’s up for grabs depending on the region.
North America
U.S. gamers will have to fork out $179.99 for their Collector’s Edition, which features a copy of the game, a VHS box, a replica of the Baker mansion which also functions as a music box, a creepy note (‘I Shall dash YOU against the stones’), a 4GB USB dummy finger, a lithograph, and steelbook cover.
Europe
Bizarrely, this edition does NOT include a copy of Resident Evil 7. Available exclusively at GAME for £99.99, the European Resi 7 Collector’s Edition features a replica Baker mansion (this one is notably larger than the North American version but does not function as a music box), a 16GB USB dummy finger, lithographs, alternate cover, Survival Pack: Action Set DLC, and 20th anniversary artbook.
Japan
This one’s a little different. In addition to a copy of Resi 7, you’ll get the Survival Pack: Shotgun Set, a pack of playing cards, ‘Hungry Papa’s Burger’ mug, a Green Herb, Aunt Rhody soundtrack, and premium packaging.
Full version of Resident Evil 7 demo now available to download
Capcom released a playable demo of Resident Evil 7 following its announcement back at E3 in June, although the fully updated version has only just become available with the Midnight patch. With this update in place, gamers can enjoy more content than ever, with combat and a number of puzzles available to tuck into, plus all-new rooms to explore. Not only that, but the mysterious Resident Evil 7 dummy finger finally has a use, and you can now unlock what Capcom is calling the ‘true’ ending to the playable teaser. There’s even a chance to unlock an item that will carry over to the full version of Resident Evil 7 next month. Get stuck in!