Resident Evil Village comes in a strange place for the series, as the direct follow-up to the wildly different Resident Evil 7, but the chronological release after the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes. While it sports the same first-person perspective, it's clear that Resident Evil 8 is bringing new ideas to the franchise as well.
During Capcom's Tokyo Game Show presentation, director Morimasa Sato detailed how Resident Evil 8 will feature more open environments and exploration. Since the very beginning, Resident Evil has been about methodical exploration, although Resident Evil 7 focused a bit more on linearity.
Certain games in the series have focused more on exploration than others, and chief amount those is Resident Evil 2. The second game in the series is the epitome of Resident Evil exploration, and Resident Evil Village could be a return to the classic experience.
Resident Evil 8 Brings Back a Focus on Exploration
During Capcom's presentation, Sato said the studio strived to make the game's village feel like a second protagonist alongside Ethan Winters. He goes on to describe the open exploration as "a horror movie you can play." The setting of Resident Evil Village makes it perfect for a more open experience, and it could even draw some inspiration from Resident Evil 4.
Coincidentally, Resident Evil 4 also took place in a small European village, and the first part of the game requires players to piece their way through, and exploration can lead to a lot of extra supplies, weapons, and bonuses. There's a lot of mystery and intrigue that can go into a mist-covered village, and the initial trailers show that Ethan will be interacting with the various residents as well. Resident Evil is at its best when the entire game works as one massive puzzle, requiring players to piece together a bunch of different items or elements to advance. A mysterious village is literally a perfect opportunity to create an interconnected world, and the recent Resident Evil 2 remake helped set the foundation.
The Village Could Be RE8's Raccoon Police Department
Resident Evil 2 is widely regarded as one of the best games in the series, and the remake redefined the classic in a brand new way. The brilliance of the remake lies in its core level design that focuses on methodical exploration. The Raccoon City Police Department makes up the bulk of the game, as players have to explore it top to bottom to find three medallions to slot into a statue. Players have to learn the layout of the station and how its pathways connect. Little puzzles dot the entire area with players having to find solutions or items by exploring. Knowing the station becomes even more important when Mr. X starts stalking the player, as they need to always have a quick escape route.
The Police Department isn't a huge open area to explore but a small one crammed with secrets. Resident Evil Village could look to RE2 as a prime example of how to create an explorable area. Trailers show a wealth of puzzles in the village, and interconnected pathways can help players get around more easily. Interconnected pathways may become especially important considering Resident Evil Village introduces werewolves. It's easy to see how werewolves could take the place of Mr. X, as they're the perfect enemy to stalk Ethan throughout the village.
Resident Evil 8 focusing more on exploration is only a good thing as it goes back to the very roots of the franchise. With the technology of next-gen consoles and a perfect setting, Village could deliver one of the most true-to-form Resident Evil experiences yet.
Resident Evil Village is currently in development for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
