π’ OMG! THERE SHE IS! THE BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE LADY THAT - π’
Aaaaand she's gone... π
We will return to the remakes shortly, but until then let's get back to some original content, hmmm? Not that the remakes aren't original content, but we're talking about franchise extender here. Not that the remakes - never mind.
Resident Evil 8 is the continuation of Ethan's story, the protagonist from RE7. Subtitled VILLAGE, it sees us traversing a Transylvanian horror that sees the series returning to its RE4 action horror roots.
And soβοΈ In this edition of Through the Lens π, we'll be taking a look at Capcom's two-for-two in modern Resident Evil games: Resident Evil 8, βοΈ
(or is it Resident Evil Village? Whichever!)
Roll it! π½
https://images.ecency.com/DQmVGHD6Xb9X9NeNCjhcDXptYxepp13qc3CR5ZeaTu3Vvd3/elegant_up.png
π· UP TOP πΆ
Not much to say about the soundtrack. It's good, it's compelling, it's a horror soundtrack. π You won't be listening to it while working (although you could give it listen to while reading this article, hmmmm) but it more than serves its purpose. Interesting that it has so many composers linked to it. I've never seen such a long credits list for a soundtrack. π€·ββοΈ
After the amazingness that was RE7, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next official installment of the franchise. Resident Evil was revived, and Capcom had regained the faith of its fanbase which they once lost. Of course, I played it at release. And while I was a bit turned off by the fact this was more of an action game than a survival horror game like its predecessor. Once I understood the dev's vision I was fully on board.
https://images.ecency.com/DQmVGHD6Xb9X9NeNCjhcDXptYxepp13qc3CR5ZeaTu3Vvd3/elegant_up.png
π· ACTION PACKED πΆ
Resident Evil 8's closest relative is without a doubt Resident Evil 4.
This is made painfully obvious by its amazing opening sequence, which serves as a mirror clone to RE4's. As well as the more action-focused gameplay, and the return of the merchant! Not to mention the devs talked about it, there's that as well. π
The action never stops in this game. This puts more emphasis on finding valuable items in the environment. Then selling said items to the lovable merchant. Or just using them, if they are bullets or med kits or weapons - you get the idea.
Betwean RE7 and RE8 our boy Ethan has gone threw some military training. It's mentioned in one line of dialogue at the very beginning of the game, but it serves as a tone-setter for what you are about to experience. As well as a narrative explanation for why Ethan has suddenly become Rambo's son. π
Another corelation between 8 and 4 is the return of the merceneries mode. This puts the player in an arcady shooter arena. 4 of them to be precise. And these levels resemble Doom more than they do Resident Evil, all that's missing is some heavy guitar riffs. π
It's basically a horde of enemies that you have to get through in the most time optimal way possible. And if you wanna be optimal these are pretty tough challenges. They also provide excellent replayability for the game, and i hope Capcom keeps them for future installments.
https://images.ecency.com/DQmVGHD6Xb9X9NeNCjhcDXptYxepp13qc3CR5ZeaTu3Vvd3/elegant_up.png
π· EYE CANDY πΆ
Capcom couldn't have known that their lecharous vampire lady would become the biggest thirst trap in gaming since Beyonetta. Well... they should have! π
Yes while her appearance was short lived she sure did pack a punch. As do most of the characters in the game. Everyone just looks amazing. And I ain't talking graphical fidelity here also, even if that is also top notch. I'm talking character design and art direction. True, Japanese developers have always been better at these sort of things. Providing fresh new outlooks and ideas. And this game is prime example of that.
While we are here we can talk about the story. I like that Capcom has stepped back from these huge world defining events into something more personal. Like RE4, this story is way more grounded. I know how ridiculous that sounds with this cast of c characters. π But its scope doesn't really leave the titular village it is set in.
Speaking of the village... π
https://images.ecency.com/DQmVGHD6Xb9X9NeNCjhcDXptYxepp13qc3CR5ZeaTu3Vvd3/elegant_up.png
π· VILLAGE πΆ
I love the design of the village. It has this Dark Souls 1 affect, where you unlock different paths you though impossible when you just started playing. It's very metroidvania in that aspect. And if you know anything about me, you know that metroidvanias are my favorite!
Also, it made it so Capcom could use the roman numerals in a smart way again, just like they did in Resident Evil 7. π
But jokes aside the name is apt. The village really is the heart and soul of the game. And everything in it, from its design, to its many distinct regions that you have to go through. To its comic-book level of antagonists, is placed with meticulous detail and care.
https://images.ecency.com/DQmVGHD6Xb9X9NeNCjhcDXptYxepp13qc3CR5ZeaTu3Vvd3/elegant_up.png
π· VILLAGE πΆ
Time will tell how history remembers this game. It's barely been two years since its release, and I barely cover games so close to release. Wait until future grocko discovers we're covering the remake of RE4. π
So far my hunch is that RE7 will be more loved for how much of a life injection it was to the series. And how much more of a horror game it was. RE8 is super polished and super well made, but also it is... I dunno, forgettable? I don't know, I don't know! I could be completely wrong and it is remembered as the best Resident Evil yet.
But! I will say with certainty that you should give it a try if you haven't. You don't really need any knowledge of the series to play it. It is a super well made game,a nd is more FPS than horror. Although the horror elements are definitely present in spades.
Shout-out to the πPIZZAπ gang, π€ gang. π€
Like I said, RE4 is next. And with that we'll be done with Resident Evil. I'm still considering whether to do RE3, but we'll see.
Thanks for reading and I hope you have a good one! π
π Follow me on my HIVE blog π
I hope you are having an amazing week! π
Return from Resident Evil 8 π½ Through the Lens to ΠΠΎΡΠΊΠΎ's Web3 Blog
