Resident Evil 8 Village Review: 8 Ups & 2 Downs

5. Village Is The New Resident Evil 4

For 16 years, Resident Evil 4 has been the benchmark for many to top, especially when it comes to survival horror with more of a combat focus.

Straight up though, this feels like playing a revamped Resident Evil 4, but in first person. From the colourful cast of characters to the environments, Capcom has gone all out.

Without giving anything away, the early hours of the Village are terrifying, and a real test for those wanting no punches pulled. Castle Dimitrescu offers up a totally different style of play thanks to the Lady being hot on Ethan’s tail for the most part. Then, later on, gameplay and ways to progress are shifted once more.

Each of the four Lords of the area are more than just a foe to overcome, and really make this the most diverse Resident Evil game to date. It really feels like Capcom are taking the greatest hits from every other game, and naturally rolling them together. Even the beloved inventory system from 4 is here, and organising that is a game in itself.

Something has to be said about the Big Man, The Duke. This game's merchant he’s more than just a laughing hooded figure. Always being in the right place at the right time, offering up excellently written dialogue, he is a welcomed encounter throughout Village’s runtime.