Resident Evil 7 : Biohazard

A Horror Experience Like No Other

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard — A Horror Experience Like No Other

Over the years, I’ve played a decent number of horror games, ranging from Outlast to Until Dawn. But to this day, I don't think I’ve ever played a game as scary as Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.

Before diving into this title, I had heard of the Resident Evil franchise, but I had never completed a full playthrough of any of the games. If you know Resident Evil, then you’ll understand that Biohazard is a bit of a departure from the earlier installments (as I would soon find out). This game introduces us to a brand-new character, Ethan, who travels to Louisiana in search of his missing wife.

The Setting: A Perfect Storm of Isolation and Tension

There are a few reasons why this game scared me so much. All of its elements come together to give it a distinct, haunting atmosphere.

First, let’s talk about the setting. Saying Ethan travels to Louisiana and leaving it at that would be a huge understatement. The game takes place deep in the woods and swamps — in the middle of nowhere — where Ethan ends up at a desolate house: the Baker residence.

From the moment you see the house, it gives off an eerie, distinct vibe. The exterior is run-down and falling apart, and the inside doesn’t get any better. Transitioning the franchise to a first-person perspective was definitely the right move here. First-person puts you directly into the chaos, making you feel more immersed and constantly on edge as you peek around every corner.

The Bakers: A Family of Nightmares

Next — and most importantly — we need to talk about the Baker family.

Jack, Marguerite, Lucas, Zoe, and the later-revealed “bioweapon” Eveline all make for fantastic horror antagonists. The family, under Eveline’s control, are essentially cannibals who are relentlessly hunting Ethan down. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre inspiration is very clear with the Bakers, and honestly, it works. They’re a major highlight of the game.

But there’s more to the Bakers than just what lies on the surface. Several members can physically mutate, leading to some intense boss fights. While the boss fights are decent overall, there are moments where you’re stuck in a brutal standoff with only a handgun and a knife, thanks to the game’s scarce resources.

And then there’s Mia — Ethan’s wife. After you find her, it’s revealed that she too is under Eveline’s influence, turning into a more demonic version of herself. One part that will keep you off guard is having to defend yourself against her.

The Puzzles: More Stressful Than You’d Expect

The third part of Biohazard that genuinely got under my skin was… the puzzles.

Now, I’m sure plenty of people think the puzzles in this game are easy, especially compared to earlier Resident Evil titles. That may be true, but Biohazard was one of the first puzzle-heavy games I had ever played. Some of them were genuinely satisfying to solve. Others? Not so much. A few had me so stressed that I had to turn to Google or YouTube for help.

A Near-Perfect Horror Experience

Aside from the horror elements, Resident Evil 7 also excels in other areas. The graphics and sound design are top-tier and perfectly complement the terrifying setting. The story was a great way to kick off a new chapter within the franchise and firmly establishes Ethan as a key character in the series (as we later see in Resident Evil Village).

Overall, this game was an adventure I genuinely enjoyed. Maybe I’m biased since it was my first Resident Evil experience, but I approached it like I was playing a fresh, standalone horror game — and it didn’t disappoint.

If I had to point out a downside, it’s that the game moves at a fairly quick pace. If you’re looking to stretch out your time in Biohazard, make sure to explore, complete side content, and solve as many puzzles as possible. Not only will it extend your playthrough, but it’ll also help you get more gear and ammo — which you’ll definitely need for those boss fights.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a gripping, terrifying, and unforgettable horror experience that successfully rebooted the franchise in a bold new direction.