Resident Evil 7: Biohazard - The Ultimate Video Game Guide

Hey guys! Welcome to the ultimate guide for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, a game that scared the pants off of many of us (myself included!). We're diving deep into everything you need to know about this survival horror masterpiece. From the terrifying Baker family to the unsettling atmosphere of the plantation house, we'll cover it all. So, grab your virtual shotgun, check your ammo, and let's get started. This guide is your one-stop shop for everything related to Resident Evil 7, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the franchise. We'll explore the gameplay, story, characters, weapons, enemies, and even the DLC. Ready to face your fears? Let's go!

Unveiling the Horror: What is Resident Evil 7 Biohazard?

Alright, let's start with the basics. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom. Released in 2017, it marked a significant shift for the Resident Evil series, transitioning to a first-person perspective. This change dramatically increased the feeling of immersion and vulnerability, making the game even more terrifying. The game takes place in the fictional Dulvey, Louisiana, where the protagonist, Ethan Winters, searches for his missing wife, Mia. His search leads him to a dilapidated plantation owned by the Baker family, a group of seemingly ordinary people with a dark secret. The game is all about survival, resource management, and facing your fears. The gameplay focuses on exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense combat encounters. The first-person perspective puts you right in the heart of the action, making every creak of the floorboards and every rustle in the shadows a potential threat. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the game excels at building tension. From the very beginning, you're thrown into a world of claustrophobia and uncertainty. Every corner hides a potential threat, and resources are scarce. This creates a constant sense of vulnerability that keeps you on edge. The game's success lies in its ability to blend classic survival horror elements with modern gameplay mechanics. Resident Evil 7 successfully revives the franchise's roots in horror, delivering a memorable and truly terrifying experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

The game also introduced a new engine for the franchise, the RE Engine, which allowed for incredible visual fidelity and detailed environments. This enhanced the feeling of immersion, making the game's horrors all the more impactful. The sound design is also top-notch, with creaking doors, unsettling whispers, and the growls of the infected creating an atmosphere of constant dread. Resident Evil 7 isn't just a great Resident Evil game; it's a fantastic horror game in its own right. It's a testament to the power of the survival horror genre and a must-play for fans of the genre. The developers at Capcom truly understood what makes a horror game scary, and they delivered an experience that's both terrifying and unforgettable. So, if you're looking for a game that will keep you up at night, look no further. Resident Evil 7 is a must-play for anyone who enjoys a good scare.

A Deep Dive into the Gameplay Mechanics

Now, let's talk about how you'll actually play Resident Evil 7. The gameplay is a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. You'll spend a lot of time exploring the Baker family's plantation house, uncovering its secrets, and trying to survive. One of the core mechanics is resource management. You'll need to carefully manage your ammunition, healing items, and inventory space. Ammo is scarce, and every shot counts, so you'll need to be strategic about your encounters. Healing items are also limited, so you'll need to be mindful of your health and avoid taking unnecessary damage. Inventory space is another crucial aspect of resource management. You can only carry a limited number of items, so you'll need to decide what's essential and what you can leave behind. This forces you to make tough decisions, adding to the feeling of vulnerability. Combat is another key element of the gameplay. You'll face various enemies, from the grotesque Molded to the members of the Baker family. Combat is deliberately slow-paced and tense, encouraging you to think strategically. You can't just run and gun; you'll need to aim carefully, conserve your ammo, and use the environment to your advantage. Melee attacks are also an option, but they leave you vulnerable, so you'll need to use them wisely. Puzzles are also scattered throughout the game, adding another layer of challenge. These puzzles range from simple item combinations to more complex riddles. Solving them is essential to progress, often unlocking new areas or revealing important story elements. Exploration is a huge part of the experience. The plantation house is a maze of interconnected rooms and corridors, each with its secrets. You'll need to explore every nook and cranny to find clues, items, and solve puzzles. The environment itself is a character in the game, and its atmosphere of dread and decay is a constant presence. The first-person perspective adds to the sense of immersion, putting you right in the heart of the action. It's a game that demands your attention, forcing you to be constantly vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Each encounter is a battle for survival, and every decision you make matters.

The Terrifying Story and Memorable Characters

Let's talk story, shall we? The narrative of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a twisted tale of survival, family, and the horrors that lurk within. You play as Ethan Winters, a man searching for his missing wife, Mia. His quest leads him to the dilapidated plantation of the Baker family in Dulvey, Louisiana. From there, you will face terrifying revelations. The Bakers themselves are the primary antagonists, a family twisted by a mysterious infection. Jack Baker, the patriarch, is a relentless and terrifying pursuer. Marguerite Baker, the matriarch, is obsessed with nurturing grotesque creatures. Lucas Baker, the son, is a sadistic individual with a penchant for traps and puzzles. And then there's Zoe Baker, the daughter, who offers a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. The story is full of twists and turns, with secrets being revealed at every turn. You'll uncover the truth behind the Baker family's condition, the origins of the Molded, and the connection to a mysterious organization. The game also features a strong sense of atmosphere. The plantation house itself is a character, with its decaying interiors and unsettling atmosphere. The game's sound design, with creaking doors, unsettling whispers, and the growls of the infected, adds to the sense of dread. The story is presented through a combination of gameplay, cutscenes, and found documents. These documents, like notes and videotapes, provide additional insights into the story, revealing the history of the Baker family and the events leading up to Ethan's arrival. The story is well-paced, with enough suspense to keep you engaged throughout. There are also moments of genuine horror, with the game never shying away from gruesome scenes. The characters are memorable and well-developed. Even the seemingly unhinged Baker family members have their own motivations and backstories, adding depth to the narrative. Resident Evil 7 excels in creating a sense of dread and suspense. The story is a gripping exploration of survival, family, and the horrors that lurk beneath the surface.

Weapons, Enemies, and Survival Strategies

Alright, let's gear up and talk about surviving in the world of Resident Evil 7! You're going to need a few tools of the trade to survive the horrors that await. First, let's talk weapons. You'll find a variety of weapons throughout the game, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The handgun is your starting weapon, reliable and versatile, but not the most powerful. The shotgun packs a serious punch at close range, perfect for taking down tougher enemies. The flamethrower is your go-to for dealing with crowds of enemies and burning away certain obstacles. The grenade launcher is a versatile weapon that fires various types of grenades, from explosive rounds to corrosive rounds. And there are a few special weapons that you'll find along the way. Be sure to upgrade your weapons whenever possible. Upgrading weapons increases their damage, magazine size, and other stats, making them more effective in combat. Keep an eye out for weapon upgrades as you explore. Next up, enemies. Resident Evil 7 throws a variety of terrifying creatures at you. The Molded are the most common enemies, grotesque creatures that can be dispatched with well-aimed shots. Jack Baker is a relentless and recurring threat, pursuing you throughout the game. Marguerite Baker is a formidable foe with a penchant for insects and other gruesome attacks. Lucas Baker sets up traps and puzzles, testing your wits as well as your combat skills. Survival in Resident Evil 7 is all about strategy. Conserve your ammo, aim carefully, and prioritize your targets. Use the environment to your advantage. Try to take out enemies from a distance, or lure them into traps. Always keep an eye on your surroundings. Listen for enemy footsteps and be prepared for ambushes. Don't be afraid to run away. Sometimes, the best strategy is to avoid a fight altogether. Prioritize your health. Use healing items wisely, and be prepared to retreat if your health gets too low. Explore every nook and cranny. You'll find valuable resources, weapons, and items that will help you survive. Solve the puzzles. They often lead to new areas, weapons, or key items.

Exploring the DLC and VR Experience

If you're looking for more, Resident Evil 7 has some amazing DLC content that's definitely worth checking out. Banned Footage Vol. 1 includes three extra scenarios: