Best VR Horror Game – Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

For those of you who have been hiding under a rock for the last 22 years, Biohazard is the 7th edition in the Resident Evil series. From humble beginnings in 1996 with the release of Capcom’s Resident Evil 1, it has grown into their largest franchise to include comic books, live-action movies, novels and loads of collectable merchandise.

Released early 2017, the fact that it’s still getting reviewed is only a testament to its worthiness as a winner of Best VR Horror game.

Traditionally set in the wake of a zombie viral outbreak, some consider this is a standalone game as the wider universe takes more of a side seat. Paying homage to the original Res its set around a haunted mansion owned by the sinister Baker family, our protagonist Ethan is searching for his missing wife. Think Resident Evil meets The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Offering more than your traditional scare-fest (although you can still expect an oversized portion), it incorporates puzzles, exploration, in game animations, boss fights and well-constructed characters and story line.

For the first time in the survival horror series this is completely playable in VR mode or in classic 3D. Both versions are fantastic and when switching between the two, game play isn’t detracted trying to cater towards one perspective or the other.
Physically leaning to glimpse around a corner, sounds that move around the room

Pros
The immersiveness of the VR is unbelievable and adds a whole new level to gaming. You feel like you’re actually there, experiencing the horror first hand.
Characters personalities and backstories are well developed adding to the realism.
The attention to detail of the environment and characters.
The quality of the graphics is brilliant.
Ammunition and resources are really scarce forcing you to scavenge and put yourself in situations you really don’t want to be in. Switching to Madhouse mode is even more insane.
Doors, loading screens and chest rooms were always a good sign that you were safe, that is no longer accurate – you are NEVER safe!

Cons
In previous games the puzzles were more intricate and difficult. This forced you to explore more and backtrack, extending run time and enhancing the game. Sadly in Biohazard, simply playing through the story will give you some of the answers before you even knew there was a question.
There is a slight dip in image quality when switching to VR mode.
The scares will put some people off and after some play time there is an air of predictability.
This is only in first person, everything else about it screams Res Evil but third person was always a key element of the game.

As someone who was semi-retired from gaming this has definitely made the transition a little more difficult. However, I am genuinely impressed with the VR element and I cannot wait to see what is on offer for the future.