Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village is a confident, varied, and highly entertaining entry in the RE franchise that leans more toward action-horror than pure survival horror. The gothic European village setting is atmospheric and beautifully realized through Capcom's RE Engine, and the game's greatest strength is its environmental variety -- each of the four lords' domains feels like a distinct game, from the tense horror of Castle Dimitrescu to the disturbing Beneviento dollhouse section. Lady Dimitrescu became a cultural phenomenon for good reason; the character design throughout is memorable. Combat is satisfying if not particularly deep, and the merchant system encourages resource management without being punishing. The Shadows of Rose DLC adds meaningful narrative closure. However, the shift toward action means genuine scares are sporadic, and the factory section leans too heavily on combat encounters. Ethan Winters remains a relatively bland protagonist compared to the vibrant villains surrounding him. The story's connection to broader RE lore can feel convoluted. A polished and entertaining blockbuster horror game that prioritizes spectacle over sustained dread.