What made Resident Evil 7 so scary?

What Made Resident Evil 7 so Scary?

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, released in 2017, marked a significant departure from the Resident Evil series’ traditional third-person perspective. The game’s shift to first-person view, coupled with its focus on exploration and tension-building, made it a scary experience like no other. In this article, we’ll delve into what made Resident Evil 7 so scary and why it stands out as one of the most terrifying games in the franchise.

1. Immersive First-Person View

The most significant change in Resident Evil 7 was its first-person view. This change created a more immersive experience, allowing players to feel like they’re actually there, exploring the creepy and terrifying world. The camera movements and player movements were tightly integrated, making it difficult to distinguish between what was happening to the player and what was happening in the game.

2. Exploration and Tension-Building

Resident Evil 7 focused heavily on exploration and tension-building. Players were encouraged to explore every nook and cranny, searching for hidden items and clues. This added to the sense of vulnerability, as players never knew what horrors awaited them around each corner. The game’s atmosphere was crafted to build tension, using sounds, lighting, and camera movements to create a sense of unease.

3. The Scariest Enemies: Humanoids

The humanoids in Resident Evil 7 were one of the scariest aspects of the game. These enemies, like Eveline and Jack, were terrifying due to their appearance, movements, and unsettling sounds. Their unpredictability made them even more frightening, as players never knew when they’d be ambushed.

4. Jump Scares (or Lack Thereof)

Resident Evil 7 didn’t rely on jump scares to deliver fear. Instead, the game relied on building tension and creating a sense of unease, making the few jump scares that did occur all the more effective.

5. The Use of Sound

Sound plays a crucial role in Resident Evil 7’s scarieness. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Mitsuda and Morimoto, perfectly captured the mood and atmosphere of each location. Sounds like creaking doors, whispers, and groans added to the tension, making the game a true audio masterpiece.

6. Exploration of Morbid Themes

Resident Evil 7 delved into morbid themes, such as mental illness, trauma, and the supernatural. These themes added depth to the game, making the horrors that awaited players feel more grounded and believable.

7. Unsettling Environments

The game’s environments were a key factor in its scare factor. Locations like the Baker mansion, the Plantation, and the mines were all crafted to create a sense of unease and discomfort. The combination of dark colors, rusty machinery, and decaying structures made the game feel like a journey through a nightmare.

8. Unpredictable Storytelling

The story of Resident Evil 7 was unpredictable, with unexpected twists and turns that kept players on their toes. This uncertainty added to the tension, making the game feel more like a thriller than a horror game.

Scare Factor Scale

Conclusion

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard’s scare factor can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its immersive first-person view, exploration and tension-building, terrifying humanoids, effective use of sound, exploration of morbid themes, unsettling environments, and unpredictable storytelling. The game’s ability to create tension and unease without relying on jump scares made it a truly frightening experience. If you’re a fan of horror games, Resident Evil 7 is definitely worth playing – but be prepared for a few nightmares!