Resident Evil Village (PS5) – Review

Monsters, Madness and Melodrama

A Solid But Different Entry

The Resident Evil series has survived decades of reinvention, mixing survival, horror, and over-the-top storytelling in ways few franchises can. Resident Evil Village carries that torch and is a solid entry that delivers plenty of thrills and spectacle, though it’s not quite as nerve-shredding as some of its predecessors.

Action Over Horror

This is very much an action-focused Resident Evil. I rarely ran out of bullets or first aid, which makes encounters feel less tense and more like all-out shootouts. That makes the game approachable, but it robs some of the classic series’ dread. Compared to Resident Evil 7, which was downright terrifying at times, Village is more about adrenaline than edge-of-your-seat horror.

First-Person Immersion

The first-person perspective is a double-edged sword. It’s fantastic for immersion and makes the action feel up close and personal, but it also comes with some awkwardness. Gameplay suffers, and I do miss the third-person perspective from older games. I really hope the series hasn’t gone fully first-person, and that we’ll see a return to third-person in future entries.

Exploration and Upgrades

Exploring is where Village shines brightest. Scouring the beautifully designed environments for hidden items, treasures, and gems is consistently rewarding. The game encourages curiosity, and it pays off when you stumble upon something valuable. Weapons feel fantastic, with upgrades that turn them into devastating monster-slaying tools. The progression is simple but deeply satisfying.

A Familiar but Gorgeous Setting

Visually, the game looks fantastic, heavily reminiscent of Resident Evil 4. The gothic villages, eerie castles, and unsettling landscapes give the game a strong atmosphere. The story, however, is a bit all over the place, but that chaotic energy fits the franchise’s long tradition of melodramatic nonsense, in a good way.

Short, Punchy, and Fun

Clocking in at around 10 hours, Resident Evil Village doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a tightly packed, action-heavy entry that offers plenty of fun without dragging things out.

Final Rating: 8/10

Pros:

• Great atmosphere and visuals, reminiscent of Resident Evil 4
• Exploration and treasure hunting are consistently rewarding
• Weapons feel powerful, with satisfying upgrades
• Solid action focus keeps things moving

Cons:

• Less scary than Resident Evil 7
• Story is messy and uneven
• First-person perspective has drawbacks
• Faceless protagonist feels odd

Bottom Line

Resident Evil Village dials back the fear in favor of spectacle and firepower. It might not be the creepiest entry, but it’s an entertaining, well-paced adventure that respects your time while keeping the franchise alive and kicking.