OftentimesResident Evilgames are very iterative between each entry, to varying degrees, but they’re all unique enough to be distinct from one another. FromResident Evil, all the way toResident Evil: Code Veronica, the series was continuing to build off of its established formula with a burgeoning and complex story.Then, inResident Evil 4, the franchise took a more action-aligned approach that would inspire the next few entries.Resident Evil Villageis in the unique position of fulfilling both sides of that coin: It’s both very similar to its formative predecessor inResident Evil 7, while also aligning itself both narratively and gameplay-wise withResident Evil 4.
Putting aside all of the immediately identifiable differences, like werewolves/lycans and vampires, the unique characters, or gameplay differences, both games genuinely have a lot in common.Resident Evil 4andResident Evil Villagefollow a similar scope and scenario with each game’s main conflict and protagonist, evidently with many similar limiting factors and obstacles to presumably overcome. Gameplay mechanics run alongside one another, despite a significant amount of differences between both gameplay experiences. That’s not to sayResident Evil Villagecouldn’t be wholly different, but everything shown and played thus far suggests they’re not so different.
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Another Rescue Mission In Resident Evil Village
Narratively speaking, on a macrocosmic level, bothResident Evil 4andResident Evil Villagehave almost identical story composition. The protagonist ends up in a remote village, the exact location of which is relatively unknown, in search of a missing daughter. Players end up biting off more than they can chew, at least in terms of the narrative context, and are forced to explore a mystifying, larger-than-life castle against an ever-evolving threat. The protagonist eventually faces off against a big bad, they realize that someone even bigger is orchestrating the player’s conflict behind the curtain, all the while dealing with a former ally who is not to be trusted.
If this sounds familiar, then it’s because players have gone through and beatenResident Evil 4. Overarching beats between bothResident Evil VillageandResident Evil 4, or at least the general narrative structure, are basically two sides of the same coin.
Lady Dimitrescu isVillage’s version of Chief Mendez fromResident Evil 4, or even more ironically Saddler, just based on what’s been shown of Dimitrescu’s role in the story. The mysterious “Mother Miranda” is clearly the chief behind the whole operation inResident Evil Village, as everyone seems to refer to her as some kind of grand protector. EvenChris Redfield, who’s role inResident Evil Villageis certainly ambiguous, seems to be acting in the same manner that Ada Wong did inResident Evil 4. Obviously the specific details in between are what make both gamesvastlydifferent, but the overall narrative framework ofVillageis seemingly similar.
Familiar Gameplay Stepping Stones In Village
There are some pretty obvious nods toResident Evil 4,gameplay-wise, inResident Evil Villageas well. Putting aside the most overt inspirations like the attache case-style inventory or the shopkeeper, the gameplay formula itself seems to follow the same progression as well. Players start in a relatively open-ended and remote village with branching pathways, and it’s up to them to decide where to go next. As players clear buildings, traverse new terrain, and take down strong and unusual enemies, they eventually reach the castle named after Lady Dimitrescu. The stakes continue to raise as they’re introduced to Alcina and her sisters, among other villains like Heisenberg.
As for what’s beyond that,Resident Evil Villageis almost certainly saving the rest for the full game, which could go any number of ways like inResident Evil 4. Players already know about the three castles, or at least three families, that they’ll encounter throughoutResident Evil Village: Dimitrecu, Heisenberg, and Beneviento. Whether that’s the extent of the game’s scope, or players will travel to another locale like the military island inResident Evil 4, it’s hard to tell right now. However,based on the clear inspirations ofResident Evil 4, as well as the precedent set byResident Evil 7(and, tangentially, every game prior), there will almost certainly be one more region.
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Resident Evil 4’s Indelible Impact On Village
This is not to sayResident Evil Villageis undoubtedly going to play out likeResident Evil 4did. In fact, it could and likely will be quite the opposite. The general structure and setup of the game’s narrative and gameplay experience have beenclearly inspired by whatResident Evil 4did previously, but melded into the newResident Evil 7format. The environments, the enemies, the atmosphere, all of these pivotal parts of aResident Evilgame are comparatively very different betweenResident Evil VillageandResident Evil 4. That being said, there’s been a clear influence on the general framework ofResident Evil Village, despite its own unique merits.
Even the developers behindResident Evil Villagehave not shied away from comparisons toResident Evil 4. Capcom producer Pete Fabiano explicitly stated thatResident Evil Village"took a lot of inspiration fromResident Evil 4," at least in relation to continuing Ethan Winters' story fromResident Evil 7. Fabiano also mentions that “players will find a balance of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving” throughoutResident Evil Village. Pair that with theResident Evil Villagedemos and trailers shown thus far, and it’s clearResident Evil 4has at least been formative in subtle and overarching ways.Resident Evil Villageis still very much its own game, just familiar.
Resident Evil Villagereleases on July 02, 2025, for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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