MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes is a big fan of zombie and horror games. He is particularly fond of a part of the Resident Evil series on PS5 and PS4. This is mainly because it is worth replaying the game multiple times.
I love Resident Evil. Be it the old ones with fixed camera perspectives, the 3rd-person titles, or the first-person games. This mix of horror and slightly trashy action-film is just the perfect combination for me.
What really hooked me since the release is mainly Resident Evil Village and its later released DLC. My big highlight is the wonderful replayability.
Resident Evil at its best
What is Resident Evil Village about? Ethan Winters lives a quiet life with his wife and newborn after the horrific events in Resident Evil 7. However, they are kidnapped, and he must now face a new cult and dangerous opponents in a gothic horror-inspired town.
Typically Resident Evil, the story, to be honest, is very amusing nonsense. Gameplay-wise, the game is based on the first-person view from Resident Evil 7, but a bit faster and more action-packed. This also influences the gameplay, which requires significantly more firepower from you.
And that alone is already a lot of fun. The weapons feel good, and the gothic horror enemies like werewolves or vampires are a refreshing change from the classic zombie foes.
Coupled with good level design, the gameplay is already one of the most important aspects for replayability, as you always learn something new. How do different enemies behave, how can I solve the area faster, and what are the best weapons for various bosses? You learn such things, and with each playthrough, you become faster and more efficient.
If you also enjoy time challenges, there is even the Mercenaries mode you can take on.
However, my biggest motivation while playing was always the bonus shop, which requires replaying the game several times.
The bonus shop is one of the best sources of motivation in video games
What makes the bonus shop so good? Throughout the game, you collect points through achievements and challenges that you complete. You can redeem these points in the bonus shop. In addition to characters and concept art, you can also unlock weapons or bonuses for weapons that shake up a new playthrough.
After my first playthrough, for example, I did a run using only a grenade launcher with infinite ammo. Sure, the game becomes significantly easier, but it also creates a completely different experience and atmosphere.
This can also go the other way. For a trophy on the PS5, for example, you need to complete the game using only a knife. Even there, a unlockable knife helps you in the bonus shop.
This aspect is present in most Resident Evil games, but it worked best for me in Resident Evil Village. The many different areas and enemies feel so different that I never experienced a sense of monotony.
Even horror fans can enjoy the game, especially the DLC
What about the horror? Resident Evil 7 was a genuine horror game, and Village is much more action-oriented, yet there are still some nice horror sequences. The dollhouse brings quite a bit of fright, especially with a body horror monster.
I have a particularly fond memory of the game’s DLC, The Winters Expansion
. As Ethan’s daughter, you have a significantly smaller arsenal for self-defense, and in one sequence of the game, I was so startled that I had to pause and laughed at myself for several minutes.
Resident Evil Village is the perfect mix for my taste. It has gothic horror, Resident Evil gameplay, and a trashy action story that I enjoy experiencing over and over again. I love the game so much that I started another run right after my first playthrough, and then another run after that.
Currently, you can even grab the game, along with the DLC, on sale. For €19.99, you can get the Gold Edition of Resident Evil Village on PS4 and PS5. The offer is valid until February 27, 2025.
Many of the aspects I mentioned, of course, apply to most Resident Evil games. Another video game passion of mine is Digimon games, and a new one is coming out this year: An alternative to Pokémon on Steam brings back a beloved childhood anime
