Is Resident Evil Village Resident Evil 8? This question has been on the minds of many fans of the iconic survival horror series. The confusion arises from the fact that Resident Evil Village, which was released in 2021, shares the same name as Resident Evil 8, a game that was initially announced in 2019 but has since been rebranded. This article delves into the similarities and differences between these two games, providing insight into why they share the same name and how they fit into the Resident Evil universe.
Resident Evil Village, developed by Capcom, is the eighth main installment in the Resident Evil series. Set in a picturesque yet eerie village, the game follows Ethan Winters, a man seeking answers about his missing wife. The game is known for its stunning visuals, open-world design, and a mix of survival horror and action elements. On the other hand, Resident Evil 8, which was initially announced as Resident Evil Village, was to be a third-person survival horror game set in a modern-day setting. The game was developed by Crystal Dynamics and promised a more mature and psychological approach to the genre.
So, why did Capcom decide to rebrand Resident Evil 8 as Resident Evil Village? The answer lies in the fact that the game’s development was initially meant to be a collaboration between Capcom and Crystal Dynamics. However, after some disagreements, Capcom decided to take full control of the project and develop it in-house. This change in direction led to the rebranding of the game, as Capcom wanted to emphasize the game’s setting and atmosphere over its original title.
Despite the rebranding, both Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 8 share several similarities. They both feature a third-person perspective, a focus on survival horror, and a mature storyline. Additionally, both games have received critical acclaim for their gameplay, graphics, and storytelling. While Resident Evil Village is a standalone game, it does share some thematic elements with the previous Resident Evil titles, such as the use of B.O.W.s (Biological Organic Weapons) and the survival aspect of the gameplay.
As for the differences, Resident Evil Village is known for its open-world design and the inclusion of a child character, while Resident Evil 8 was originally intended to be a more linear and psychological experience. The change in direction also led to a different approach to the game’s combat system, with Resident Evil Village featuring a more action-oriented gameplay style, while Resident Evil 8 was expected to have a more stealth-based approach.
In conclusion, while Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 8 share the same name, they are two distinct games with different gameplay styles and storylines. The rebranding of Resident Evil 8 to Resident Evil Village was a strategic move by Capcom to emphasize the game’s setting and atmosphere, while still maintaining the core elements that fans have come to love in the Resident Evil series.