The Resident Evil series has been keeping busy in 2023. In February, gamers received an update to Resident Evil Village that introduced an incredibly immersive VR mode. With gamers able to feel as though they are truly in Lady Dimitrescu's castle, the scares are even more effective than ever. The mode breathes new life into the game, and it paints a good picture for Resident Evil 4's remake, which will also be receiving a VR mode.
Resident Evil 4 may be the best game to receive a VR mode. It features much more gunplay than Resident Evil Village, giving players many more opportunities to engage with the realistically functioning weapons in the game. Furthermore, while Resident Evil 4 has received a PC VR mode before, having the game playable on PS VR2 enables new features to be used thanks to the headset's unique capabilities.
Resident Evil Village and PS VR2
It certainly isn't the first time gamers are seeing Resident Evil Village, as it was originally released in 2021. Resident Evil Village centers on Ethan Winters as he searches for his daughter in a village teeming with unnatural beasts. Following Ethan's story was scary enough already but the recent PS VR2 update takes the fear factor to a new level. The world feels far more immersive, as players make natural movements to interact with the environment. For example, to grab a flashlight, players have to open Ethan's coat and physically take it. Similarly, firearms work much like real life, and players have to eject empty magazines before reloading and cocking guns.
The VR mode is transformative enough for even Resident Evil Village veterans to experience the game again, as it adds a new layer of immersion and a different way of experiencing things. Even expected scares are terrifying once again, especially when players can't simply look away and be gone from the horror. It is currently one of the scariest games on the PS VR2, though it may have to share its pedestal with Switchback VR when it launches in March.
Things Look Good For Resident Evil 4 Remake's VR Mode
Resident Evil 4 first hit shelves in 2005, and it has remained a gaming staple since then. Upon release, it was somewhat contentious among fans, as it veered away from the franchise's survival horror roots in favor of more Hollywood-inspired action set pieces. Nevertheless, it is one of the bestselling titles in the series, and it has been re-released many times on different platforms. The upcoming remake has updated gameplay to match the style of Resident Evil 2 and 3's remakes.
Capcom has confirmed that Resident Evil 4 Remake will also have a VR mode. After the experience developers have gained from working on Resident Evil Village, RE4 has the potential to be the best VR title from the franchise yet. Furthermore, the impressive gunplay in Resident Evil Village could receive even more of a focus in RE4 which features plenty more guns and lots more opportunities to use them.
The VR mode will be available as a free download. However, it won't be available when the game launches. Although gamers will have to wait a bit before they can enjoy it, if RE4's VR mode is anything like RE Village's, gamers can be certain that it will raise the bar for VR horror gaming.
Resident Evil 4 Remake is scheduled to release on March 24 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.