Resident Evil Village ended on a reasonably bittersweet be aware however that ending will now see a follow-up with its newest story DLC: Shadows of Rose which we performed a preview for at Tokyo Game Show 2022. The DLC is part of the upcoming enhanced rerelease Resident Evil Village Gold Edition. Here’s what we considered it:

Warning This Preview could have spoilers for the ending of Resident Evil Village. 

Legacy of Winters

The story will see Ethan Winter’s now teenage daughter, Rose, struggling together with her terrifying powers. In search of a technique to break away from her cursed talents, Rose journeys by way of a mysterious nightmare realm primarily based on recollections hidden inside the Megamycete’s consciousness.

Just from the premise, you may already see a whole lot of parallels with one other in style survival horror sequence: Silent Hill, particularly Silent Hill 3. Not solely is the protagonist the teenage daughter of a earlier protagonist however the sport has a really totally different really feel to the bottom Resident Evil Village. Instead of being action-focused, Shadows of Rose is way slower and nearly psychological in its horror. This isn’t a foul factor thoughts you, it’s a really distinctive tone for Resident Evil and from the little we’ve seen, can also be properly executed.

Rose herself is an efficient protagonist, with a whole lot of character to make her endearing. Throughout the Shadows of Rose preview, she’s recurringly talking to somebody named Michael who isn’t seen and solely writes in textual content. We can’t verify who that is however they appear pleasant sufficient they usually act as a stable mentor determine for Rose. 

Back To The Village

The demo takes place in Castle Dimitrescu which feels nostalgic however new on the identical because of the modifications in stage design and total tone of the setting. It’s nonetheless a hauntingly attractive set piece which you can inform was made with a first-person digicam in thoughts. The most notable change is that as a substitute of the Lycans from Village, the molded from Resident Evil VII return to torment Rose. 

Resources are additionally far more scarce this time round. It’s very a lot again to basic survival horror, debating whether or not to shoot an enemy or run previous them since each bullet counts and I continuously discovered myself operating out. You can after all craft extra ammo however even these provides don’t come too regularly.

This shift to the extra horror facet of Resident Evil additionally happens in one in all Rose’s new expertise. She can use her powers to freeze enemies and these specific flowers, which might take away obstacles or cease opponents from spawning. There’s a catch although: she has to remain nonetheless and cost it. I used to be frightened when you unlocked it could make issues simpler however no, now I’m spending each stage worrying about getting jumped whereas I cost the flexibility. It’s actually nerve-wracking as you’re just about a sitting duck till you’re completed, including a great stage of dread to each use of it. 

Overall the preview for Resident Evil Village: Shadows of Rose DLC left we anticipating extra. The tonal change to a extra Silent Hill-style psychological horror is an fascinating shift that feels distinctive whereas nonetheless protecting according to the occasions of Village. A extremely favored Rose as a protagonist and I need to see the place her story leads.

In common, I’ve all the time most well-liked the extra horror facet of Resident Evil and whereas Village may get fairly scary (that freaking child), returning to the moodier, darker Castle Dimitrescu of Shadows was one other layer of dread. Can’t wait to return within the full sport!

Resident Evil Village Gold Edition and The Shadows of Rose DLC will probably be obtainable for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on October twenty eighth, 2022.