Introduction

Resident Evil Village Gold Edition for the PlayStation 5 is the highly anticipated expansion to the already thrilling eighth main installment in the Resident Evil franchise. Having spent considerable time exploring the gothic horror of the Village and its terrifying inhabitants, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This review focuses on the Gold Edition’s additions, particularly the new third-person perspective and the inclusion of Re:Verse.

Features

The Gold Edition significantly enhances the Resident Evil Village experience. The most notable addition is the third-person mode, offering a fresh perspective on the terrifying environments and intense combat. It’s a welcome change, offering a different tactical feel, allowing for better situational awareness and a more cinematic experience. The inclusion of the Winters’ Expansion, particularly the Shadows of Rose DLC, adds significant replayability, introducing a new campaign and challenges.

The return of fan-favorite merchant, The Duke, streamlines resource management and weapon upgrades, making the overall experience smoother and more enjoyable. The crafting system, enhanced in this Gold Edition, feels more integral to survival, pushing strategic thinking. Re:Verse, though a separate entity, adds a fun, albeit occasionally chaotic, multiplayer element to the Resident Evil experience.

Performance

Resident Evil Village Gold Edition runs flawlessly on the PS5. Load times are minimal, and the game consistently maintains a smooth framerate, even during the most intense action sequences. The improved visuals in the third-person mode are stunning, bringing a new level of immersion to the already atmospheric world. The detail on the character models and environments is remarkable, enhancing the overall scare factor. The audio design is equally impressive, perfectly complementing the visuals to create a truly terrifying experience. Re:Verse, while not as graphically impressive, runs smoothly and is surprisingly engaging.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Stunning visuals, smooth performance, engaging gameplay, immersive atmosphere, enhanced third-person mode, significant replayability with the Winters’ Expansion, streamlined resource management, inclusion of Re:Verse.

Cons: Re:Verse multiplayer can feel slightly unbalanced at times, the difficulty curve might be steep for newcomers to the series.

Final Verdict

Resident Evil Village Gold Edition is a must-have for any Resident Evil fan and a fantastic entry point for newcomers looking for a terrifying and rewarding gaming experience. The addition of the third-person mode significantly enhances the gameplay, providing both a fresh and familiar way to experience the chilling world of the Village. While Re:Verse may not be for everyone, its inclusion adds extra value. The Winters’ Expansion greatly expands the game’s lifespan. I wholeheartedly recommend this edition for its superior gameplay and enhancements.