Resident Evil 7 Biohazard, a celebrated AAA title, is now available on Apple’s platforms, including the iPhone 15 Pro, and all iPad and Mac models with M-series chips. Originally launched in 2017 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, the game has since been released on various platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and Google Stadia.
A Return to Survival Horror Roots
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard (RE7) is renowned for bringing the franchise back to its survival horror roots, focusing on terrifying gameplay over action and gunplay. The game introduces a first-person perspective, heightening the visceral horror experience.
Storyline
The game follows Ethan Winters, who receives a cryptic message from his missing wife, Mia. This leads him to a sinister house in the backwaters of Dulvey, Louisiana, where unimaginable horrors await.
Gameplay and Atmosphere
RE7’s gameplay is a masterclass in horror. The game uses darkness, limited flashlight vision, and eerie sound design to create an atmosphere of constant dread. As Ethan explores the decrepit house, players experience heart-pounding moments, making it one of the scariest entries in the series.
Technical Performance on iPhone
Installation and Storage
- Initial Download: 1.19GB from the App Store
- Additional Download: 10GB upon launching the game
- Full Game Purchase: An extra 14GB, totaling around 25GB without DLC, and 31GB with DLC.
DLC Content
- Gold Edition Upgrade: Includes ‘End of Zoe’ story mission and Banned Footage Vol 1 and Vol 2 minigames.
- Cost: $20 for the base game and an additional $20 for the Gold Edition upgrade.
Graphics Settings
RE7 offers three graphical presets: Prioritize Graphics, Balanced, and Prioritize Performance. Each setting impacts the game’s visuals and performance differently.
- Prioritize Graphics: High-quality textures, shadows, and reflections.
- Balanced: Slightly reduced visual quality for better performance.
- Prioritize Performance: Notable reduction in visual fidelity for smoother gameplay.
Resolution Options
On the iPhone 15 Pro, players can choose from resolutions like 2556×1179, 2342×1080, 1952×900, and 1560×720. The game uses MetalFX temporal antialiased upscaling to enhance the image quality.
Visual Quality
Despite some checkerboard artifacts, the overall image quality is impressive. The game’s dark environments mask visual imperfections, and the post-processed look adds to the horror aesthetic.
Performance
RE7 performs exceptionally well on the iPhone 15 Pro. The performance preset targets a near-locked 60fps, while the balanced and graphics presets operate at 30fps. The game runs smoothly, and the device remains relatively cool.
HDR Support
While RE7 supports HDR on iPhone, the game appears darker in HDR mode. For better visibility, players might prefer disabling HDR, especially in well-lit environments.
Controls and Compatibility
RE7 features touchscreen controls, though using a controller is recommended for the best experience. The game supports iCloud cloud saves and synchronization across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. However, cross-platform save transfers (e.g., from Steam) are not supported.
Conclusion
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard is a remarkable addition to the iPhone’s gaming library. Its age and lightweight visuals make it a perfect fit for mobile devices, offering one of the best horror experiences ever made. Just ensure you have a controller and maybe an extra pair of pants for the scares that await.
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