Resident Evil Village (also known as Resident Evil 8) is a survival horror game developed and published by Capcom. It was released in May 2021 and is the direct sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. The game continues the story of Ethan Winters, who finds himself in a mysterious and dangerous village in Europe while searching for his kidnapped daughter, Rose.

Key Features:
1. Setting and Atmosphere: The game is set in a gothic, medieval-looking village, inspired by classic European horror themes, with a variety of different environments like castles, forests, and caves.

2. First-Person Perspective: Like Resident Evil 7, the game is played from a first-person perspective, which adds to the tension and horror by immersing players directly in Ethan’s experiences.

3. New Characters:
– Lady Dimitrescu: One of the most iconic characters from the game, Lady Alcina Dimitrescu is a giant, vampire-like noblewoman who became an internet sensation before the game’s release.
– Mother Miranda: The main antagonist of the game, who controls the village and its bizarre inhabitants.
– The Four Lords: These are unique, powerful beings that control different parts of the village, including Lady Dimitrescu, Karl Heisenberg, Donna Beneviento, and Salvatore Moreau.

4. Combat and Exploration: The game introduces new enemy types and offers a balance between action and horror. Players must manage their resources carefully, solve puzzles, and engage in combat against both human and monstrous enemies.

5. Merchant System: The game brings back a merchant system with “The Duke,” who sells weapons, upgrades, and supplies to the player.

6. Visual and Sound Design: The game uses the RE Engine, delivering stunningly detailed graphics and realistic environments. The sound design enhances the creepy, tense atmosphere, contributing to the game’s overall horror experience.

Story Recap:
The narrative follows Ethan Winters as he ventures into the village to rescue his daughter, Rose. He faces off against the village’s monstrous inhabitants, uncovering dark secrets about his own past and the origins of the bioweapons that have plagued the series.

Reception:
The game received positive reviews for its atmosphere, character design, and blend of action and horror. While some fans enjoyed the shift towards more action-oriented gameplay, others missed the pure survival horror elements of earlier games like Resident Evil 7 or Resident Evil 2’s remake.