No, Resident Evil Village is not an open-world game. It follows a more linear gameplay structure, focusing on progressing through a series of interconnected but distinct areas rather than offering a fully open-world environment where players can freely explore without restrictions.
Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village, the eighth major installment in the Resident Evil series, is a survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom. Released in May 2021, it follows the story of Ethan Winters as he searches for his kidnapped daughter in a mysterious village filled with grotesque creatures and terrifying situations.
Gameplay
Resident Evil Village follows the traditional survival horror gameplay mechanics of its predecessors. Players navigate through various environments, solve puzzles, and engage in combat with enemies while managing resources like ammo and healing items. The game also introduces a merchant system where players can buy and sell items, upgrade weapons, and purchase supplies to aid in their survival.
Level Design and Exploration
While Resident Evil Village features interconnected areas and a unified setting in the form of the titular village, it is not considered an open-world game in the traditional sense. The game is structured with distinct levels and environments that players progress through in a linear fashion. The village itself serves as a central hub that connects different areas, but players follow a predetermined path guided by the narrative.
Linearity vs. Open World
Open-world games are characterized by expansive, seamless worlds that players can freely explore without being confined to a set path. In contrast, linear games have a more structured progression, guiding players through a predetermined sequence of events and locations. While Resident Evil Village offers some degree of exploration within its environments, the game maintains a linear design that advances the narrative in a controlled manner.
Exploration and Backtracking
Within the confines of its level design, Resident Evil Village still provides opportunities for exploration and backtracking. Players can revisit previously explored areas with newfound abilities or items to unlock hidden paths, solve puzzles, or access hidden treasures. This non-linear exploration adds depth to the gameplay experience without deviating from the game's overarching linear structure.
Conclusion
In summary, Resident Evil Village is not an open-world game but rather a linear survival horror experience with interconnected environments and a central hub location. While players have some freedom to explore and backtrack within the game's structured design, the overall progression remains guided by the narrative. This balance between exploration and linearity ensures a focused and immersive gameplay experience that is a hallmark of the Resident Evil series.