It's no secret that Capcom loves to terrorize their fans with their Resident Evil games for more than two decades. Up to this writing, Resident Evil has more than nine titles in their major installment, and their upcoming game, Resident Evil Village, is set for a 2021 release.
Two of the franchise's latest games in chronological order, Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil 7: Biohazards, have polarized fans in two. One was poorly received by the fans, although it's more action-oriented than the other, while the latter was praised for one or two reasons. These are five reasons why one is better than the other, and vice versa!
10 RE7: Better Graphics
Being released in 2017 has its perks, and for Resident Evil 7, it makes the game graphically superior to Resident Evil 6. To ensure the best graphic possible, RE7 debuted the new RE Engine by Capcom, which later became the primary engine for the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3. It pretty much explains why RE7 has such a smoother rendering texture and realistic shading.
Resident Evil 6, on the other hand, still used the old MT Framework, the same engine used for the 2008's Dead Rising open-world game.
9 RE6: More Weapon Variation
As an action game, Resident Evil 6 emphasizes a plethora of weapons. Ranging from the powerful Rocket Launcher to the Piers Nivans-exclusive Anti-Materiel Rifle, Resident Evil 6 features at least 26 weapons ready to be used.
On top of that, finding collectibles and supplies in this game is pretty straightforward. If you're short on ammo, just find a box or a jar and crush it to get some. Or, if you want some action, kill an infected creature with bare hands, and there you go!
8 RE7: More Shock Values & Scare Factors
Upon its release, Resident Evil 7 was hailed as the game that brought back the ol' classic scary Resident Evil that has lost its mojo since Resident Evil 4. From the horrifying scene of the family dinner to jump scares after jump scares, Resident Evil 7 is not for your consideration if you're a weak-hearted.
The game was so scary that the producer, Masachika Kawata, recommended to play it with your family. Quoting his words from The Verge, Kawata said, "It really gets you in the mindset that this is happening to me, and that I am the one on screen."
7 RE6: More Action-Packed Scenes
On the other hand, Resident Evil 6 has more action influence on it. The game is set in various places in the world: Tall Oaks (United States), Edonia (Eastern Europe), and Lanshian (China). Different handy combat moves are also featured in the game, making it easier for all the seven playable characters to overcome any enemy.
Unfortunately, this was what made the fans so poorly received Resident Evil 6.
6 RE7: New, Fresh Characters
It's not exaggerating to say Resident Evil 7 brings a fresh experience. Until its release, RE7 was the only Resident Evil not to feature anyone from previous games as a significant character—except during the very late stage when Chris Redfield and the BSAA came to rescue.
In this game, you play as Ethan Winters, a small-time system engineer who wanted nothing but to find his missing wife, Mia, at the Baker's ranch in Louisiana. Little did he know that he'd soon become entangled with malignant entities that dangered his life and his loved ones.
5 RE6: More Iconic Playable Characters
Up to this writing, Resident Evil 6 is the franchise's game with most playable characters. It has a total of seven playable characters with three different chapters: Leon and Helena Harper, Chris and Piers Nivans, & Sherry and Jake Muller, with Ada Wong's story as an unlockable feature.
Like another side of a coin, each character has its own backstory, adding more depth to the game's main storyline.
4 RE7: Shorter Gameplay. Perfect for a Non-Casual Gamer
It only takes you 9 to 10 hours to finish Resident Evil 7's main story, or it could double up to 21 hours if you're a completionist grinder who plays for the trophies. Unlike RE6's multi-layered settings, RE7 is only set in one place: the Baker family ranch in Dulvey, Louisiana, between an evening in August 2017 to the next morning.
If you're only a non-casual gamer who doesn't have much time to dedicate, then this is the one for you. Not too long, but also pretty challenging to finish.
3 RE6: Longer Gameplay. Perfect for a Dedicated Gamer
With seven playable characters, three long chapters, and one unlockable story, Resident Evil 6 became the series' longest game to beat. It takes up to 21 hours to finish its main story alone and adds up to 57 hours to grind for the trophies.
2 Final Conclusion: Resident Evil 7
So, which game is actually better? It depends on your personal preference, but to sum it up, Resident Evil 7 is your game if you're a classic fan of the franchise. Not only did it mark a return to Resident Evil's previous horror tone, but it also pushes the graphic limit to another height.
Graphic-wise, Resident Evil 7 is a lot more superior to Resident Evil 6. Accompanied by the brand new RE Engine, shadows and textures feel super, silky smooth. On top of that, the game's first-person perspective puts players in the protagonist's shoes, making it more horrifying than ever.
1 Final Conclusion: Resident Evil 6
On the other hand, Resident Evil 6 should be your consideration if you're more into action. With over 26 overpowered weapons, RE6 is a must-play game for every hell-raiser. It has over seven playable characters and three chapters with one unlockable story, so getting it will worth every penny because it won't be finished in only one sit.
With the release of Resident Evil Village on the horizon, it's intriguing to find out what Capcom might be up to next year.