Resident Evil Village: Nintendo Switch Gameplay Review

Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling world of Resident Evil Village on the Nintendo Switch. If you're anything like me, you're always looking for that perfect blend of horror and action, especially on a portable console. So, how does this chilling installment hold up on the Switch? Let's find out!

First Impressions: Visuals and Performance

When Resident Evil Village was first announced for the Nintendo Switch via cloud streaming, I was both excited and skeptical. The game is a visual powerhouse on other platforms, so the question was: can the Switch handle it? The answer is a bit complicated. Graphically, the game definitely takes a hit compared to its PC and console counterparts. Textures are less detailed, and the overall visual fidelity is noticeably lower. However, Capcom has done a commendable job optimizing the game for the Switch's hardware, or rather, the cloud streaming service.

Performance-wise, the game targets 30fps, and for the most part, it manages to maintain a relatively stable frame rate. However, there are occasional dips, especially during intense action sequences or when exploring densely detailed environments. These dips can be a bit jarring, but they're not frequent enough to ruin the experience entirely. One thing to keep in mind is that your experience will heavily depend on the quality of your internet connection. A stable and fast connection is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience. If your connection is spotty, you'll likely encounter lag, stuttering, and even disconnections, which can be incredibly frustrating, especially during critical moments. Despite these limitations, the fact that you can play Resident Evil Village on a handheld device is still impressive. The ability to explore the eerie village and battle grotesque creatures on the go is a major selling point for those who value portability.

Gameplay and Controls

Moving on to the gameplay, Resident Evil Village retains the series' signature blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. As Ethan Winters, you'll navigate through a variety of creepy locations, from the titular village to the imposing Castle Dimitrescu. The game's environments are incredibly atmospheric, and the sound design is top-notch, creating a truly immersive and unsettling experience. The controls on the Nintendo Switch are generally well-implemented. The Joy-Cons work surprisingly well, although some players may prefer using a Pro Controller for a more comfortable and precise experience. Aiming and shooting feel responsive, and the button layout is intuitive. However, the small size of the Joy-Cons can be a bit of a drawback, especially during extended play sessions. One of the highlights of Resident Evil Village is its combat. The game features a variety of enemies, each with its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses. You'll need to utilize a combination of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, and rifles, to survive. Resource management is also crucial, as ammo and healing items are scarce. This adds a layer of tension to every encounter, forcing you to be strategic and resourceful. The game also introduces a crafting system, allowing you to create ammo and other useful items from scavenged resources. This adds another layer of depth to the gameplay and encourages exploration. Overall, the gameplay of Resident Evil Village on the Nintendo Switch is engaging and enjoyable. The game's blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat is well-balanced, and the controls are generally well-implemented.

Story and Characters

Resident Evil Village's story is a direct continuation of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, with Ethan Winters once again taking the lead. This time, Ethan finds himself in a mysterious European village, searching for his kidnapped daughter. The story is filled with twists and turns, and the characters are memorable and well-developed. Lady Dimitrescu, in particular, has become a fan favorite, thanks to her imposing presence and captivating personality.

The narrative is a strong point of the game, drawing you into Ethan's desperate search and the mysteries surrounding the village. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Mother Miranda and her four lords, each bring their own unique flavor to the story. The game explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the consequences of unchecked power. Ethan's character arc is compelling, as he evolves from a seemingly ordinary man into a determined and resourceful survivor. The cutscenes are well-directed and visually impressive, further enhancing the storytelling. The voice acting is also top-notch, with each character delivering a believable and engaging performance. Overall, the story and characters of Resident Evil Village are a major highlight, adding depth and emotional resonance to the gameplay experience.

Cloud Streaming: The Catch

The biggest caveat with Resident Evil Village on the Nintendo Switch is that it's a cloud-streaming title. This means that the game is not actually running on the Switch's hardware but is instead being streamed from a remote server. As a result, your experience will be heavily dependent on the quality of your internet connection. A stable and fast connection is essential for a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience. If your connection is spotty, you'll likely encounter lag, stuttering, and even disconnections. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially during intense action sequences or critical story moments.

Another drawback of cloud streaming is that it requires a constant internet connection. You won't be able to play the game offline, which can be a major inconvenience for those who like to play on the go. Additionally, cloud-streaming services often have limitations on resolution and frame rate. While Resident Evil Village targets 30fps on the Switch, the resolution is often lower than native, resulting in a somewhat blurry image. Despite these limitations, cloud streaming does offer some advantages. It allows you to play graphically demanding games on relatively underpowered hardware. It also eliminates the need to download and store large game files on your Switch. However, the drawbacks of cloud streaming are significant, and they can have a major impact on your overall experience. If you have a poor internet connection, you may want to consider playing Resident Evil Village on another platform. The cloud-streaming technology still has a long way to go before it can truly replicate the experience of playing a game natively on a console.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth It?

So, is Resident Evil Village on the Nintendo Switch worth it? The answer depends on your priorities and expectations. If you're primarily concerned with graphics and performance, you'll likely be disappointed. The game looks and runs significantly better on other platforms. However, if you value portability and the ability to play a AAA horror game on the go, then Resident Evil Village on the Switch is definitely worth considering. The game's core gameplay, story, and characters are all excellent, and the fact that you can experience them on a handheld device is impressive. Just be sure to have a stable and fast internet connection before diving in.

In conclusion, Resident Evil Village on the Nintendo Switch is a compromised experience, but it's still a worthwhile one for those who prioritize portability. The game's strengths shine through, even with the graphical and performance limitations. If you're a fan of the Resident Evil series or just looking for a thrilling horror game to play on your Switch, give it a try. Just remember to manage your expectations and ensure you have a solid internet connection. You need to consider whether the convenience of playing on the Switch outweighs the graphical downgrades and the requirement for a constant internet connection. For some, the portability will be a game-changer, allowing them to experience Resident Evil Village in situations where they otherwise wouldn't be able to play. For others, the compromises may be too significant, and they may prefer to play the game on a more powerful platform. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but hopefully, this review has provided you with the information you need to make an informed choice.