It's hard to match the story-driven horror that the Resident Evil franchise offers and even the hour-long demo narratives are no exception. The Resident Evil Village: Maiden demo acts as a preface to what Capcom has in storeon the May 7th release date of Resident Evil 8, and doubles as a tech demo to show off the current-gen visual prowess of the PS5. While combat and other key features that will appear in the main game don't play a role in the demo, it does give players valuable insight into the horrifying elements of Dimitrscu Castle.

From the moment players are dropped into the demo, they are overwhelmed with a sense of dread. The player-character is one of the castle's maidens who presumably did something to upset the Mistress or her three daughters and as such is thrown into the castle's dungeon. The player will work their way through the bowels of the castle and several rooms each filled with notes, letters, and context clues that unravel the mystery behind the Dimitrescu Castle.

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The demo plays very similarly to 2014's P.T. where the player follows a relatively straight-forward pathway and is able to interact with various objects along the way. However, the Resident Evil 8 demo focuses heavily on showcasing the game's stunning visuals, audio, and physics. The visuals are very solid, especially the ray tracing and dynamic lighting, but some of that visual magic tends to dissipate when looking too closely at certain objects. The demo boasts beautiful chandeliers, wood finishes, and sculptures that are paired with dungeon walls that look like low-quality wallpaper. On the other hand, the 3D audio makes every floor creak, door slam, and drop of blood far more chilling than it would be otherwise. However, at some points, it can sound like the player-character is walking on four feet instead of two, making for some awkward unintended jump scares.

resdient evil 8 main hall

These minor setbacks don't take away from the overall experience, especially when a player is too paralyzed by their own fear to notice these small details. Resident Evil Village: The Maiden is an hour-long unsettling journey that allows players to fall into a false sense of hope before ripping it away. From the unsettling torture devices found in the basement to the blood-stained wine glasses, RE8: The Maiden uses the fear of the unknown to draw players in and then turns the unknown into an unnerving reality. This demo is not for the faint of heart or squeamish but is a must-play for any fans of the franchise.

The demo also uses classic scare tactics such as jump scares or creepy settings, but they are used in a way that doesn't trivialize the overall experience. Jump scares are timed brilliantly for when the player lets their guard down. These jump scares aren't as simple as a broom falling over or a person yelling from an unknown location, they are caused by someone (or something) that make the player fall prey to their own imagination. The places the player will visit during the demo provide a constant feeling of discomfort, and it's these negative emotions that make the short demo such a memorable experience.

resident evil 8 demo dining room

If players weren't excited about Resident Evil Village before playing the demo, they might be afterward. If for nothing more than to experience the beautiful atmospheres that the PS5 is able to produce, the RE8 demo is a must-play. Yes, it is a very creepy experience that will make the player's skin crawl, but that's what Resident Evil is best at. The Resident Evil Village: The Maiden demo is what players are left with if you take away Resident Evil's guns and protagonist, but what's left is a surprisingly strong showcase of a game that holds a lot of promise when it releases later this year.

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Resident Evil 8 Demo is available exclusively on the PS5.