Is Resident Evil 7: Biohazard an 18+ Game? A Deep Dive into Its Age Rating and Content
Yes, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is generally considered an 18+ game due to its mature content. Most rating boards, including the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) and PEGI (Pan European Game Information), have assigned it ratings indicating that it is not suitable for children and younger teenagers. The ESRB rating is M for Mature (17+), while PEGI has rated it 18. These ratings are based on the game’s intense violence, gore, strong language, and disturbing themes. It’s crucial for parents to be aware of this before allowing their children to play.
Understanding the Rating: What Makes RE7 Mature?
Intense Violence and Gore
The most prominent reason for the 18+ rating is the game’s graphic and visceral violence. Players encounter numerous scenes depicting dismemberment, impalement, and brutal deaths. Enemies are not just defeated; they are often mutilated in disturbingly realistic ways. The game doesn’t shy away from showcasing the gruesome aftermath of these encounters, with blood and gore being pervasive elements of the environment.
Strong Language
The dialogue in Resident Evil 7 is often laced with profanity, particularly the frequent use of expletives. This is not just casual swearing; the language is often used to emphasize the horror and desperation of the situation, adding to the game’s overall mature tone.
Disturbing Themes and Jump Scares
Beyond the violence and language, RE7 deals with several disturbing themes, including psychological horror, body horror, and implied cannibalism. The game is designed to unsettle and unnerve the player, creating a constant sense of dread and vulnerability. This is further amplified by the frequent use of jump scares, which can be particularly intense for younger or more sensitive players. The game’s atmosphere is relentlessly oppressive, contributing significantly to its mature rating.
Brief Sexual Content and Nudity
While not a primary focus, the game contains a brief sexual situation with nudity. This scene, although not explicit, is still a contributing factor to the game’s mature rating, reinforcing that it is not intended for younger audiences.
Parental Guidance and Considerations
The age rating of Resident Evil 7 serves as a crucial guideline for parents. While some teenagers might be mature enough to handle the game’s content, it’s important to consider their individual sensitivities and maturity levels. Watching gameplay footage or reading detailed reviews can help parents make an informed decision. Ignoring the age rating could expose children to content that is genuinely traumatizing or harmful. It is also important to consider the potential impact of prolonged exposure to violent content on children’s attitudes and behaviors. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) offers valuable resources for parents and educators on understanding the impact of video games on young people. This can inform your decision regarding the suitability of RE7 for your child.
The VR Factor
Another element to consider is the game’s availability in Virtual Reality (VR). Playing Resident Evil 7 in VR intensifies the experience significantly, making the violence and horror even more immersive. The game warns players when they boot it up with flashing images and an intense experience. Health warnings regarding VR games are common. It is generally recommended that children under the age of 12 or 13 avoid VR headsets altogether due to potential developmental concerns. This further reinforces that RE7, especially in VR, is not suitable for younger players.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Ultimately, deciding whether or not a teenager can play Resident Evil 7 requires careful consideration. While some mature teenagers may be able to handle the game’s content without adverse effects, it’s essential to prioritize their well-being and psychological health. Open communication and responsible decision-making are key.
FAQs: Resident Evil 7 and Age Appropriateness
1. Is Resident Evil 7 okay for a 13-year-old?
Generally, no. Due to its intense violence, gore, strong language, and disturbing themes, Resident Evil 7 is not recommended for 13-year-olds. The ESRB rating of M (Mature 17+) and PEGI rating of 18 indicate that the game is designed for older audiences.
2. Can a 15-year-old play Resident Evil 7?
It depends on the individual teenager. A mature 15-year-old might be able to handle the game’s content, but parents should still exercise caution. Consider their child’s sensitivity to violence, horror, and strong language before allowing them to play.
3. Why is Resident Evil 7 rated M?
The M rating is assigned due to the game’s blood and gore, intense violence, strong language, and suggestive themes. These elements are deemed inappropriate for younger audiences.
4. What kind of violence is in Resident Evil 7?
The game features graphic violence, including dismemberment, impalement, and brutal killings. Characters are often shown being tortured and mutilated in disturbing ways.
5. Does Resident Evil 7 have strong language?
Yes, the dialogue in Resident Evil 7 is filled with profanity, including frequent use of swear words and offensive language.
6. Is Resident Evil 7 scarier than other Resident Evil games?
Many players find Resident Evil 7 to be one of the scariest entries in the series due to its first-person perspective, intense atmosphere, and disturbing imagery. The Baker family also add a level of terror.
7. Does Resident Evil 7 have nudity or sexual content?
The game contains a brief sexual situation with nudity, which is a contributing factor to its mature rating.
8. How disturbing is Resident Evil 7?
Resident Evil 7 is highly disturbing, featuring psychological horror, body horror, and implied cannibalism. The game is designed to unsettle and unnerve the player.
9. Is Resident Evil 7 okay for kids?
No, Resident Evil 7 is not suitable for kids due to its mature content. The game is rated M (Mature 17+) by the ESRB and 18 by PEGI.
10. How long does it take to beat Resident Evil 7?
A standard playthrough of Resident Evil 7 typically takes around 9-12 hours. Speedruns can beat it in under 3 hours, but that’s not the average time.
11. Is Resident Evil 7 scary in VR?
Yes, playing Resident Evil 7 in VR intensifies the horror experience significantly. The immersive nature of VR amplifies the game’s violence and disturbing imagery.
12. What age should you be to play Resident Evil Village?
Resident Evil Village has similar content to Resident Evil 7 and the PEGI rating is 18. So the age recommendation is the same, 17+, if relying on the rating boards.
13. Is Resident Evil 2 remake okay for a 14 year old?
Like RE7, the Resident Evil 2 remake features intense violence, gore, and mature themes. Most ratings boards rate the game at 17+ or 18+. So it’s not recommended for those under 15.
14. Can kids play Resident Evil 4?
Resident Evil 4 has similar mature content. The recommendation is that a mature early teen can most likely handle it. This varies on the child’s tolerance of the violence and gore in the game.
15. What are some alternative games for younger audiences who enjoy horror?
There are several horror-themed games that are more appropriate for younger audiences, such as Luigi’s Mansion 3, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, and Minecraft. These games offer a lighter, less intense experience. They have generally received E for Everyone or E10+ from rating boards.