The Hate List
Too Short
I know what you’re thinking. It’s a teaser, so of course it’s short. I understand it’s a bit silly to dislike something that is meant to be a small slice of a much larger pie. But I’d argue that even a small piece should be satisfying, and Beginning Hour just doesn’t feel very satisfying. I generally take longer than most to finish scary games, but I still managed to see the ending within 30 minutes and the alternate endings in even less time. It’s also hard to grasp what people are supposed to take away from Beginning Hour since Capcom has stated that it has absolutely nothing to do with the final game. Beginning Hour really isn’t, well, the beginning hour of Resident Evil 7.
The Bloody Finger
Ever since the teaser hit PSN, the RE community has been figuring what exactly the dummy finger is used for. It’s been equally fun and frustrating trying to pinpoint its use. Why is it here if there’s no use for it? Finally, after hours fans will never get back, Capcom dropped a hint stating that the finger does have a purpose but that the path is closed for know. There is speculation that September will reveal its purpose, possibly during TGS. I’m not thrilled the way Capcom handled this situation, mainly because it sent fans searching for something that never existed. Was this the plan all along, or did they mess up and now feel obligated to make the finger useful. I doubt we’ll find out, and I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels a bit cheated.
P.T.’s Influence
It’s hard not to look at Beginning Hour and compare it to the now-cancelled Silent Hills teaser, P.T. A drastic first-person camera change, a spooky house to explore, a creepy ghost appearing at random. Not to mention a rabid fan community coming together to solve the unsolvable. There’s no denying that P.T.’s influence on horror games will be around for the foreseeable future, I’m just not so sure Resident Evil should follow suit.
 
Beginning Hour is right in calling itself a teaser. Despite a short length, it has me excited for the series again. It may not have anything to do with the final game when it’s released early next year, but the new direction shouldn’t go unnoticed. I wish Capcom didn’t fumble on the dummy finger reveal, but it’s not enough to sour the entire experience — at least for now.
Have you played the Resident Evil 7 demo? Tell us what you liked or hated in the comments below.