Months after it hit PS4, Capcom announces PC and Xbox One release dates for the fully updated version ofResident Evil 7’s challenging and creepy Beginning Hour demo.
One of the biggest surprises at Sony’s E3 2016 press conference was not only the announcement ofResident Evil VII, but the reveal that players could get their hands on a standalone demo of the game that very night – for PS4 owners only, that is. The creepyBeginning Hour demohas been exclusive to PlayStation fans since this past summer, but now Xbox One and PC gamers will finally have the chance to brave its horrors.
As revealed byCapcomin a blog post, the Beginning Hour demo forResident Evil VIIhits PC and Xbox One later this month. Xbox One owners will be first in line to try the demo, as it will be available to download on December 9th, whereas PC players will have to wait until December 19th to try their hand at escaping the Baker family house.
PS4 owners had to start with a barebones version of the demo that was later updated to include more content, but PC and Xbox One gamers should be able to reach one of thedemo’s two endingsright off the bat. This means they won’t have to waste their time stressing out about the purpose of the dummy finger or axe like PS4 players did last summer.
However, PS4 owners have the advantage ofplaying the demo in virtual reality, which is a feature that won’t be available in the PC or Xbox One versions. Virtual reality functionality may come to the full version ofResident Evil VIIon PC and Xbox at some point down the line, but it’s worth noting thatPlayStation VR has a year of timed exclusivitybefore that will be possible.
While PC and Xbox One players will be left out when it comes to VR, they will at least be able to get a taste of everything elseResident Evil VIIhas to offer. The Beginning Hour demo lets players experience the puzzle-solving, inventory management, and exploration elements that will be in the final game, as well as other gameplay mechanics, like gun combat and avoiding the"molded" enemies.
Resident Evilfans without a PS4 will likely appreciate the opportunity to finally give the Beginning Hour demo a shot, and see if the franchise’s new direction is right for them. With just over a month to go until the full game releases to the masses, the Beginning Hour demo’s Midnight Version update and its availability on more platforms should help tide fans over that have been waiting five years for the next numbered installment in the series.
Resident Evil VIIwill be available on January 24th, 2017 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
