In true Resident Evil fashion, the end of the game isn't really the end of the game. While there wouldn't usually be more stories to tell - something we get with DLC now - there's always a reason to run back into the heat of things and die all over again.
So Resident Evil 7 is no different. With reports coming in of people completing their first run in around 6 hours, with others saying 8 while my own clocked in at 10, there's certainly varying degrees of worth coming from Capcom's worthy return to form. But what do you gain for your efforts? Higher difficulty options, boons and more weapons, it seems.
If you chickened out a little and played through the whole game on Easy mode, you'll nab two first run bonuses - the Madhouse Difficulty Option and the Albert-01R Handgun seen toward the end of the game for future runs. Think of the gun like the Handcannon or RPG from Resident Evil 4 and you've got yourself some incredible stopping power against the game's earlier bosses.
The Scariest Part Of Resident Evil 7 Could Be The Mystery Of Your Missing Head
Madhouse mode, on the other hand, likely won't be for you if you unlocked it through Easy mode. In it, enemies are faster, more common, dish out more pain and take more hits to fend off. Item positions have changed and there's far less ammo to pick up along the way. And, picking up one of the best features of the old games, saves are limited to the use of cassette tapes. Non re-recordable cassette tapes, we might add.
Those who finished on the game's then hardest 'Normal' difficulty unlock the above extras with one bonus deal - The Secrets of Defense. This nifty little item should come in handy when taking on Madhouse mode, as just keeping it on your person will increase the effectiveness of your blocking ability. It's obvious killing everything in sight isn't really the way to go this time around.
In true Resident Evil form, its customary to see how long it takes to beat the game when you're no longer at the mercy of its devious puzzles and snaking hallways. Those who managed to complete it in under 4 hours gain the 'Running Shoes' - another item that somehow increases Ethan's movement speed by staying in his bag.
There's likely a few more hidden secrets to find yet - so whether that's completing Madhouse Mode under a 4 hour timer or something crazy like never taking a point of damage, we'll have to wait for the madmen to figure it out. But for now, there's plenty of reason to take a second trip through the Baker family home.
If you haven't quite gotten around picking it up yet, Steam has your back. But if you're waiting on our review, you'll have to wait a little longer. Our code was purely post-release, sadly.
