Resident Evil 7 not only changed the series‘ format by going from third-person action horror to first-person survival horror, but it also introduced the most outrageous enemies yet. In the past, Resident Evil‘s heroes have taken on zombies, parasites and mutants, but Resident Evil 7 added something entirely different to fight: mold. In Resident Evil, mold is a superorganism that was used to create the bioweapon E-001, also known as Eveline. This genetically-modified young girl can produce an excessive amount of mold that can take over an environment. When fed human flesh, it can form highly volatile organisms known as the Molded.
The Molded are creatures created by the Baker family, and while they are humanoid, there’s nothing human about them. They only feed on corpses that are given to them by the Bakers, which is why there are consistently bathtubs filled with mold in the game. However, many of the Molded feature parts of their victims on their bodies, including bones, organs and the occasional eyeball. Additionally, while they move slowly and don’t speak, they’re actually more intelligent than they let on.
Due to their anatomy, the Molded can’t communicate through traditional means. To compensate, they work together in groups and can sense those that aren’t Molded. They are clearly intelligent, as they are able to navigate obstacles and traps by using vents to avoid them. They also hide within mold growths to get the drop on their enemies, similar to how the Infected operate in The Last of Us.
The Molded’s methods of attack are also particularly terrifying because they strike with primal rage and strength. Instead of normal fingers like a zombie, the Molded have long clawed hands that they use to slash and swipe. Other versions also have blades attached that can further injure the player. However, the Molded’s most terrifying feature by far is their mouth, which is large enough to devour a human head and is filled with massive teeth. Their inky black skin allows them to hide in the dark, damp corners of the Baker house, and while they are slow, they can sneak up on players in a second.
The Molded are also one of the most difficult enemy types to kill. Fire and guns are usually effective against them, but it takes massive amounts of ammunition to ensure they’re put down. However, other variants of the Molded evolved to become fire and bulletproof. Plus, because they attack in numbers, they have the same strategies as traditional zombies — and due to their claws and teeth, it’s even more important to kill them quickly. When killed, Molded become dried out and grey before turning into ash. Seeing that occur is the only way to confirm a Molded has been properly eliminated.
The Molded are as deadly as they are unique. Not only are they something completely new for Resident Evil franchise, but they also serve as an example of how the series has shifted from mutants to monsters. In Resident Evil‘s world, the mold has existed for a long time, and it’s likely the durable and crafty Molded will return as well — perhaps in a form far worse than players have already encountered.
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