TouchArcade Rating: 
While updates for premium mobile ports often improve optimization or compatibility, Capcom's recent update (released an hour ago) for Resident Evil 7 biohazard (Free), Resident Evil 4 Remake (Free), and Resident Evil Village (Free) on iOS and iPadOS introduces an unwelcome change: mandatory online DRM.
This DRM checks purchase history upon game launch, verifying ownership of the game and any DLC before proceeding to the title screen. Rejecting the verification closes the application. While the check only takes a few seconds with an internet connection, it renders all three games unplayable offline – a significant drawback from their previous offline functionality. This is a regrettable development, negatively impacting the user experience.
Pre-update testing confirmed all three games functioned offline. Post-update, the verification prompt appears, and refusing it terminates the game. While this may not bother all users, the forced online DRM for already-purchased titles is concerning. Hopefully, Capcom will implement a less intrusive purchase verification method, perhaps one that checks less frequently. This situation unfortunately diminishes the appeal of Capcom's premium mobile ports.
If you haven't purchased these titles yet, free trials are available. You can download Resident Evil 7 biohazard on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS here. Resident Evil 4 Remake is available on the App Store here, and Resident Evil Village here. My reviews can be found here, here, and here.
Do you own these three Resident Evil games on iOS? What are your thoughts on this update?
