TouchArcade Rating: 
While updates for premium mobile ports are usually welcomed for 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 check immediately closes the application. While the process takes only a few seconds with an internet connection, it completely removes the ability to play offline. This is a significant drawback, rendering the games less accessible than before the update.
Pre-update testing confirmed all three games functioned offline. Post-update, the online check is unavoidable. This is disappointing, especially for those who already purchased the games. Hopefully, Capcom will implement a less intrusive purchase verification method, perhaps checking less frequently. This forced online DRM negatively impacts the recommendation of these premium ports.
If you haven't purchased these titles, free trials are available. You can find 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?
