TouchArcade Rating: While updates for premium mobile ports often improve optimization or compatibility, Capcom's recent update (released an hour ago) to 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 closes the application. Even with an internet connection, this adds a delay before accessing saved games. Critically, offline play is now impossible; an online connection is required for every launch.
Pre-update, all three games functioned offline. This update renders them significantly less convenient. While some may not find this problematic, the forced online DRM on already-purchased titles is a negative development. 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.
The games remain free to try. 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 Resident Evil titles on iOS? What are your thoughts on this update?