TouchArcade Rating: 
Updates for premium mobile ports are usually welcomed for optimization or compatibility improvements. However, Capcom's recent update (released an hour ago) for Resident Evil 7 biohazard, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Resident Evil Village 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. While the process takes only a few seconds with an internet connection, it renders all three games unplayable offline—a significant downgrade from their previous offline functionality. This online check is now required every time the game is launched.
Pre-update testing confirmed that all three titles launched and functioned offline. This update forces online verification, displaying an alert (or similar) and closing the game if declined. While some may not find this problematic, the addition of this always-online DRM to already-purchased games is deeply concerning. Ideally, Capcom will implement a more user-friendly purchase verification system, perhaps one that checks less frequently. This situation unfortunately impacts the recommendation of Capcom's premium mobile ports.
For those yet to purchase, 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. Reviews can be found here, here, and here respectively.
Do you own these three Resident Evil titles on iOS? What are your thoughts on this update?
