Resident Evil: Revelations 2 Review (xxadonisxx)
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 doesn’t aim to reinvent the franchise—it aims to refocus it. After the bloated chaos of Resident Evil 6, this follow-up to the first Revelations installment dials things back to what survival horror does best: tight corridors, limited resources, creeping dread, and a lingering sense of unease. It’s not perfect, but it’s a confident and compelling chapter that captures the spirit of classic RE with a modern twist.
The game is structured episodically (four main episodes, plus two bonus chapters), with the narrative split between two pairs: Claire Redfield and Moira Burton, and Barry Burton and Natalia, a mysterious young girl. Claire and Moira’s timeline shows their immediate struggle to survive on a grim island facility, while Barry arrives six months later to unravel what happened.
The storytelling is effective, even if it leans a bit into B-movie territory. Themes of trauma, trust, and transformation run throughout, and the dual timeline structure keeps the suspense alive. Moira and Natalia, new additions to the cast, offer fresh dynamics—and Barry’s return is a treat for long-time fans.
At its core, Revelations 2 blends traditional RE tension with modernized, over-the-shoulder gunplay. Inventory management, crafting, and puzzle-solving make a welcome return, and resource scarcity means every bullet counts—especially in higher difficulties.
What sets this game apart is its partner system. Whether you’re playing solo (with AI) or in split-screen co-op, each character has unique abilities:
-Moira uses a flashlight to find hidden items and a crowbar to open doors or finish off enemies.
-Natalia can sense monsters through walls and point out weak spots.
This asymmetry adds tactical depth and makes co-op more than just “two people with guns.” While AI companions aren’t flawless, they rarely ruin the experience.
Combat feels weighty and responsive, with a mix of stealth, panic, and strategic planning—particularly during boss fights and tense ambushes.
Visually, Revelations 2 trades glossy production for grungy, grounded environments. Think rusty prisons, shadowy labs, and rotting woods. The lighting is intentionally sparse, adding to the tension without relying too heavily on jump scares. The monster designs are grotesque, even if they don’t reach the iconic status of past enemies like Lickers or Hunters.
The sound design does a lot of heavy lifting—creaks in the distance, growling in the dark, and unsettling whispers help build unease. The music stays minimal, letting silence and ambient sounds create suspense.
Beyond the main story, Revelations 2 includes Raid Mode, a fast-paced, arcade-style shooter with unlockable characters, levels, and loot. It’s surprisingly addictive and offers tons of replayability. Whether solo or online, it feels like a fun reward for players who want to keep engaging after the main campaign ends.
Multiple endings based on player choices also incentivize replaying certain chapters, and bonus episodes add extra lore and character insight.
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 doesn’t try to be a blockbuster—it tries to be smart. And it mostly succeeds. Its tighter focus, clever co-op mechanics, and return to horror fundamentals make it one of the stronger entries in the modern RE lineup. It’s not as flashy as Resident Evil 7 or as iconic as RE4, but it’s a solid, moody ride that reminds you what made this series a legend in the first place.
A gritty, suspenseful survival horror with great pacing, memorable characters, and smart co-op mechanics. It may not be the scariest or most polished entry, but it earns its place in the RE canon.
Pros:
-Strong atmosphere and survival tension
-Clever partner mechanics and co-op play
-Raid Mode is a blast and adds value
-Barry Burton is back, baby
Cons:
-Visuals feel dated in spots
-Some enemy designs are forgettable
-AI companions can occasionally be clunky
Rating: 8/10