Resident Evil: Revelations Review (Kenstagator)
Resident Evil Revelations: Action Packed Minisodes With A Pinch Of Horror
Remember when we were first welcomed into the "world of survival horror"? Those were the days. But recent Resident Evil games have wavered in delivering both survival and horror. Resident Evil 4, however, was a brilliant mix of grotesque and action. Resident Evil 5, though, seemed to lose its way and played it safe. So, what does the 3DS exclusive, Resident Evil: Revelations, bring to the table?
Well, it's both more and less than you'd expect. Revelations harks back to the series' horror roots. It brings some significant changes to the recent Resident Evil formula, especially in its combat system. Resident Evil 4's combat system was excellent but not exactly conducive to horror. Skilled players became nearly invincible. To amp up the horror, Revelations ditches the ability to stun enemies with headshots and introduces the "oozes."
These oozes are a departure from the usual Resident Evil fare. They look like waterlogged corpses, and you mainly encounter them on a massive cruise ship where the game unfolds. Sadly, they're one of the biggest missteps in Revelations. The combat feels odd, almost like an RPG. Instead of reacting to individual shots, oozes only get "stunned" when a damage threshold is reached. It's like you're shooting into a pile of goo – not very satisfying.
This enemy design issue seems to permeate the game. The oozes, the returning Hunters, and even the dogs feel unoriginal. You'd expect spin-off titles to experiment, right? Later in the game, you face more intriguing ooze mutations, but it feels too little, too late. There's even an attempt at invisible enemies. Yes, invisible. However, they're more of a joke than a challenge. They show up as outlines every few seconds, negating any subtlety in the environment and making these encounters more like a shooting gallery.
The campaign, set in various environments within the cruise ship, evokes classic Resident Evil moments. Dark, gloomy rooms, secret offices, and labyrinthine hallways all make a return. The new characters, though, are a mixed bag. The script occasionally veers into cringe-worthy territory, where moments meant to be tense are undercut by oddball humor.
However, the ship itself is the savior of the campaign. It oozes atmosphere (pun intended), with striking 3D visuals, ambient lighting, and particle effects that set a new standard for the 3DS. One of the most pleasant surprises in Revelations is how it keeps you on your toes. Doors slam, noises scuttle in the dark, but you see nothing until just the right moment. The bosses are also notably freaky and nightmarish, especially a particular chattering hag who stalks you through the ventilation system.
However, there are exceptions. Some boss fights against massive monsters are fought from mounted guns, which feel cliché and unexciting. The underwater sections, where you'd expect scares, are disappointingly bland. It's a missed opportunity, especially considering Resident Evil's knack for delivering horror in unexpected places.
The campaign itself is more than eight hours long, and it's backed up by the crown jewel of Revelations – Raid mode. Raid mode is a departure from the usual Mercenaries mode, offering a series of assault courses inspired by campaign environments. You have to clear out enemies while moving from point A to B, either solo or with a local or online partner.
Raid mode is a fantastic concept and it's executed with flair. It combines online co-op with a leveling and loot system. After each run, you get graded and rewarded with loot and in-game currency. The gear you earn can be used instantly, and you can spend the cash in the shop for even more items. There are loads of locked characters and gear to unlock, making it highly replayable.
Raid mode is the standout feature of Revelations. It's a bold score-attack mode that deviates from the usual Resident Evil style. It's challenging, persistent, and offers loads of customization. Buffing your guns to ridiculous levels tempts you back for more.
Revelations' campaign sometimes feels like a rollercoaster, alternating between exciting sequences and missteps. Yet, in the end, you'll find yourself running through its corridors with a decked-out shotgun and a smile on your face.
In conclusion, Resident Evil: Revelations may not be the perfect survival horror comeback, but it delivers where it counts. The campaign is a mix of hits and misses, but Raid mode stands out as a brilliant addition. The horror comes and goes, and the enemy design could be more imaginative, but overall, Revelations is worth diving into for a solid dose of classic Resident Evil.