Resident Evil: Revelations 3D
If you, like me, spent all your pocket money on a shiny new Black Nintendo 3DS in March 2011 then you're probably feeling a bit disgruntled right now. Alongside complaints about strained eyes, nasty viruses and crappy launch titles (Rayman, seriously, a Dreamcast port?) it was a tough first six months for Nintendo's latest hand held. With RE Mercenaries and Zelda helping to bridge the gap a little, and the Ambassador programme adding an interesting twist to things, the 3DS has managed to come almost full circle as we approach it's first Anniversary.
Yes, forget Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario Land 3D, it's time for Zombies!
Since Resident Evil Zero for the Gamecube in 2002 Nintendo's most loyal fans have been calling for better treatment when it comes to Adult titles. Although more famed for cuddly monsters and dodgy plumbers, Nintendo's strong links with Resident Evil can be clearly seen - going back to when the original Resident Evil remake led the point of a Capcom/Nintendo RE exclusive during the early part of the 22nd century. Nintendo have listened and, finally, delivered - Resident Evil Revelations is here and it's ready to change your mind.
Revelations is official RE cannon (meaning that the storyline is official, linked in, and helps bridge the gaps) and takes place between RE4 and RE5. Set around an Island off the coast of Italy (although not the one you're thinking about), and a rather interesting cruise ship (again, this having nothing to do with recent mainstream news events) it's your "job" to investigate why the liner has been discovered floating empty in the sea. For this, both Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine make a return as playable characters, themselves the original protagonists of the Resident Evil Universe. Without giving too much of the plot away, things go from "dodgy" to "incredibly dangerous" in a very short space of time and between fighting Government agents and trying to save the world it's going to be a long day. And don't forget the Biological entities.
Originality isn't lost though, with new game-play modes also making an appearance, one being the RAID function. This is kind of like having Mercenaries inside Revelations as you try and defeat as many enemies as possible in the time limit (adhoc available for all) but it's also got a co operative function the likes of which you've never seen in a portable. The analogue stick on the 3DS makes control quite fluid, the action is shown on the top screen, while inventory and menu are handled with the touch screen. Graphically, featuring a very dark and moody atmosphere - the frame rate problems that were suffered by Mercenaries (which was actually released as a development title for this game) have now been fixed and it's almost as fluid as the best footage I've seen for 3DS.
Overall, Revelations is an incredible game, with enough playing action to keep you hooked from start to finish - certainly the replay value exists and this could be a game you find becoming the stable of your portable collection - at least until Metal Gear Solid 3D makes its long awaited appearance next month. With future downloadable content hinted, something that could provide much needed maps, characters and game play to this title it's a solid horror jaunt that needs your attention.
Pros:
Another Resident Evil title for 3DS, this one is the one you want, and the one you need.
Cons:
If you dare to suggest a con with this title - give me an email.
Overall YRadio Score
92%
Release Date: January 2012
Platform(s): 3DS
Developer: Capcom
Reviewed by: Wayne Madden
YRadio Rating System
- 0.5 Star = 0% - 10%
- 1 Star = 11% - 20%
- 1.5 Star = 21% - 30%
- 2 Star = 31% - 40%
- 2.5 Star = 41% - 50%
- 3 Star = 51% - 60%
- 3.5 Star = 61% - 70%
- 4 Star = 71% - 80%
- 4.5 Star = 81% - 90%
- 5 Star = 91% - 100%