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Resident Evil: Revelations
Capcom impressed 3DS owners early last year with Resident Evil: Revelations. The story fills in gaps between Resident Evil 4 and 5, following the exploits of series mainstays like Jill and Chris aboard a zombie-infested ship. Now that Revelations is on its way to consoles, fans that took issue with Resident Evil 6’s focus on intense action can look forward to a more traditional horror experience.
Resident Evil: Revelations looks great on the 3DS, but it looks even better in HD. Capcom has added increased detail to character models, polished environmental textures, and built a new lighting system. Creeping through the halls of the dim, derelict Queen Zenobia is far more unsettling here than on the handheld. The cutscenes look even better running at 1080p, and appear on par with those found in Resident Evil 6.
Dedicated Resident Evil fans who hunted down a Circle Pad Pro for their 3DS experienced an added level of control. Wielding two Circle Pads allowed players to simultaneously move and aim with their characters, a first for the main series. Using the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 controllers’ dual analog sticks feels even better, and shooter fans will feel right at home aiming for zombies’ weak spots. Purists who prefer the stop-and-shoot mechanics of Resident Evil 4 and 5 can switch their control scheme to classic if they prefer.
This HD version of Revelations is also on the way to the Wii U, complete with full support for the GamePad. Players use the controller’s built-in screen to view maps and manage their weapons, similar to the lower screen’s function in the 3DS version. You can also scan the environment for hidden items by holding up the GamePad and moving it around in front of you. Capcom also supports the unique Wii U feature that lets players bypass their TV completely and play only using the GamePad’s screen. The Wii U’s Pro Controller is also compatible is you want to skip the GamePad entirely.
The graphics and controls are in great shape, but I’m also excited that Revelations’ two-player co-op Raid Mode is surviving the leap to consoles. Playable online, this mode lets two players work through select sections of the campaign together, gunning down monsters and unlocking new weapon upgrades. Everyone’s favorite gas-masked Umbrella agent, Hunk, is also coming exclusively to this HD release. Hopefully the greater numbers of console users vs. 3DS users will mean this fun mode is more popular the second time around.
All the elements that made Resident Evil: Revelations great appear to be making the jump to consoles. Even better, Capcom is adding new enemies and a higher difficulty to keep returning veterans on their toes. The only missing piece is the 3DS’ three-dimensional capabilities, but the tradeoff for HD visuals is worth it. Fans will be able to get their hands on the game at retail on PS3, 360, and Wii U for $49.99. Digital versions will be available launch day on PS3 and PC, with the 360 and Wii U to follow later.
This preview is as it will appear in issue #240 of Game Informer
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Resident Evil: Revelations
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