Resident Evil: Revelations returns to the franchise’s survival horror roots after the action-centric gameplay of Resident Evil 5.
The game was set before Part 5 in 2005, and after terrorists utilizing old Umbrella-style B.O.W.s, or Bio-Organic Weapons, destroy the ultra-modern sea-based city of Terragrigia. The plot revolves around Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield searching for answers aboard Queen Zenobia, a mysterious luxury cruise liner. The story is divided into appropriate chapters for a portable title; chapters alternate timelines. Jill Valentine works with the BSAA (Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance) alongside her new partner Parker Luciani. Alternate narrative pieces could feature Chris Redfield and his new companion Jessica Sherawat, or Keith and Quint, two new BSAA members. Each chapter is meant to bring the entire story together progressively.
The game’s exploration is done in third-person 3D, similar to Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. Still, the action-heavy gameplay of those titles has been replaced by the more classic survival horror of the series’ previous games. Players explore an elaborate and rich area akin to the original game’s home, carefully monitoring ammunition, approaching puzzles, and deciding when to fight and when to retreat from an attack. The novel mutations are also seen in lesser quantities and confined environments.
While the investigation of Queen Zenobia is heavily steeped in the survival horror style, many alternate chapters are significantly more action-oriented and mainly resemble Resident Evil 5’s “shooting gallery” sequences. These segments may include far more traditional B.O.W. creatures like the famed Hunters and zombie dog versions. Ammunition is much more abundant, and exploration is emphasized.
The Genesis device, new to the series, allows players to scan their surroundings for hidden objects like ammunition or hand-prints or to scan foes for “data.” Each enemy scanned adds a few percentage points, and scanning 100% unlocks a new herb. The previous game’s inventory slot system has been substantially abolished, and players are now given fundamental limitations–up to three weapons and five spices can be carried at once, and weapon lockers allow players to store extra weapons and upgrades. Keys and particular objects no longer require inventory space and must not be checked.
The game also has a weapon upgrade system similar to that featured in Mercenaries 3D. Any weapon improvement can be applied to any weapon or be substituted with another upgrade. Each gun has a maximum number of upgrades, usually three or four. Upgrades include higher firepower, faster firing rate, larger clip size, and special features like the ability to fire two bullets with a single trigger stroke.
Raid Mode is an action-packed mode in which players must fight and defeat waves of monsters. It replaces the Mercenaries mode seen in Resident Evil 4 and, as well as the previously released 3DS Mercenaries 3D game. The most noticeable difference between the new Raid mode and the old Mercenaries mode is the lack of an emphasis on stringent time constraints. A stage is completed by killing all creatures and melee-striking an emblem at the conclusion. This mode can be played single or cooperatively, either locally or online. Players earn B.P., which may be used to purchase a range of upgrades for use in Raid mode. B.P. is gained based on performance in both Raid mode and regular narrative mode and when enough of it is accumulated, it allows the player to level up. This mode also uses Nintendo 3DS Play Coins to purchase some products.
The game is mainly played on the Nintendo 3DS’s 3D screen, allowing double the depth of the system’s 3D effectively. The touch-screen is utilized for inventory, item information, and navigation throughout the game. The touch-screen and the Genesis device can be used to select primary and secondary weaponry. On the touch-screen, you can also apply and uninstall weapon upgrades. The game also includes other mini-games, such as unscrewing panels from electrical boxes and re-routing the current inside.
A Mission mode functions similarly to the Achievement system in an Xbox 360 game. Completing the tasks unlocks the multi-player Raid mode and unique items and conditions for the Raid mode. The Missions also use the Nintendo 3DS’s Street Pass technology, which may unlock other missions if the player’s 3DS comes into contact with another with different active Missions. Tasks can range from obtaining Achievements through in-game achievements to defeating specific opponents. Street Pass missions include overcoming formidable enemies in the Campaign, collecting exclusive Raid Mode equipment, and more.
