Raiding in Resident Evil Revelations

Between website updates and overseas magazines, it feels like I've already learned enough about Resident Evil Revelations. I'm ready to just play the game, which is being described by Capcom as an installment just as big as its predecessor, Resident Evil 5. Still, during a recent presentation for the game, I learned a few more details. Here's what you need to know.

Despite the fact that Resident Evil Revelations is moving away from the action-oriented gameplay of its two immediate predecessors, Capcom is still making sure there is a mode where two players can simply shoot every creature in sight.

Raid Mode is basically Revelations' version of a co-op gauntlet. You'll set up an arsenal of three weapons, select from about 20 levels and battle against a set number of creatures as you progress to a finish point. You're then graded on a number of elements, ranging from accuracy to completion time, and get a score. Your score also determines how much in-game currency you have to spend on weapon upgrades.


Most importantly, every level you clear will reward you with a new weapon or one you have with stat modifications. What you get has some degree of randomization, though a good performance will likely yield a better gun. There are five categories of weapons - handguns, shotguns, machine guns, magnums and rifles - and a wide range of attributes that can be affected, including your rate of fire, ammo capacity and firepower/damage.

Revelations is one of the best looking 3DS games. That sort of goes without saying, and it's been true since we first saw footage of the game before the system launched. Capcom has introduced something very clever into the options, however - an option to adjust the 3D effect.

You might be wondering why that would be included. The 3DS has a slider for the 3D effect, allowing players to adjust the intesity at any time. However this in-game option can make the experience even more potent. Viewing Revelations with the slider and options maxed out creates a depth unlike anything I've seen in a 3DS game. In fact, reverting the game's setting to "Normal" made the visuals seem flat, even though the slider was still turned up. At its highest setting, the 3D can almost be too much to handle, but it is incredible to say the least.


For the first time in its history, Capcom isn't writing a Resident Evil scenario. Seeking a new approach to a 15-year old franchise, the developers sought out Dai Sato, a writer best known for his work on Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo and more. Sato will be handling a very diverse cast of characters, including two newcomers that were revealed - nerdy combatants Keith and Quint.

Capcom says that Revelations will feature more cliffhangers arranged in a more unique structure than previous entries. The goal is to make this a game that is almost impossible to put down. In Capcom's estimation, Revelations will have the best story in Resident Evil history. Bold words, though some of the previous games' ludicrous plotlines won't make for much competition.

Even cooler, Revelations will feature an impressive number of voiceover options, including Japanese, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Subtitles will also be an option.


Revelations takes advantage of many of the 3DS's capabilities, including Play Coins. When I asked Capcom's producers about how that system would work, they said they weren't prepared to discuss details. However as I played through Raid Mode, I noticed some options and weapons were available for purchase with Play Coins. Take that as you will...



Everyone loves good creatures. Thus far I haven't caught a glimpse of zombies, but I have seen plenty of the slimy aquatic monsters that have been featured in so many clips and screenshots. Those creatures, by the way, are called "Ooze," and come in a wide variety of shapes, forms and difficulty. Raid Mode revealed some very, very challenging Ooze creatures, including some that seemed almost unstoppable and served as a form of boss for that level.

The wolves are every bit as challenging as one might expect. Appearing in Raid's snow levels - creatures in that mode will only appear in their appropriate environments so don't expect Ooze to appear in the snow - the undead canines are challenging particularly because they can come in very large and very small forms, at least in co-op. It's difficult trying to shoot a killing machine that only goes up to your knees, especially when it attacks you from behind.

One more enemy I saw during my recent demo was an invisible Hunter. That's right, one of the toughest non-boss enemies in the Resident Evil series is now unable to be seen. Good thing you have the new Genesis scanner device, though you'll still have to switch between it and your primary weapon and hope you aim where you think you saw your foe.


Capcom is keeping its cards very close to its chest. At this point we're seeing glimpses of new characters and enemies, with small, small hints at the storyline. Still, Capcom seems to be making an effort to make this one of the best entries in the Resident Evil franchise, finding places to retain high-action gameplay while bringing the series back to a survival horror environment. We'll see if they succeed soon enough.

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