Resident Evil: Revelations (HD), Review

Release Date: May 21, 2013

Platform: PC (Reviewed), Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U

Developer: Capcom

Publisher: Capcom

Category: Action/Horror

After getting my hands on Resident Evil: Revelations (HD) at this year’s PAX East, I have been excited for the game’s release. When Resident Evil: Revelations hit the Nintendo 3DS last year, gamers raved about how great of a game it was. The story was good, the gameplay went back to Resident Evil’s roots, and the atmosphere just generally felt right (how a Resident Evil game should feel: eerie and uneasy). But, does this all hold true with the HD release of Revelations to PC, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U, or has Capcom created a poorly made port?

Resident Evil: Revelations is generally a great port in just about every aspect. The graphics are a welcomed upgrade from the 3DS, and the high definition character models look fantastic. Some animations are a little strange-looking though, such as the gooey, spider web-like substances dripping from the vents and the enemy’s movements. The game has mostly dark tones throughout, which really contributes to the overall uneasy feeling you’ll get when playing the game. The CGI sequences are well done, albeit with cheesy dialogue. 

The setting for Revelations is one of the franchise’s most enjoyable. Walking through the eerie corridors of the Queen Zenobia creates some truly tense moments, and while some of the scares are expected, you’ll still find enjoyment in simply walking through the game’s environment.

Sound design in Revelations hits a high note, as tense swells and thunder are used to contribute to the horror-filled gameplay.

The game suffers from lack of creative enemies, though, as most of your enemies are the same and don’t look that great to begin with. Capcom loses points for the lack of variety in enemy character models, especially since the game’s setting created such potential to have some sea-based mutated enemies. There were a couple sea-themed enemies, but there should have been more. Unfortunately, Resident Evil: Revelations does not deliver the variation in enemies I was looking for.

Revelations‘ gameplay brings the series back to its horror roots, with a heavier emphasis on discovery rather than linear gameplay. Even aiming and shooting feels more like Resident Evil 4 than Resident Evil 6, which might turn off some players, but to me is enjoyable. Part of Resident Evil‘s appeal is that shooting felt a little on the clunky side so you had to struggle to take down your oncoming mutated enemies, which added to the scares. I would have liked to have seen the camera zoomed out a little more, as it felt a little too close for comfort (can you feel my hot breath on your neck, Jill Valentine?).

Raid mode is incredibly well done, and could probably be pulled off as a standalone game itself. The game’s multiplayer is delightfully arcadey, and Capcom promises there will be DLC coming soon.

There’s no reason not to pick up Resident Evil: Revelations‘ HD iteration. RE: REV feels like the Resident Evil 4 sequel we have been waiting for. For gamers like me whom think the 3DS is utterly ridiculous and did not pick up Revelations last year, RE: REV will surely please.

STORY: 8.0/10

GRAPHICS: 8.0/10

GAMEPLAY: 8.0/10

SOUND: 7/10

MULTIPLAYER: 8/10

REPLAYABILITY: 7/10

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