If you don’t like the direction the vaunted Resident Evil franchise has taken in recent years, you’re not alone. But you still have options. For instance, the well-received Resident Evil: Revelations that returned the series to its survival/horror roots and resurrected this fan’s confidence in the IP. If they can still produce appropriately frightening, adventure-like productions that are not plain ol’ third-person action games, there’s always hope. Now, the second episodic series is headed our way soon; Resident Evil: Revelations 2 is scheduled to begin its run in February and it should be quite the ride.
Remember back in the days when ammo was scarce and the enemies required real skill and strategy to defeat with minimal injury? That’s what you’ll find in this mini-series. Players will step into the boots of franchise mainstay Claire Redfield and tagging along is her partner, Moira Burton, daughter of Barry “Jill Sandwich” Burton. Claire and Moira must work together to escape from a prison crawling with nasties, and they also have to unravel an intricate, potentially deadly plot. It has all the makings of a great survival/horror experience but I know what you’re thinking: “Oh crap…another lame-brain AI partner, huh?”
Not at all. Moira actually doesn’t like guns, so she does her best to stay out of Claire’s way (sounds better already, doesn’t it?), and she has her own skill set. It’s unfortunate that she can’t really defend herself directly, but while Claire handles the firearms, Moira will utilize a tactical approach. Her partner may be made of tougher stuff, as Clarie can wield anything from a shotgun to an assault rifle, but Moira can use the flashlight. It isn’t as silly as you might think because the prison is very dark, and she can actually stun enemies with the flashlight’s beam. Bosses often boast visors so they’re not completely blinded, but they can still be slowed and inconvenienced.
Moira can also use her flashlight to spot goodies and puzzle-related items, so she could turn out to be immensely useful. Provided she doesn’t need to be babysat and she’s not in my way, I’ll be happy. Besides, with these two main characters, we’ll have the option of playing co-op with a buddy and yes, it supports local co-op, the only real cooperative play out there. As for additions to the sequel, we know we can expect at least two new enemies: Othrus, a virus-infected wild beast that attacks in a pack, and Sploder, a mutated version of the Afflicted. As the name implies, you’ll want to nail these guys from afar because they’ll explode with blinding liquid when attacked.
Revelations 2 will roll out in four separate episodes on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live and be available on PS4, Xbox One, PS3 and Xbox 360: The first episode will be ready to go on February 17, the we’ll get a new episode every week after that until the final episode on March 11. You can purchase the whole set for $19.99 or you can purchase individual episodes for $5.99 apiece. The Complete Season option also features bonuses, like Albert Wesker as a playable character in RAID mode, more episodes of Hunk and four new costume options. Players will also enjoy two more spin-off episodes starring Moira Burton and Natalia Korda.
All they have to do is nail down the controls, make sure the AI is at least halfway decent, and give us an effectively freaky atmosphere and story. That will suffice for most survival/horror aficionados. You have to work to survive in these games, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be!
Sounds great, really liked the first one. I wonder why they decided to break it up in episodes? Not a complaint as I see it working well, just curious.
Capcom is trying to emulate what Telltale Games did with The Walking Dead episodic formula.
They said as much in an interview. They want players to discuss REV2 the same way they gamers talk about TWD. Hyping the next installment. And creating buzz in social media.
When did Barry become Hispanic? He doesn't even remotely look the same? Claire looks different too.
Last edited by Jawknee on 1/6/2015 11:23:06 PM
Agree about Claire, her eyes are off or something. I don't think they even show Barry do they?
Not in the video posted here but IGN had a video featuring Barry. He looks nothing like the version in Resident Evil Remake.
Barry is suppose to be 55 years old in the new game. He was in his late 30's in the REmake game.
Not sure about looking Hispanic. If anything, he looks more like an old Japanese guy in REV2.
I wish I was into survival horror games. I personally don't find them enjoyable enough. Out of any genre of games this is the only one that I would prefer to watch than play.
I played the demo of the first one.