Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City was released in North America yesterday, and Capcom have thrown together a great trailer to mark it's release.The launch trailer shows plenty of action, including glimpses of arguably one of Resident Evil's most terrifying enemies, Nemesis.
Operation Raccoon City is set during the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3, but shown from an enemy perspective. Players get to play as the USS team who have been sent into Raccoon City to eradicate the t and g-virus outbreaks before it becomes a full-spread and widely recognised epidemic. Some of Resident Evil 2 and 3's heroes, including Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine, are witnesses to the incident, and you, the Umbrella members, get the choice to alter the R.E. timeline and kill them...if you so wish.
Check out the trailer below. Resident Evil: ORC will be released in Europe this Friday, the 23rd March 2012.
As Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City launches in North America today and in Europe later this week, Capcom has today released the launch trailer for the game, depicting a hefty dose of bloody violence as the Umbrella Security Services blast their way through hordes of zombies, bio-organic weapons and hulking escaped Tyrants.
Set during the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3, you play as the USS team, sent in to Raccoon City to brush the whole T-virus and G-virus incident under the carpet, destroy the evidence and dispose of any witnesses, including the likes of Leon S. Kennedy, Ada Wong, Jill Valentine et al.
The Resident Evil
series has gone through a few changes throughout it's 15 year reign. Starting
off as a straight-forward survival horror which combined puzzle elements, the
series took a slight diversion upon the release of the excellent Resident Evil
4. The game successfully managed to refresh the series with more action, but
still managed to retain most of the creepy horror that fans had been used to in
the entries before this.
However, this all
changed with Resident Evil 5, which seemed to leave behind the aspect of the
original titles which won fans in the first place-the survival horror element.
More action and faster paced gameplay took its place, which worked
exceptionally well in this worthy addition to the series, but many fans were
left yearning for a title that returned the series to its roots. Yes, change is
a good thing, especially in a series that has the potential to be seen as quite
stale after all these years, but at the same time, there's nothing better than
relishing in old memories.
This is where
Resident Evil Revelations comes in. Released in January 2012 for the Nintendo
3DS, Revelations marks the second title for Nintendo's latest handheld system.
However, unlike Resident Evil Mercenaries 3D, Revelations is not just
a longer version of the series bonus mercenaries’ mode, it's a full
blown story.
Fitting in between
the events of Resident Evil 4 and 5, Revelations sees series regular Jill
Valentine and her new partner Parker investigating some mysterious goings on
aboard a supposedly abandoned cruise liner, the Queen Zenobia. At the same
time, her long-time friend and partner Chris Redfield is desperately trying to
track Jill down, with the help from scantily-clad agent Jessica
Sherowatt.
Most of the action
takes place aboard the Queen Zenobia, which is a perfect setting for the
tension and horror that the game promises from the start. Like the mansion in
Resident Evil 1, the Queen Zenobia has an abundance of twisting, dark and claustrophobic
corridors. It’s easy to become paranoid that something is lurking in the
darkness, just waiting to take you by surprise. The paranoia is justified
though, as there are plenty of these moments in Revelations, and you’ll jump on
several occasions throughout the story.
Aesthetically,
Revelations is definitely the best looking 3DS game to date. The characters
look great, the cinematic cut scenes are incredibly impressive on such a small
screen, and the environments have been well designed. There are plenty of
details, such as a variety of lighting, rust and grime which all help to add to
the uneasiness that is quickly felt when you cautiously guide Ms. Valentine and
co through the winding corridors. Capcom have really done themselves proud in
terms of the graphics, and it is hard to imagine that anything will best them
on the 3DS for a while. We shall see though.
Another area that
Capcom have achieved in is the sound. The game uses the Nintendo 3DS’ surround
sound capabilities to the maximum. The orchestral sounding score really helps
to heighten the action sequences of the game, but it is the sound effects that
greatly emphasise the horror, and this is where the high level of detail is
really picked up on. Everything sound has been accounted for, from the
slithering, shambling footsteps of the enemies, wind howling menacingly or
even, in trademark Resident Evil fashion, the ‘lovely’ sound of blood dripping.
Playing Revelations with headphones in is where the real horror comes in, as
the surround sound, and these atmospheric sound effects really immerse the
player in the scares.
Those completionists
out there will relish in how much content is packed into Revelations cartridge.
Players have the option to use their scanner to pick up any hidden items,
discover secrets, and unlock new characters, costumes and weapons.
In Revelations,
Capcom has steered clear of the zombies from the older entries in favour of the
Ooze, a Regenerator-type creature which has the ability to enter from any
opening. This of course heightens the uneasiness, as players will have no idea
where they will pop up next. Hallways that you have traversed and cleared of
these infected beings may appear to be empty, but are they really? This is
where Revelations really harks back to the older days of the Resident Evil
series, as the fear of uncertainty is constantly harrowing you.
Revelations quickly
fits in with the horror aspects of the series. There’s plenty of blood filling
the environment, enemies are at times incredibly horrific (look out for Rachel,
you’ll end up dreading her appearing once again as the game progresses), innocent
people die terrible deaths, and the settings, especially the Queen Zenobia,
leave little room for an easy escape. Like the titles before it, Revelations
thrives on the unexpected first encounters, and the realisation that a hard
confrontation with an antagonist is always close by. The boss battles are also
well thought out, and the story fits in well with the rest of the Resident Evil
timeline.
In terms of the
controls, the game is much better to handle when using the Circle Pad Pro
add-on which simply clips on to the 3DS. It may look rather bulky, but it’s
rather comfortable to use, and enhances the gameplay, which is a little fiddly
at times when used normally. Capcom avoids the co-op play that Resident Evil 5
introduced, and instead includes an AI partner (Parker) who will help you to
shoot down enemies when the situation is getting a little sticky. Thankfully,
unlike Resident Evil 5’s Sheva, Parker will not want to heal you constantly,
and does not drain your resources. In fact, you are left to your own devices
for the most part.
As well as the main
story, Revelations comes packaged with Raid mode, where players are able to
work through a series of short missions to increase rank, unlock new weaponry
and upgrades, new characters, and much more. In the absence of a mercenary’s
mode, the Raid mode fills the hole perfectly, and makes a break from some of
the longer levels and tough boss battles.
Another welcome
addition is play coins, which can be unlocked by using the Nintendo 3DS’
pedometer. Play coins can be exchanged for unlocks, so it works as a good
incentive for keeping on the move.
Resident Evil
Revelations is a fantastic 3DS title, and also a worthy addition to the
Resident Evil series. It pushes the boundaries of the 3DS console with
fantastic graphics and high quality sound. It’s also nice to see a return to
the spirit of the original games, which Resident Evil 4, but 5 in particular
stray away from somewhat. It’s fantastic to see that the series works just as
well in portable form, and fans should not be deterred by this. It’s just as
good, even better might I add, than the console versions. It is by far the best
game available on the Nintendo 3DS so far, and survival horror fans will love that
there are plenty of opportunities to get scared within.
Resident Evil Revelations was released today on the Nintendo 3DS, which I picked up on my brand new Nintendo 3DS. Seeing as I've only had it a matter of hours, I am yet to be able to provide you all with an in-depth, full review, but I've spent those few hours playing the beginning of the game. So, I've written up my first impressions of the game so far.
Now you may have noticed online that several gaming websites are raving about this handheld survival horror, and rightly so. Resident Evil Revelations works so well because it is putting the horror back into the Resident Evil series. The fast paced action sections of Resident Evil 5 are not present. Instead, we're presented with a slower paced, tense and atmospheric title, which brings back memories of Resident Evil 1.
What works so well is the way in which this horror is presented. Revelations is set aboard the Queen Zenobia, a cruise ship which is adrift in the Mediterranean. It's claustrophobic, dark and of course, inhabited by plenty of biologically created monsters. Just like the wandering of Spencer's Estate, Revelations revels in the tight corners, the fixed camera angles and the ever-present fear that something sinister is lurking in the ominous shadows.
And so the game begins with Resident Evil veteran, and all-round tough chick Jill Valentine, who is joined by the chubby Parker, as they board the Queen Zenobia in search for Jill's partner and close friend, the the bulky Chris Redfield. Of course, the boat is crawling with infected fiends and Jill is left to work her way through corridors of locked doors, puzzles, enemies and limited ammo. Again, everything about this game really harks back to the early days of the Resident Evil series, where things just seemed that little bit more intense.
The game handles rather fluidly so far, and the Circle Pad Pro attachment is a must. Yes, it may look a little on the bulky side, but it soon feels like second nature as you get playing. The game also boasts impressive graphics which look fantastic in 3D, and the soundtrack adds a further element of tension. Overall, it's a well designed game, and proves to be a worthy addition to the handheld titles in the ever-expanding Resident Evil series. This will also serve to stem the gap for a while before Resident Evil 6 is released in November of this year.
Capcom have released their first European television trailer for the upcoming 3DS title, Resident Evil Revelations. The trailer shows series regulars Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, and plenty of explosions, action and zombies.
Resident Evil Revelations will be the eighth instalment in the Resident Evil main series, and will support the new Circle Pad peripheral. It promises a return to the survival horror aspect of the earlier titles, such as limited ammo, and puzzle solving, and is set predominantly on a cruise ship.
Resident Evil Revelations is released in Europe this Friday, and in North America on the 7th February for the Nintendo 3DS.
There are plenty of female characters in games that are either over sexualised, or "damsels in distress." However, there are also a large range of video game women who can defend themselves, and aren't just sex symbols. These are the types of video game women I prefer to watch or play as in a game.
Leading ladies are pretty popular in games nowadays, so join me as I count down my top 5 gaming heroines.
5. Samus Aran (Metroid)
Encased in a body suit for the majority of the Metroid series, it was easy to mistaken Samus for a man. However, underneath all that armour stands a woman who is a respectable and fearless bounty hunter. Over 25 years have passed since we were first introduced to Ms. Aran, and yet she still manages to hold her position as one of Nintendo's most popular characters.
Her stand-out moment: Defending the galaxy from hoards of space pirates and exterminating the Metroid species. In other words-Samus generally kicking arse.
4. Alice (American McGee's Alice, Alice: Madness Returns)
Alice may be going through a lot of mental issues throughout the game, but the reason why she has made it into this list is her determination, and courage.
American McGee's Alice and it's sequel, Alice: Madness Returns is a bizarre but highly intriguing twist on the classic Lewis Carroll story, Alice in Wonderland. In this version, Alice is battling her inner demons, whilst trying to save her mind's creation-Wonderland, from the evils that lurk inside her head.
In the real world sections of the game, Alice proves herself to be a confident, well-spoken and strong individual. The Wonderland segments provide us with Alice's strength, agility and determination.
Her stand-out moment: Taking down a host of bosses with her range of weapons, then ending it with a wisecrack.
3. Princess Zelda (The Legend of Zelda series)
Unlike Mario's Princess Peach, Zelda is not always kidnapped (although this has happened a few times by Ganon/Ganondorf). Zelda displays magical powers, is responsible for the Triforce of Wisdom, has helped Link out on many occasions, and constantly plays a prominent role in the series.
Her stand-out moment: Transforming into her alter-ego, Sheik to assist Link on his quest in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
2. Jill Valentine (Resident Evil series)
Jill Valentine first appeared in the debut Resident Evil title as one of the prominent officers of the S.T.A.R.S. team. Since then, Jill has featured in more Resident Evil games than any other character, which is some feat.
Jill is an independent and tough woman, who will probably always be remembered for being the "Master of Unlocking", as well as, according to a certain Barry Burton, almost becoming a "Jill sandwich." Jill next makes an appearance in the Nintendo 3DS title Resident Evil Revelations. Somehow, I think we'll be seeing Ms. Valentine for a long time yet.
Her stand-out moment: Defeating the terrifying and hardy Nemesis without another team member in sight.
1. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider series)
Search Lara Croft on the internet and no doubt you'll come across some mocked up art of her naked, or sexualised in some form. Also topping many "sexiest gaming characters" polls, as well as having a legion of fans who fantasise about her, Lara is much more than just a sex symbol.
For one, Lara properly introduced heroines to the gaming world in a large scale when the first game exploded on the scene in 1996. Tomb Raider introduced gamers to a woman who could scale walls, display extraordinary acrobatics, shoot dual pistols at a host of creatures, whilst, like Indiana Jones before her, collecting artefacts.
Lara demonstrates that she is not just a busty woman in skimpy clothing, and helped to redefine gender in games back when the original was released. Lara made a successful transition from video game character to cultural icon to two time Guinness World Records holder. With more games on the horizon, there is no stopping her yet.
Her stand-out moment: Demonstrating her agility and sharpshooter skills whilst taking down a T-Rex single-handedly, with two small pistols.
