Since Resident Evil Revelations 2 was first announced, it was putting the wheels in motion to set up a number of returning elements and combining them with a few firsts. As the first original game in the series to debut digitally, the debut of an episodic format, and the first game staring new characters such as Barry Burton’s daughter, Moira, we’ll also see the return of the more isolated atmosphere of the originals and the first Revelations title, alongside Claire Redfield and Barry himself making their welcomed comebacks. At Capcom’s latest Fright Night event, we got the chance to experience a bit of what to expect from the latest title in the long running franchise, and from what we’ve seen so far, it’s shaping up to be a scary good time!
Throwing Claire and Moria headfirst into an abandoned prison, the two must work together to escape the horrors that await them. Ironically, the daughter of a card carrying NRA member refuses to use guns, (potential plot point, anyone?), so Moira is stuck with flashlight duty. Highlighting flashing spots on the map help the young Burton girl uncover items, keys, and melee weapons such as crowbars, that serves as both a way to open boarded doors and a tool to keep enemies at bay. Thankfully, Claire isn’t as much of a pacifist, serving as the combat expert between the two. With a variety of guns at her disposal, melee attacks that knock enemies back while stunned, (a la RE4,) she’s more than capable of keeping the pair safe.
Which is lucky for them, since the enemies in this game don’t idle around like your typical zombie. The monsters in the demo behave much more like the faster, more viscous zombies of RE6 compared to the slower paced creatures from the first Revelations. With just enough of them lurking around corners without feeling completely overwhelmed, the game constantly had me on my toes, anxious to open that side door with an herb teasing me through the bars, knowing full well that an enemy was waiting for the chance to rip me to shreds. The dark, brooding atmosphere of the prison only amplified the tense feeling that fueled quite a few jump scares, which is in itself commendable when you consider that I’m playing in a room surrounded by loud, drunk people and a DJ playing music that’s louder than the provided gaming headphones.
What left the biggest impression on me however, was the game’s dynamic between the two protagonists. Unlike previous forced attempts at co-op, Revelations 2 felt like both characters were necessary pieces to the overall experience, especially when compared to the herb sucking, bullet draining idiots that we’re used to tagging along with us. Even if you don’t trust the AI enough to back you up, you’ll be able to seamlessly switch control between the two characters, which is helped by the much improved twin stick control scheme. All signs are pointing to single player not being such a chore this time! But then again, I would imagine co-op would still be the best way to go once the final version releases next month.
Despite all the praise, I’m still a bit cautious. After all, Revelations in a way, was created to bring the series back to its survival horror roots compared to the more action focused direction the main series has shifted to. While the demo might have been taking it easy, the abundance of items and ammo hurt the feeling of helplessness. Combined with the fast paced enemies and the updated controls, it’s looking like this spinoff is already moving towards a more adrenaline fueled explosion fest. Then again, this was 10 minutes of an unfinished product, and even then, I still felt more terror than the entirety of either 5 or 6, so let’s hope the final game strikes a strong balance.
Are you planning on sticking with the series when it hits digital formats next month? Or will you wait for the complete package to get its physical release? And how good is it to finally have Claire back? Sound off and let us know!