Resident Evil: Revelations and Circle Pad Pro

Resident Evil: Revelations

Some people probably wouldn’t consider me much of a Resident Evil fan, seeing as my first foray into the series was with RE4. I have, however, managed to snag almost every new entry into the series since then and even poked around in some of the older games.  The stories are a bit goofy and the controls are sometimes awful, but I enjoy myself most of the time. I was actually pretty excited when it was announced that a full console-like RE experience was coming to the 3DS, in what felt like the way distant future at the time. Oddly enough, time seemed to zip by and I found myself holding a copy of Resident Evil: Revelations.

The game takes place some time between RE4 and RE5. The story jumps from the perspective of Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, along with a few other members of whatever initialism is in charge of defending the world from virus outbreaks. Apparently a terrorist organization has resurfaced, which in the past was responsible for releasing bio-weapons upon cities, turning people into monsters. Like I mentioned earlier, a bit goofy, but maybe it’s just me. All I know is that I need to make my way around zombie/monster infested areas while trying not to get my ass bit, and that works for me.

The game plays like the newer generation of RE games. You get a 3rd-person, over the shoulder perspective and hold a button to aim your gun, etc. According to most people, Capcom has attempted to add a classic feeling of survival horror to the game, i.e. limited resources, but I’m not feeling it. I always seem to have enough ammo and healing items to take care of business. I’m hoping to get a bigger challenge from the Hell difficulty.  As for controls, RER utilizes the tank control scheme that people seem to either love or hate, though most people seem to gravitate towards the latter. It feels similar to how RE4 felt, as far as I can remember. It’s okay, but not great. There are other control options, but they tend to be worse, unless you have a Circle Pad Pro, which I’ll get into later.

In terms of visuals, it is by far the best looking 3DS game that I’ve played and probably the best looking portable game I’ve played ever. They really managed a pull a lot from the system and I found myself quite impressed at how well it ran. The 3D elements of the game don’t seem to be that exciting, though. It adds to depth to the game, but I don’t think you really even need it on. The game actually seems to look better with the 3D off, which seems like a win/win as it will also save you on battery life.

Unfortunately, there is no campaign co-op. That bummed me out, especially seeing as how you get an A.I. companion with you through almost the entire game. I don’t understand why they opted not to do it. We may have lost out on that, but Capcom did deliver a different kind of co-op experience that is actually quite good. It’s called Raid mode, which has you, by yourself or with a friend, running through portions of the campaign levels trying to get from point A to B while shooting enemies and gathering loot. Unlike the singleplayer, enemies come in different varieties as evidenced by a small tag near their name. Some are smaller and faster, other are bigger and stronger, or have a crap-ton more defense on them. Killing them can get you ammo, keys to progress through the level, or loot items that reward you with new guns at the end of the round. You gain points and level up, allowing you to utilize higher level guns and mods, along with unlocking new characters and costumes. There are 20 levels and three difficulty modes, the later ones needing to be unlocked.

Resident Evil Revelations is ridiculously fun and the only real negative I can think of is that Keen wont buy the game and play it with me.

Circle Pad Pro

Holy crap, I really love this thing. For those who are unaware, the Circle Pad Pro is an accessory for the 3DS which not only adds an additional circle pad, but two shoulder buttons to the system. I was skeptical at first because it didn’t match my teal 3DS, and I would have to take off my awesome crystal armor. Not only that, but I’m not a fan of giving money to Gamestop (it’s exclusive, WTF?). I went through with it anyway and I’m SO glad I did.  You pretty much just stick your 3DS into the device and it works using the infra-red connection. It’s really easy to pop it in and out whenever you need. What I find to be the best part is that I can actually hold my 3DS comfortably now and without getting hand cramps from it being ridiculously small.

Unfortunately, I don’t think it does anything for a game that doesn’t specifically utilize it, which might make you say,”Woah, forget that, why would I want one then if I can’t use it for all the 3DS games that I already own?”, which I would then proceed to shush you and explain further. Sure it may seem like it has limited uses right now but soon some of the greatest games coming out will utilize it. Metal Gear Solid 3D, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, Kid Icarus uprising, and Monster Hunter Tri G (If Capcom localizes it, please) are all some of the games that will utilize the Circle Pad Pro.

Not only that, but using it while playing Resident Evil Revelations actually makes the controls GREAT! The camera controls just like it would using an Xbox or PS3 controller. You can aim, shoot, move, strafe all at once. I tried doing that on every other control scheme and I just couldn’t. I tried for 20 minutes and now my thumb makes this clicking sound; you don’t want that. Even when playing online I see my poor teammate awkwardly trying to aim in combat while trying desperately not to get hit. I can tell he doesn’t have a Circle Pad Pro. Don’t be that guy… because I will mock you.