Resident Evil: Revelations

About Resident Evil: Revelations

Resident Evil: Revelations is a survival horror shooter released in 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS. Developed by Capcom, it returns to the series' roots with a focus on resource management and puzzle-solving. Set after Resident Evil 4, it follows Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they hunt a bio-terrorist group planning to infect the oceans. The game offers a single-player campaign split into episodic chapters and co-op multiplayer modes where players tackle altered versions of the single-player levels. It’s a tense, claustrophobic experience with a focus on survival mechanics, balancing action with environmental puzzles. The 3DS port leverages the system’s dual screens and touch capabilities for inventory and puzzle interactions.

Gameplay

The game revolves around managing limited ammo, health, and keys while navigating confined spaces like a sinking ship and underwater facility. Players frequently switch between Jill and Chris, each with unique abilities, to solve environmental puzzles. Combat is methodical, aiming down sights with a reticle that shifts based on distance, and using stealth to conserve resources. The touch screen controls inventory and camera angles, which can feel awkward at times. Multiplayer modes mix co-op and competitive play, with players teaming up to survive or sabotaging each other in a 4v4 deathmatch. Each level is short but packed with set pieces, requiring precise planning and quick reflexes during boss fights.

What Players Think

The game holds a 74.4/100 on IGDB (219 ratings) and a 42% completion rate among players, with an average playtime of 22 hours. Community vibes lean creepy (4 votes), reflecting its tense atmosphere and eerie set pieces. Reviews highlight “tight pacing” and “classic survival horror tension,” though some call it “repetitive” due to its episodic structure. 38% of players finish the single-player campaign, while 61% complete at least one multiplayer mode. Critics praised the return to core survival elements but noted the 3DS controls could have been smoother. The game’s 4-hour average for each episode keeps sessions manageable, but the 2012 price point (if $39.99) feels outdated compared to modern 3DS titles.

PlayPile's Take

Resident Evil: Revelations is a solid choice for fans of classic survival horror who own a 3DS. It’s not impressive but effectively blends puzzle-solving, stealth, and co-op play. With 42% of players beating the campaign and 42 achievements to unlock, it offers decent value for $10, 15 used. Avoid if you prefer fast-paced action or open-world exploration. The creepy vibes and resource management mechanics make it a niche hit for those craving tension over combat. Worth picking up for completionists or as a co-op experience with a friend.

Storyline

Set shortly after the events of Resident Evil 4, the game follows counter-terrorism agents Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they try to uncover the truth behind a bio-terrorist organization that plans to infect the Earth's oceans with a virus.