Review Axew's own Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D review

[chris888222]

Well, this is it. My first ever game-related review. Today I proudly present my very own <b>Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (Nintendo 3DS)</b> review.

Some of the images used are by me and some from online. I do not own any of the online images and all rights go to their respective owners. For my images, some may be a little blurry... so I apologize for that. It was taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS80.

<img src="http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx334/choonghy/P1030714.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;">Gameplay</div><!--h-->
<p align=" " class="none">When I first bought this game, my gamestore told me, "Chris, I know you are a huge fan of shooter games, but this one is just shooting and shooting and shooting... nothing else." Well actually, they were kinda right. There is no actual mission to complete. Just shoot them all within the time limit and you're good to go. It's really like an arcade shooter, like what capcom has stated.

This video shows it all.

[youtube]3N3R4STn-Bo[/youtube] </p>

<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;">Into the actual game</div><!--h-->
<p align=" " class="none"> When you first load the game card inside the 3DS, it won't show some spinning logo; but rather just a plain image which just lifts up when you blow into the mic.

<img src="http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx334/choonghy/P1030715.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Then you'll enter another plain screen with the press start stuff. In 3D it just has greater depth, that's all.

<img src="http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx334/choonghy/P1030716.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

You will be given a choice of The Mercenaries (the actual game), Special Content (which is basically the Revelations demo) and go back. The revelations demo i'll explain later, but now let's head into the real thing.

If you hit on 'The Mercenaries', the announcer will say the name out loud in a dreadful tone. I like that. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" />

Then you'll be shown your 'missions', character select, go back, co-op and awards. It's a very simple interface that everyone can follow.

<img src="http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx334/choonghy/P1030717.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

There are many characters for you to choose from. This is good, considering that the 'missions' you have are somewhat very limited, and every character has different weapons for you to try out.

<img src="http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx334/choonghy/P1030719.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

<img src="http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx334/choonghy/P1030720.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> </p>

The list of characters you can use are:
<ol type='1'><li>Chris Redfield</li><li>Claire Redfield</li><li>Jill Valentine</li><li>Albert Wesker</li><li>HUNK</li><li>Jack Krauser</li><li>Rebecca Chambers</li><li>Barry Burton</li></ol>

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<p align=" " class="none">As stated earlier from my gameshop, I'm a FPS/TPS fan and I'm extremely fussy when it comes to their quality, especially graphics and control-wise.

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D... I must say I'm extremely impressed with the controls. Default will be move with the analog, aim with the analog while pressing R and shoot with Y while aiming. It sounds rather tedious, but trust me when you play it, this scheme is actually very easy. I am glad by default it doesn't use touch aiming. I have played Call of Duty: Black Ops (DS) before, and touch screen aiming is really quite difficult. The resistive touchscreen simply doesn't aim right with your finger and it's very difficult to control with a stylus on your other hand (especially when you are using a DSi XL). A capacitive touch won't solve it either, as they tend to be over sensitive instead. The bottom screen shows your items and weapons, which you can use/swap in a snap.

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D features a first-person shooter mode, and I'm not really impressed with it. It just doesn't feel as natural as the actual FPS games, it doesn't have that kind of... er... flair. I can't blame that though, cuz the RE series are always third-person shooter and of course third-person view would be natural. However, a great thing about First-Person mode (to me at least) is that aiming is more accurate than Third-Person mode.

<img src="http://cdn1.gamepro.com/article_img/gamepro/9784-218497-2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://cdn1.gamepro.com/article_img/gamepro/29320-220780-2.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Graphics wise (in 2D), I have one word to describe it, and that is brilliant. Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D's graphics in 2D are simply really crisp and sharp. I didn't notice any noticeable glitches/framerate cuts when in 2D. The colors are vivid and it 'feels' great. I can say that they are roughly on par or slightly better than the 2D graphics of DOA: Dimensions.

<img src="http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx334/choonghy/P1030722.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<img src="http://media.next-gen.biz/files/imagecache/home-page-first-article/articles/reviews/resident_evil_the_mercs_3d.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> </p>

<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;">The 3D effect</div><!--h-->
<p align=" " class="none"> Chris, so much on the 2D effect already, but how about the 3D effect? Well, I have only one word to describe it again, and that is disappointing. The 3D effect in this game just adds depth to the environment. Nothing else. In fact, when you turn on your slider, there is a noticeable difference in the framerate and you can see the brightness level drop significantly. It would actually be better if the character pops a little out of the screen (and the weapon as well in first-person mode), the hostages attacking you in 3D is epic and gory, but sadly, you won't be able to feel that. In addition, I do notice some glitch with the further away enemies in 3D (2D I didn't really notice anything). They appear a little choppy or distorted, but that shouldn't affect much to the gameplay. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="wink.gif" />

<img src="http://www.hiphopgamershow.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/resident-evil-the-mercenaries-3d-interview-details.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /> </p>

<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;">Replay value</div><!--h-->
<p align=" " class="none">
<img src="http://www.unigamesity.com/wp-content/uploads//2009/07/resident-evil-sheva.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
<i>Hot huh? but she's not in this game.</i>

In terms of replay value, to me it depends on the individual. This game is the Mercenaries, and in the game it states that the objective is to <b>defeat as many enemies as possible within the time limit.</b> It is not an adventure or mission game. It's just killing and shooting. You can't buy weapons/items either. Items are available in the levels and the weapons vary per character.

If you don't like these, then this game isn't for you. And Claire Redfield is going to be mad.

Don't get what I mean?
<img src="http://newbreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Resident-Evil-Revelations-3DS-Claire.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

Just kidding.

This game is best for the competitive. Who likes to challenge themselves and improve on their skills by replaying and replaying. Hence, buying a pre-owned copy might be good. As you can actually challenge with someone you don't know. This game has <u><b>no</b></u> StreetPass support, hence don't expect any 'ghost data' or anything related, although that addition may be nice.

The Revelations demo, well... 3D is the same as the Mercenaries standard. But the 2D graphics are much better! Maybe because the character is in blue? It's very short though. So I won't count on it. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" /></p>

<!--h--><div style="background: #DDE6F2;border: 1px solid white;border-bottom: 1px solid #5176B5;border-top: 1px solid #5176B5;color: #5176B5;font-size: 12px;font-weight: bold;margin: 0;padding: 5px;">Overall</div><!--h-->
<p align=" " class="none">
<img src="http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/resident-evil-5.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
This game is great overall. The controls are very good, the graphics are great and the overall shooter experience is great. But the 3D is utterly disappointing and this is simply just an arcade shooter. Literally. Just kill them or die yourself. First-Person mode doesn't feel natural like the FPS franchises, but it makes aiming more accurate.

$40 for this game is okay for the competitive, but a waste for those who want it for a 'lasting appeal'. But this game does prove one thing to shooter developers. It proves to them that the 3DS can handle shooters very well. With time and effort put in, the 3DS can actually pull off an awesome FPS/TPS. </p>

<b>Overall Rating for Resident Evil The Mercenaries 3D: 7.5/10</b>

 

[Deleted User]

Nicely written review. I really like that you used so many pictures and a trailer to make this more appealing and give the reader a better impression of what the game is like. The final score is fair, if you ask me, because even if this game has a few obvious flaws, it's still a fun and good looking arcade game experience.

There are two things I'm wondering about why you didn't address them. First the fact that characters are sprites when they are in a distance (and their choppy animations). While it's in no way game-breaking or anything like that, in my opinion, it's a little irritating when you see it for the first time. The second thing is, that you're able to change the weapon-sets per character (you can unlock them with 10-15 play coins) and the skill system. I'm not sure how much the skills affect the way you play the game, but I think it's nice to have them. Add to this that you can level them up and it's a really cool feature.

 

[Wintrale]

The Skills actually greatly change the way you play. One skill turns any melee attack into an electrifying attack and, when fully levelled up, it actually electrifies nearby enemies as well. Then there are skills like the Weapons Master, which boosts the damage from all weapons but makes healing less effective, the Combat one that turns most melee attacks into a one hit kill or even that skill that increases the time gained by melee kills to 8 seconds.

 

[Youkai]

yes a really good review ^^

 

[Deleted User]

The Skills actually greatly change the way you play. One skill turns any melee attack into an electrifying attack and, when fully levelled up, it actually electrifies nearby enemies as well. Then there are skills like the Weapons Master, which boosts the damage from all weapons but makes healing less effective, the Combat one that turns most melee attacks into a one hit kill or even that skill that increases the time gained by melee kills to 8 seconds.

Thanks, that's good to know. So far I have only unlocked three or four of the skills and, since I don't know what others there are, I wasn't sure about the way they can affect the gameplay.

 

[chris888222]

Nicely written review. I really like that you used so many pictures and a trailer to make this more appealing and give the reader a better impression of what the game is like. The final score is fair, if you ask me, because even if this game has a few obvious flaws, it's still a fun and good looking arcade game experience.

There are two things I'm wondering about why you didn't address them. First the fact that characters are sprites when they are in a distance (and their choppy animations). While it's in no way game-breaking or anything like that, in my opinion, it's a little irritating when you see it for the first time. The second thing is, that you're able to change the weapon-sets per character (you can unlock them with 10-15 play coins) and the skill system. I'm not sure how much the skills affect the way you play the game, but I think it's nice to have them. Add to this that you can level them up and it's a really cool feature.

Well, I haven't really played the game in depth (I bought a pre-owned copy) so I don't know much about them. I am also really tired, hence I might forget to state some other issues.

I'll edit the glitch part. Hold on

Edited the glitch portion

 

[Guild McCommunist]

I think the main question is if it's worth the $40 price tag. Buying a preowned copy of this isn't without its complications and selling it preowned isn't the best either. So you're dumping $40 into it if you want a pristine copy with your own save file and what not.

And comparing it to, say, Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition, which you can get brand-new for probably the same price, is the 3D, portability and extra features make it worthwhile over the entire Resident Evil 5 game, plus DLC.

It's overall my big gripe with 3DS games. For a price significantly cheaper or for the same price you can get games that are near identical, simply with more content, better graphics, and better controls.

I'm not turning this into a 3DS debate, I just think you should take pricing in comparison to other similar games into account.

 

[chris888222]

I think the main question is if it's worth the $40 price tag. Buying a preowned copy of this isn't without its complications and selling it preowned isn't the best either. So you're dumping $40 into it if you want a pristine copy with your own save file and what not.

And comparing it to, say, Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition, which you can get brand-new for probably the same price, is the 3D, portability and extra features make it worthwhile over the entire Resident Evil 5 game, plus DLC.

It's overall my big gripe with 3DS games. For a price significantly cheaper or for the same price you can get games that are near identical, simply with more content, better graphics, and better controls.

I'm not turning this into a 3DS debate, I just think you should take pricing in comparison to other similar games into account.

I see what you mean.

But since I don't have access to a computer (I'm using my phone), I'll do it tomorrow. It's late now anyways. Thanks for pointing this out!

 

[Deleted User]

I think the main question is if it's worth the $40 price tag. Buying a preowned copy of this isn't without its complications and selling it preowned isn't the best either. So you're dumping $40 into it if you want a pristine copy with your own save file and what not.

And comparing it to, say, Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition, which you can get brand-new for probably the same price, is the 3D, portability and extra features make it worthwhile over the entire Resident Evil 5 game, plus DLC.

It's overall my big gripe with 3DS games. For a price significantly cheaper or for the same price you can get games that are near identical, simply with more content, better graphics, and better controls.

I'm not turning this into a 3DS debate, I just think you should take pricing in comparison to other similar games into account.

The main factor here is whether it's worth it for you (not particularly addressed at you

). The Mercenaries 3D is a game which may be worth the asking price for one gamer and an absolute waste for the other. As I normally don't sell my games, let alone trading them in towards new ones, I was asking myself the same question. If you're eager to get your hands on a Mercenaries game on your 3DS, the skill system makes this a worthwile purchase, if you know what to expect from the game. If you're not the type of gamer who likes to go for "just one more run" to get more points or level up your skills, you'll most likely be disappointed with your purchase.

I suspect this game to drop in price (significantly) in the next couple of months, so if you can hold out a little bit longer, I think it may be worth it to get a new copy then, rather than a used one now. The controls work very well and are not inferior to the XBox 360 controls, in my opinion. However, if you're just going for the 3D effect this game is absolutely not worth your money, as it's decent at best.

Comparing this to RE5 (let's not talk about the DLC as it isn't that great to begin with) is a little unfair, imo, because you're getting a fully fledged Resident Evil game with the Mercenaries mode as an extra. The Mercenaries mode in RE5 feels a little inferior to this one though, because of the small extra features (e.g. the skill system and customizable weapon sets) you'll get when buying the 3DS version. To compare the graphics of a portable to the graphics of a home console is (and has always been) a moot argument to me, because of the higher resolution on a standard HDTV.

tl;dr It's ultimately up to everyone individually to decide whether this is worth their money or not (although this should be obvious).

 

[Wintrale]

And comparing it to, say, Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition, which you can get brand-new for probably the same price, is the 3D, portability and extra features make it worthwhile over the entire Resident Evil 5 game, plus DLC.

That has to be the worst argument against getting the game I've ever heard.

Why not show your bias more and compare every other 3DS game to an old console game? Why not compare Tales of Abyss on the PS2 with the 3DS version when it comes out? Or Luigi's Mansion with Luigi's Mansion 2? Heck, better yet, compare The Mercs 3D to the Wii version of Resident Evil 4 to really rub it in. Or what about Kid Icarus to, I dunno, Sin and Punishment 2 on the Wii? Since when has an old game ever had any bearing on whether a game is a "worthwhile" purchase? It's even worse that you're using the budget rerelease of a game nobody even liked, so Capcom sold it at a low price and added in Move support and all the DLC for free just in the hope that people would like it.

Bleedin' heck, could you post anything more asinine?

 

[chris888222]

@Wintrale: I did not elaborate much on how worth the game is though. Don't get mad. Chill!

Haha, I have a list of reviews that I'll be doing next.

[*]Ridge Racer 3D review - I'll do it when I have the time, probably next week.[*]Legend of Zelda OoT review - I'll do this after trying it out, but for now it's all sold out!

[*]Dead or Alive Dimensions review - The kick ass 3D fighter finally hits the handheld.[*]Samsung Galaxy Ace review - A budget android phone which I kinda like. Will do this probably after Ridge Racer.[*]PS Vita review - As soon as it's out (and when I get it)

Any requests? Kindly list them. I'll try my best to do them if I have the time and the appropriate 'stuff'.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

And comparing it to, say, Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition, which you can get brand-new for probably the same price, is the 3D, portability and extra features make it worthwhile over the entire Resident Evil 5 game, plus DLC.

That has to be the worst argument against getting the game I've ever heard.

Why not show your bias more and compare every other 3DS game to an old console game? Why not compare Tales of Abyss on the PS2 with the 3DS version when it comes out? Or Luigi's Mansion with Luigi's Mansion 2? Heck, better yet, compare The Mercs 3D to the Wii version of Resident Evil 4 to really rub it in. Or what about Kid Icarus to, I dunno, Sin and Punishment 2 on the Wii? Since when has an old game ever had any bearing on whether a game is a "worthwhile" purchase? It's even worse that you're using the budget rerelease of a game nobody even liked, so Capcom sold it at a low price and added in Move support and all the DLC for free just in the hope that people would like it.

Bleedin' heck, could you post anything more asinine?

I'm not making bullshit comparisons here. You're making bullshit comparisons, though.

And Gold Edition is basically just RE5 but with all the DLC. If you don't like that comparison, I'll compare it to the original Resident Evil 5.

Oh, that's pretty much half the price of Mercs 3D. And I still get a whole campaign to play, plus all the trimmings of it being a console game (HD graphics, better online capabilities, local co-op without two systems, etc etc).

I have a feeling you're just getting upset because I'm not gonna say that every review is perfect and made of flowers and rainbows. I attempt to criticize them so people may learn how to better analyze a product to give an accurate reading to the users here. I commend all reviewers for writing a review but I'll commend them even more if they're able to improve upon them. I've taken heat for some of my reviews and people have pointed out my flaws, but I always hope to fix them with that. If you think I'm being some "bully" or "not respecting others opinions" then you shouldn't even be visiting this section.

 

[KingVamp]

I'll keep my thoughts away about; will you give this much heat to psv games when they come out, comparing them to console versions or ones that similar to keep from making a debate.

Anyway, tbh even I didn't thing it worth it, but how is the depth? Is it as good as Zelda?

Any requests? Kindly list them. I'll try my best to do them if I have the time and the appropriate 'stuff'.

Tho I didn't what each reviewed, here are suggestions.

-Green Lantern: Rise Manhunters

-Pilotwings Resort -

-LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean

-Cubic Ninja

-BlazBlue Continuum Shift II

-Super Street Fighter IV

-Samurai Warriors Chronicles

In future

-All first party titles.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

I'll keep my thoughts away about will you give this much heat to psv games when they come out, comparing them to console versions or ones that similar to keep from making a debate.

Street Fighter x Tekken may be coming under fire if Capcom decides to just drop DLC support for it. It also depends on pricing (if the Vita version of SFxT has everything the console version does for like $20 less, then it's actually a bargain, provided they keep up support with it in terms of DLC and maybe even have crossplay with the PS3 version to keep an online community going for a while). But I digress, carry on

 

[Master Mo]

Great review.

I would love to play this game but unfortunately I`m not really into aiming with the analog-stick. I always prefered mouse or touchscreen...

I was really hoping, that the final product would have had an option for either touchscreen-aiming or aiming via gyro (which should have worked great in a game, where you run and gun in contrary to the constant moving of the camera in FPSes, where I think the gyro wouldn`t be suited), similar to Zelda, where it worked surprisingly well.

So I`ll pass on this one.

Also this is a 3DS game. It makes no sense to compare it to any other game, especially if it is fundamentally different and on another non-handheld console.

 

[Sora de Eclaune]

Is it just me, or does this game look like a sequel to Umbrella Chronicles for the Wii?

 

[chris888222]

QUICK UPDATE: I'll be doing a Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition review this weekend! Keep your eyes peeled!

Just kidding on the eye peeled part, but the review will be done. 1st on GBAtemp I believe?

 

[Deleted User]

Is it just me, or does this game look like a sequel to Umbrella Chronicles for the Wii?

It's just you. This game has nothing to do with Umbrella Chronicles.

 

[Shockwind]

Nice review.

If only I have a 3DS..

 

[chris888222]

Nice review.

If only I have a 3DS..

If you ever come to Singapore for a holiday, grab a set here.

A few shops are selling it for S$379 with a case, game and protector; which should be cheaper than the Philippines.
No warranty though, but at least the charger is compatible.

UPDATE: the SSFIV review and whatever will be done tomorrow. I figured that I have a little time to spare at night the next day.