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>
<!--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;">Controls and graphics</div><!--h-->
<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>
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>
<!--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;">Controls and graphics</div><!--h-->
<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>