In the closing chapter of the Resident Evil: Revelations 2, all is finally revealed in a climatic finale in traditional Resident Evil fashion. Claire, Moria, Barry and Natalia are determined to survive their nightmare with many horrifying ordeals standing in their way. So does the last episode give what we have long awaited for survival horror, or does the tradition of Capcom’s disappointment with recent franchises finally creep up on us?
Starting things off delightfully, Claire and Moira finally confront the Overseers in her lair at top of the tower. But things go sour quickly – a little too quickly for my liking. Typical to Resident Evil, a self destruct count down beings and all hell breaks loose, so escape is a necessity. This segment of the chapter as mentioned is rather short and seems to end before its even started.
It’s a great set piece, but something that could have been longer or involved more of a set up before the pair part ways from the game. It’s a shame that the pair’s venture was cut short, considering that Barry’s segment is something like ten tens longer. But this does deliver a heart breaking moment at the end between Claire and Moira. The feels.
Barry and Claire’s return has been fantastic and the newbies introduced have been a warm welcome compared to other sub-par secondary characters who have been long forgotten, like whats-his-face in Resident Evil 6 or the dude with the messed up mutated arm, even though he died too.
This episode offers an incredible amount of emotion, with some saddening events taking place, and both parties developing stronger bonds within this horrifying nightmare. Some truths are revealed that are also shocking, and a small twist that will make you break down and cry. But what this Resident Evil does that hasn’t been done in some time is offer multiple endings. With branching paths and choice-making, there’s a ton of replay value in getting weapon unlocks, bonus episode,s and stages to play after beating the game.
Barry and Natalia have escaped the clutches of Alex Wesker, and now must hunt her down through a series of abandoned mines. This segment of the chapter takes us through an old quarry, mines filled with poison gas, and an underground lab complex fitted with a traditional Resident Evil style mansion. Barry and Natalia’s segment isn’t much to look at and rounds out at about two to three hours to completion. At times, it can feel slightly drawn out, but brings in some fresh locations, simple but effective co-op puzzles, and a few brutal action sequences.
There’s a grand offering of gameplay opportunities involving co-op based puzzles, that don’t work as effectively compared to last week’s episode. Some parts feel lazy, as we’re treated to poison gas, and rehashed boss battles who just pose as stronger enemies. There’s some great, nerve-wracking tension and the atmosphere has a creepy vibe to it, helped by an equally creepy horror-like mansion – some great RE fan service right there. Though the game still doesn’t that look good, its world’s beautifully designed to harbor a horrifying, unsettling mood that’ll keep you on edge and many a baby doll and chopped up teddy bear died to make it happen. Poor Mr Snuggles.
While I still feel that The Evil Within did boss battles better, I hoped RE Revelations 2 would offer more memorable and original bosses, like the first game and more particularly like Mr. May-day the buzz-saw guy. The main bosses here are well-made and embody a great of survival horror, if not entirely original.
I didn’t truly understand why this is Revelations 2 when it has very little to do with the first at the time. No Fish Virus or that guy who looks like Carrottop is involved, but rather, a new story altogether – even a prologue to Resident Evil 7, maybe? I still did enjoy this game compared to the first and Resident Evil 6.
Even though episode four seems to be a lower key affair for the franchise, it does a great job at balancing the co-op aspect of gameplay, and delivers both action and horror in a healthy mix. Overall, RE Revelations 2 has been a success, and something Capcom should look at when developing the RE series from here on. It may not look the part with its lackluster graphics, but its gameplay is excellent and one for any Resident Evil fan to play. Raid mode, as well as the added extras with the full version, are a welcome delight. Even though this episode may not be the greatest, it’s a decent sendoff to a pretty good game.