New Resident Evil 3DS Details Surface

3DS has two Resident Evils on the way. Resident Evil Revelations was announced way back at E3. Resident Evil The Mercenaries 3D was announced in September at Japan's Nintendo Conference press event.

These are two totally different games, but until now they've shared one annoying common point: we didn't know anything about them. Enter Japan's Weekly Famitsu, which has a huge blowout on both games this week.

Of the two games, Mercenaries 3D looks like it's farthest along. Famitsu lists a 70% completion level for the game.

For those unfamiliar with the series, "Mercenaries" originates from a bonus mode that has been appearing in Resident Evil games since Resident Evil 3. It's basically a post clear time attack mode where you blast away at enemies.

On the 3DS, Mercenaries 3D will feature Wi-Fi co-op play for up to two players. Current confirmed characters include Chris Redfield and his little sister Claire, Jack Krauser and Hunk.

While early screenshots made the 3DS version look like the Mercenaries mini game in RE5, Capcom is working on some major changes, most notably in the area of control. As with the RE5 Mercenaries, the action normally takes place from behind your character's back. However, when you ready your weapon, the game now switches to a first person view. While in this view, you aim with the analogue slider. It's also possible to move while firing, although we're not sure how just yet. The game will also have stylus control support, although this is also an area that has yet to be detailed.

Also new for the 3DS is a character customization component. You'll be able to customize your characters in various ways, including slotting skills which can level up, and customizing your weapons.

One thing that won't be added for the 3DS is a story mode. Like its console mini game counterparts, The Mercenaries 3D will be pure gameplay.

If you want a story, you'll want to turn to Revelations, which looks set to deliver a more traditional experience. And by more traditional, we mean 32-bit era traditional. It may be hard to believe given the level of gunplay in RE5 and RE4, but Resident Evil was once a survival horror game. Revelations attempts to bring the survival horror back.

You'll have to worry about enemies popping out from unexpected locations, and also concern yourself with limited ammo. The game's use of 3D will help out here, as director Koushi Nakanishi told Famitsu that the 3D view will make you feel that there's actually something in the depths of the halls. The ability to output the visuals in 3D is actually the reason the staff decided to emphasize the horror aspect.


Joining the return of survival and horror elements, Revelations also promises exploration and puzzle solving. Sounds like a trip back into the 32 bit era! Although based off Nakanishi's comments to the magazine, it seems as though these traditional RE elements are actually being added to the gameplay style found in RE4 and RE5 rather than completely replacing them. Perhaps this means we can expect a game that blends the best elements of both.

Famitsu provides just a few solid gameplay details. You'll be able to move while your weapon is readied. The game's camera will also be freely adjustable, allowing you to scope out every corner for zombies waiting to attack.

Capcom was willing to get a bit more specific when it comes to story. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, the main characters of the first Resident Evil, are paired together once again. The game kicks off when a group of BSAA agents, including Jill, head out on an investigation mission to a luxury cruise liner that's become a ghost ship out at sea.

The cruise ship seems to be the primary setting for the game, but concept art in the magazine also show a port town and a snow covered mountain. The game takes place in Europe just after the formation of the BSAA group.


Revelations may have been announced first, but it appears to be in a far earlier state. Famitsu lists it as 20% complete.

Both games are listed as release TBA, so we're not sure if the 3DS launch early next year will be accompanied by any form of Resident Evil.

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