We live in a world where the increased processing power of dedicated gaming portables can bring some of our wildest handheld video game fantasies to life; and in many ways the scope and scale of Resident Evil Revelations serves as proof of those ambitions. The goal seems simple enough: Take the blockbuster formula of RE and make it portable. But in the end the level of execution on that promise remains key, and the limitations of the format can undo the boldest attempt. While distilling any blockbuster franchise down to a portable experience seems like a daunting task (especially for Resident Evil), Revelations proves the idea’s potential in this new age of handhelds; but it also brings to light some of the limitations inherent to the platform.
Adhering closely to the mold of Shinji Mikami’s Resident Evil renaissance title RE4, Revelations follows the survival-action model of the past two console installments. The controls, perspective, and mechanics support the idea that Mikami’s influential installment is the future of RE; but there are also indications of iteration and refinement present at the same time. The ability to move and shoot lifts a huge burden from the series; and one that’s stood out prominently over the past few years. Hallelujah, right? Capcom finally delivers controls we’ve been waiting for in a RE game.
