Resident Evil fans rally to defend ‘underwhelming’ Revelations
When you tend to think of iconic Resident Evil games, the likes of the OG, Resident Evil 4, and the more recent frights of RE7 will likely spring to mind. Away from the mainline games, there has been a slew of spin-offs, but up there with the underrated Code: Veronica, 2012's Resident Evil: Revelations is often forgotten.
It's been 12 years since we first stepped into Terragrigia and embarked on Jill Valentine's deadliest mission, and it's fair to say that time hasn't been kind to this Nintendo 3DS release. Even though Revelations got a wider console release and HD version, it's never had the same mainstream appeal of its predecessors.
Resident Evil fans come to Revelations' side
Over on the Resident Evil subreddit, fans have been asking whether Revelations is like we remember it or if it's aged like a fine wine. From an overly complicated plot that feels like Revelations exists simply to lead into the events of RE5 to a lack of a real main villain, there are plenty of complaints.
With the OP referring to Revelations as "bland" but "not totally a waste of time," it was hardly a glowing review. Other critics soon chimed in, with someone else adding, "Probably the worst of the 'relevant' RE games, I find it really boring and none of the enemies are memorable. Damn shame since I’m deeply terrified of the ocean, I think a water game would be incredible if done right."
There was plenty of support, though, as someone said, "I've always been a sucker for nautical-based horror stuff (Deep Rising anyone?), so I really liked the theme, setting and enemy types. I enjoyed it more than some of the main line games."
Another Revelations fan cheered, "Top 5 for sure, great character variety, location, best gameplay of those eras of RE games, and the bosses were all challenging but fun," while someone concluded, "In my top 5 RE games actually." From the comments, it's clear Revelations is one of the most polarising entries in the Resiverse.
We don't need a Revelations remake
Click to enlargeInterestingly, the comments suggest that while there was plenty of love for the 3DS version, some of that didn't translate to the console release. The question is, as Capcom continues to milk the successes of its RE remakes that kicked off with RE2 in 2019, will the entire catalogue get a facelift?
Revelations might be heavily tied to Resident Evil 5, but coming out three years after it and having already been given an HD remake, is there any need to revisit this? With Resident Evil 5 getting toward the more modern outings, there are questions about when Capcom will hit pause on its remakes.
A Resident Evil 6 remake would likely be pushing it, and considering it came out the same year as Revelations, there aren't many crying out for these games to be remade. Also, as we saw Code: Veronica seemingly cast aside in favour of 2023's Resident Evil 4 remake, it's clear not every game is making the cut.
If you're new to Revelations or simply want to revisit it in its purest form, now could be a good time to dust off your old 3DS and stick Jill back in her wetsuit like Capcom originally intended.
