Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Rating Guide: How I Review Games

Review:

I wasn’t sure what to make of the news when it came down that a 3DS version of a game was being ported up to the Xbox 360.  Has it ever been done?  I’m not sure and as such I had my doubts.  Resident Evil: Revelations was made specifically for a handheld system so I was skeptical about how it would translate.

That didn’t stop me from being a bit excited about Jill and her adventures playing out on my big screen TV.  It was one of the selling points to me because I enjoyed the 3DS version and always wanted a “larger” version.

Gameplay, Graphics and Sound

Resident Evil: Revelations at least looks the part of an HD remake on the console.  If you’ve played any Resident Evil game before, the controls should be somewhat familiar to you.  Yes, you can aim and walk at the same time.  That’s the new thing with RE games after all isn’t it?

You’re on board the Queen Zenobia and the terror soon begins after you find yourself investigating its inner workings.  I thought the abandoned ship setting was one of the best in the series.  It returned to the narrow hallways where you feel like something could jump out at you at any given time.  The ship also provided an inadvertent obstacle in that its motion would sometimes cause me to miss what the hell I was shooting at.  I’m not sure if that was by design but I noticed it more on the Xbox version.  The suspense was definitely there as you play through the ship.

Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield (along with partners) end up doing what they do best which is fighting all kinds of monsters on board.  I thought the action was better than what I played on the 3DS.  That could’ve been because of the “bigger” version and being able to really see what was going on.  No matter the case, Revelations definitely benefited by being upgraded to console.

One of the problems I had with the 3DS version was its lack of enemies and the AI sometimes offered little in terms of help.  Those problems still exist.  I suppose that’s to be expected because Capcom didn’t add much of anything “new”.  I basically played as if my AI partner didn’t exist.

Visually the game is a huge jump from what you played on the handheld version.  Jill and the other characters look great.  The environments aren’t that impressive but they too get a nice bump in visual flare.  I’m not saying the environments were the best thing you’ll ever see but they aren’t the worst.  I didn’t run into much in terms of frame rate issues but every once in a while I’d experience some stuttering.

Xbox LIVE Extras

Resident Evil: Revelations came packed with a Raid Mode that allows you to do some co-op across Xbox Live with friends.  You can essentially go on a co-op killing spree that is pretty competent in delivery.

Conclusion

I enjoyed Resident Evil: Revelations on 3DS and so naturally I enjoyed the Xbox 360 port.  It kept the atmosphere that I loved about the 3DS version and increased the scares throughout simply by being on a larger TV.  I’m usually not a fan of HD remixes or remakes but I think this version was done enough justice to warrant a play-through for any RE fan.

8.0
“Standout”

Here’s the new Xbox One Anthem video with a few familiar faces including yours truly! Yep, the Xbox One added a little Velvet to its routine!

Well outside of the appearance by yours truly in an Xbox One commercial, Microsoft made a huge splash today with the unveiling of its new console.  They also unveiled a new Kinect sensor and a new Xbox One controller.  I’m trying to type this while maintaining my excitement but the event just really impressed me.  There were a lot of new features and capabilities shown and I just can’t reflect on them all right now.

The Xbox One will come with a 500GB hard drive, 8 core CPU, Blu-ray drive and more!  We’ll be hosting a roundtable discussion tonight that I hope to have posted up with more details and reactions about today’s reveal.

I must say that I’m extremely excited for tomorrow.  On May 21, 2013 Microsoft will officially reveal its next console.  Many are saying that the new name will be Xbox Infinity.  I’m not really a fan of that name but it doesn’t matter.  I’m actually just ready to hear something about it.  Rumors have been widespread about its always online requirement and more but we’ll finally find out tomorrow.

I’m expecting a lot of information regarding its entertainment direction and especially the games we can expect.  The first footage of Call of Duty: Ghosts is expected during the event.  I’m also excited to finally get a Blu-ray drive inside of the console.  And to clear things up for anyone who may ask, no you will not be able to play Blu-ray PS3 games inside of the next Xbox.

There has been no word on whether or not the new Xbox will allow you to play Xbox 360 games.  I’m not sure what to feel about it though.  On one hand I don’t care because I’ll still have my Xbox 360.  And on the other hand, I’d prefer not to have to switch consoles or even clutter my entertainment area up with yet another console.

The reveal is going on at 10AM PST so mark your calendars.  You can watch it live on Xbox.com right here or tune in to Spike TV.

What do you want from the next Xbox?

I am the BAT!  Okay well maybe I’m not really the Batman but I’m going to be playing the hell out of this game.  I just hope the new developer can keep with the awesomeness that Rocksteady has done.