At least in Capcom producer Masachika Kawata’s opinion and he’d know, right? And well, he’d also say that about his own game. But we have, fortunately, gone eyes-on with the thing and can confirm he’s not exaggerating, as the game does look amazing. Not exaggerating by much, anyway.
“We’re very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve with the hardware,” says Kawata. “In our opinion it looks pretty impressive. It’s getting to the point where the line between the portable systems and home systems is blurred.” Apparently, all everyone wanted to do when they got their hands on the 3DS was see how much of the assets from the console version they could reuse on the 3DS. As it turns out, quite a lot. “They laid the groundwork and got everything moving to the point where we were using some of the same assets from our home console games – and they were working on the 3DS.” Kawata also admits they’re not even using the 3DS’s entire potential, but then again what launch game ever does that?
Technical Achievements and Visual Fidelity
The technical achievements of “Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D” on the Nintendo 3DS are nothing short of remarkable. The game showcases a level of visual fidelity that blurs the lines between portable and home console gaming. This is particularly impressive given the hardware limitations of portable systems compared to their home console counterparts. The development team managed to port high-quality assets from the console versions of Resident Evil games, ensuring that the portable experience did not compromise on visual quality.
For instance, character models, environmental textures, and special effects in “Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D” are on par with what players would expect from a home console game. This achievement is a testament to the capabilities of the 3DS hardware and the expertise of the development team. The game runs smoothly, with minimal frame rate drops, even during intense action sequences, which is crucial for maintaining an immersive gaming experience.
Gameplay and Features
Beyond its visual prowess, “Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D” offers a robust gameplay experience. The game is a spin-off from the main Resident Evil series, focusing on action-packed, timed missions where players must eliminate as many enemies as possible within a set time limit. This gameplay loop is both addictive and challenging, providing a different flavor from the traditional survival horror elements of the main series.
The game features a variety of characters from the Resident Evil universe, each with unique abilities and weapons. This diversity allows players to experiment with different playstyles and strategies, adding depth to the gameplay. Additionally, the game includes a cooperative multiplayer mode, enabling players to team up with friends and tackle missions together. This feature enhances the replayability of the game, as players can coordinate strategies and compete for high scores.
Moreover, the control scheme has been optimized for the 3DS, making use of the handheld’s dual screens and touch capabilities. The bottom screen serves as an inventory and map interface, allowing for quick and intuitive access to items and information without pausing the action. This design choice streamlines the gameplay and keeps players engaged in the fast-paced combat.
Future Potential and Limitations
While “Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D” is an impressive showcase of what the 3DS can do, Kawata acknowledges that the game does not fully utilize the handheld’s potential. This is a common scenario for launch titles, as developers are often still learning to harness the full capabilities of new hardware. As developers become more familiar with the 3DS, future titles are likely to push the boundaries even further, delivering experiences that are even more visually stunning and feature-rich.
In conclusion, “Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D” stands as a testament to the advancements in portable gaming technology. It demonstrates that high-quality, console-like experiences are possible on handheld devices, paving the way for future innovations in the industry. With its impressive visuals, engaging gameplay, and cooperative multiplayer features, the game sets a high standard for what players can expect from portable gaming in the years to come.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
