Unbiased Review of Resident Evil 6

Summary

Resident Evil 6, while criticized by many, remains beloved by its fanbase. This review explores the game's ambitious attempt to evolve the franchise, its identity crisis, and the mixed results of its sprawling narrative and gameplay mechanics. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil 6 offers moments of brilliance and continues to be a significant entry in the Resident Evil series.

The Ambitious Evolution of Resident Evil 6

A Game That Tries Too Hard

The primary issue with Resident Evil 6 is not that it is a bad game; rather, it attempts to evolve too rapidly, biting off more than it can chew. For a franchise as storied as Resident Evil, which debuted in 1996, the desire to innovate and appeal to both veteran players and newcomers is understandable. However, this ambition leads to a game that is uneven, with some parts shining brightly and others falling flat.

Mixed Reception

Resident Evil 6 was released in October 2012 and received mixed reviews. According to Metacritic, the game holds a score of 67/100 for the PlayStation 3 version, indicating mixed or average reviews. Critics praised the game's graphics and production values but criticized its convoluted storyline and inconsistent gameplay mechanics (source).

Inside Resident Evil 6

Identity Crisis

One of the most significant criticisms of Resident Evil 6 is its identity crisis. The game attempts to offer everything, from survival horror to action-packed sequences, but struggles to balance these elements effectively. While it is far from the disaster some claim it to be, the game does suffer from trying to be too many things at once.

Four Campaigns, Seven Characters

Resident Evil 6 is divided into four campaigns, each featuring different characters and storylines. This structure was a bold move by the developers, aiming to provide a comprehensive narrative that interweaves the various campaigns. However, this approach also contributes to the game's identity crisis, as each campaign offers a different gameplay experience.

Repetitive Gameplay

One of the game's significant drawbacks is the repetitive nature of its gameplay. Players seeking to experience the full story must endure some of the game's most frustrating sections multiple times. This repetition can make the game feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.

Desperation to Evolve

Resident Evil 6 features moments of classic survival horror, reminiscent of the series' roots. However, Capcom's effort to create an action-packed epic often overshadows these moments. The game includes numerous action sequences that feel derivative of other, more successful action games. In its quest to be the ultimate action game, Resident Evil 6 sometimes forgets what made the franchise so beloved in the first place.

Fun Factor

Despite its flaws, Resident Evil 6 is undeniably fun. The game offers a variety of experiences, from intense action sequences to moments of genuine horror. However, it falls short of being as enjoyable as it could have been, given its potential.

Conclusion

Resident Evil 6 deserves its place in the franchise, but it is a testament to wasted potential. The game’s ambition to evolve and offer a multifaceted experience is commendable, but it ultimately results in an uneven and sometimes frustrating game. Nevertheless, for fans of the series, Resident Evil 6 provides enough moments of brilliance to make it worth playing.

Interesting Stats

• Sales Figures: Resident Evil 6 sold over 4.9 million copies worldwide by March 2013, making it one of Capcom's best-selling games at the time (source).
• Development Team: The game was developed by a team of over 600 people, one of the largest development teams ever assembled by Capcom (source).
• Budget: Resident Evil 6 had an estimated budget of $70 million, making it one of the most expensive games ever developed by Capcom (source).

Resident Evil 6 remains a polarizing entry in the series, but its ambition and moments of brilliance ensure it will be remembered by fans for years to come.