Resident Evil: Revelations 2 is a 2015 episodic survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom, released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Serving as the tenth major installment in the Resident Evil franchise, and the story follows Claire Redfield and Moira Burton, Barry Burton’s daughter, who are kidnapped and brought to a mysterious island filled with monstrosities and run by the mysterious Overseer.

Positives:

• Good graphics
• Interesting story
• Extensive campaign
• Fun cooperative gameplay
• Suspenseful music
• Great main characters
• Awesome Raid Mode
• High replayability
• Good voice performances

Negatives:

• Lackluster antagonist

Campaign:  The game features a lengthy single or co-op campaign that is separated into four episodes that are split between Claire Redfield and Moira Burton, and Barry Burton and Natalia.  The campaign features several levels of difficulty which can provide quite a challenge, especially with more of the more difficult enemies.  For the most part, the game is pretty linear.  Yeah, there is some backtracking but not worth actual exploration.  The story is pretty interesting and does tell a good story. Claire and Moria are kidnapped from Terra Save headquarters and brought to mysterious island.  As the two try to escape they learn of the Overseer who controls the island and has unleashed horrifying experiments and mutations. Barry’s story picks up six months later, coming to the island to rescue Moira.

It has its share of moving moments and special twists.  New to the lore are Moira Burton, Barry Burton’s daughter, and a young girl named Natalia with supernatural abilities.  There is this tension between Barry and Moira but over the course of the game is resolved.  Also, Natalia is a survivor of the destruction of Terragrigia in the previous Revelations. Also, the main antagonist turns out to be Alex Wesker, Albert Wesker’s sister.  This is probably one of the lowest points of the story as there is little to no exposition of the character nor really any back and forth dialogue between her and the other characters.  The campaign does provide a good gaming experience. (4 out of 5)

Gameplay:  The gameplay are the same as its predecessors, bringing back the survival horror elements.  The game focuses on a balance between action and stealth featuring cooperative gameplay that features a new mechanic where only one of the characters uses firearms and the other melee.  In both campaigns Claire/Barry use firearms and are the main offensive.  Moira/Natalia providing more of a supporting role able use crowbars (Moira) and bricks (Natalia), or be used to find hidden items with a flashlight (Moira) or to stun enemies, or special senses (Natalia) to locate infected who are in close proximity, even through walls.  Players can freely switch between their the two characters. Claire/Barry and Moira/Natalia having different inventories with Claire/Barry having ten open slots and Moira/Natalia with five. Also, due to the two story taking place at the same areas just at different times, certain actions you’ve done playing as Claire can affect Barry’s path. This can open up alternate routes which leads to shortcuts or hidden items/weapon. Although a little sluggish in reaction the AI isn’t problematic. (3 out of 5)

Graphics:  The graphics are pretty solid but nothing new to the series.  The level designs are done really well, many areas of the island look extremely well.  Everything from the underground settings, to the forest, to the run down buildings make for a creepy suspenseful atmosphere.  The character designs look good as well as some of the creature while look creepy and gross as hell. (3 out of 5)

Score:  The sound, music, and voices are done really well.  Love the unique sounds of the creatures and those that give depth to the environment.  The voice performances are really good and well cast.  The music does a great job of helping to maintain the game’s suspense. (3 out of 5)

Replay Value:  Revelations 2 features the return of the first game’s Raid Mode minigame. Many core mechanics were dramatically changed from Revelations and players were able to visit locations from other games in the series and fight monsters from other games. The player assumes the role of an AI fighting in a combat simulator constructed by the Red Queen Alpha database. The AI, which was able to assume the forms of different characters from the series, must complete various combat missions while collecting audio logs detailing the true nature of Red Queen Alpha. There are plenty of collectibles throughout the game to collect including movies, character models, secret files, and alternate costumes. There are also extra episodes that help to flesh out the story as well as unlockable modes to change up the gameplay (including Invisible Mode and Countdown Mode). And lastly there are upgrades for the characters, to increase their skills or make them more efficient with their weaponry.  (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Resident Evil: Revelations 2 is a great game and a great sequel.  One of the biggest issues for me is that the villain is flat with no exposition. Alex Wesker comes from the Wesker family so she has an interesting backstory to pull from.  However, the graphics are awesome, Raid Mode addictive, fun cooperative multiplayer, great score, extensive campaign, and lots of replayability.  Resident Evil: Revelations 2 gets 4 out of 5.