Resident Evil 6 Review

Resident Evil 6, developed and published by Capcom, originally launched in 2012 and later received an HD remaster for the PlayStation 4 in 2016. This installment represented the series’ most significant leap into the action-shooter genre, featuring multiple interwoven campaigns and a global scale. This Resident Evil 6 PS4 review delves into its ambitious scope and its divisive legacy.

Gameplay: Four Campaigns, Four Perspectives

The defining feature of Resident Evil 6 is its colossal content offering: four distinct, interconnected campaigns. Players experience the global bio-terror outbreak through the eyes of fan-favorites Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield, alongside newcomers Jake Muller (Wesker’s son) and the enigmatic Ada Wong. Each campaign offers a unique flavor, from Leon’s more traditional survival horror segments to Chris’s intense military action and Jake’s melee-focused combat.

The gameplay is heavily action-oriented, featuring fluid third-person shooting, a robust melee system, and the ability to move and shoot. Every campaign is designed for co-op multiplayer (both local and online co-op), allowing players to team up to tackle the hordes of J’avo and other C-Virus mutations. The PS4 remaster provides a smoother 60 frames per second experience and higher resolution, making the chaotic action feel more responsive. The popular Mercenaries mode also returns, offering endless replayability for high-score chasers.

• Four distinct, interwoven campaigns
• Action-focused third-person shooter mechanics
• Robust melee combat system
• Seamless 2-player co-op (local and online)
• Improved performance and visuals on PS4
• Addictive Mercenaries mode for replayability

Story and Setting: A Global Conspiracy

The narrative of Resident Evil 6 is an ambitious, globe-trotting epic. The C-Virus unleashes chaos across multiple continents, forcing the protagonists to confront a vast conspiracy and a new breed of bio-organic weapons. The intertwining storylines eventually converge, revealing the true mastermind behind the outbreak.

While the scale is grand and the cutscenes are cinematic, the plot can sometimes feel convoluted, attempting to tie together too many threads. However, the return of beloved characters like Sherry Birkin and the dynamic interactions between the main duos provide compelling character moments amidst the explosions and monster attacks.

Graphics and Sound: Cinematic Spectacle

On the PS4, Resident Evil 6 benefits from its HD remaster, showcasing detailed character models and varied environments, from the zombie-infested streets of Tall Oaks to the war-torn battlefields of Eastern Europe and the bustling cities of China. The visual effects for explosions and mutations are impressive, contributing to the game’s cinematic feel.

The sound design is impactful, with powerful weapon sounds, unsettling creature noises, and a dramatic orchestral score that punctuates the intense action. The voice acting is generally solid, bringing the diverse cast to life.

Legacy: A Divisive But Popular Entry

Resident Evil 6 remains one of the most divisive titles in the series. Its heavy shift towards action alienated some long-time fans who yearned for a return to survival horror. However, it was a commercial success and appealed to a broader audience who enjoyed its over-the-top action and robust co-op. It stands as a unique, action-packed chapter in the Resident Evil saga.

Is Resident Evil 6 on PS4 Worth Playing Today?

For fans of action-horror games and those who enjoy a chaotic co-op experience, Resident Evil 6 on PS4 is still worth playing today. Its sheer volume of content, varied campaigns, and fluid combat provide countless hours of entertainment. While it may not be a traditional classic RE experience, it offers a thrilling and bombastic ride that looks and plays better than ever on the PlayStation 4.