Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
By Marc Saltzman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Violent action/horror game delivers gore effects in 3D.
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Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
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Based on 1 parent review
Ok if you want some action in your 3DS.
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What’s It About?
Any video game with the words "Resident" and "Evil" in its title no doubt conjures up images of creepy environments, blood-thirsty mutants, and plenty of action, and latest entry in this popular franchise is no exception. RESIDENT EVIL: THE MERCENARIES 3D is a pocket-sized adventure that's fully playable in 3D on the Nintendo 3DS, which means no glasses are required to see the gore effects. A third-person action game, it has players taking on the role of one of eight protagonists -- including familiar Resident Evil characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Krauser, and Claire Redfield -- who must attempt to stop the spread of a nasty virus within a predetermined amount of time. While the game houses re-mastered stages from Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, it should be noted this game is more of an arcade shooter that has players working through multiple stages. You can tackle the action by yourself or via wireless co-op with another player over the Internet.
Is It Any Good?
This first "Mature"-rated Nintendo 3DS title is a blast for older players, especially fans of Resident Evil games who want to up the ante in the action department. With 3D graphics, touch mechanics (for actions such as switching weapons), and the option to play with friends online, this play-everywhere entry in Capcom's long-running series should prove popular. The mercenary missions are memorable and boss enemies are unforgettable. Players use a number of weapons, up to three "skill shot" slots to improve performance, alternate characters, and run around dangerous environments. The game also has a lot of un-lockable content and a demo for the upcoming Resident Evil: Revelations game for Nintendo 3DS.
Note: Some might be upset with Capcom for not letting gamers erase their saved games –- allegedly to clamp down on the used game market, as no one will want to buy someone else's saved game. Be sure you're aware of this if you plan on trading it in or buying it used.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether 3D makes the game violence more intense. How did you react to this game's gory effects when they appeared to pop off the screen? Does it make the violence more difficult to bear?
Families can also discuss the notion of online play without communication. Players may not be able to use words, but are there other ways they can communicate with one another, such as character movement? Do you see any danger associated with more visual methods of communication?
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release date: June 28, 2011
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: M for Blood and Gore, Violence
- Last updated: August 29, 2016
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