Resident Evil 6
" Dynamic action-adventure with diverse campaigns and fluid combat but excessive quick-time events "
Resident Evil 6 Review
Resident Evil 6 is a bold and ambitious title that attempts to blend four distinct campaigns—Leon, Chris, Jake, and Ada—each with unique gameplay styles ranging from survival horror to military shooter and stealth. While the game delivers impressive visuals, dynamic combat mechanics, and extensive content, it suffers from tonal inconsistency and a convoluted storyline that often feels like a chaotic experiment rather than a cohesive experience. The inclusion of frequent quick-time events and over-the-top action sequences detracts from traditional survival horror elements, leading to mixed player reception.
Despite these flaws, RE6 offers fun cooperative play, especially locally, and a vast scope that some players find enjoyable. However, issues such as clunky inventory management, punishing checkpoints, and repetitive boss fights reduce its overall appeal. The game is often seen as a misstep in the series that prioritizes spectacle over atmosphere, but it retains a cult following for its action-packed gameplay and variety of campaigns.
Highlights
Players praise RE6 for its four varied campaigns that enhance replayability and offer diverse gameplay experiences. The combat system is noted for being fluid and responsive, with mechanics like dodge rolls, melee counters, and simultaneous shooting and movement. Visually, the game impresses with detailed environments, cinematic lighting, and solid voice acting. The cooperative mode, especially local co-op, is a standout feature that adds to the fun. Fans appreciate the game's ambitious scope and the inclusion of beloved characters, with some campaigns like Jake's receiving particular acclaim for their action-packed style.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's over-reliance on quick-time events which many find intrusive and frustrating, hurting the pacing. The story is often described as convoluted, melodramatic, and tonally inconsistent, lacking the intimate horror that defined earlier entries. Players also report issues with cluttered HUD and confusing inventory systems, alongside punishing checkpoint mechanics that can cause loss of progress. The horror elements are largely absent, replaced by action that sometimes feels overwhelming and repetitive. Camera angles and controls receive negative remarks, and some boss fights are criticized for being unnecessarily long and tedious.
Pros
- • Four distinct campaigns provide excellent replay value and gameplay variety.
- • Combat mechanics are fluid, dynamic, and packed with options.
- • Visually impressive with detailed environments and cinematic lighting.
- • Cooperative play, especially local co-op, greatly enhances enjoyment.
- • Playable characters have unique weapons and styles adding depth.
- • Game runs smoothly on PC with solid control adaptation.
- • Extensive content with lengthy campaigns and diverse scenarios.
Cons
- • Excessive quick-time events disrupt gameplay flow and pacing.
- • Story is convoluted, melodramatic, and lacks emotional depth.
- • Horror elements are minimal, leaning heavily toward action.
- • Inventory and control schemes are confusing and poorly explained.
- • Checkpoint system can cause frustrating loss of progress.
- • Camera angles and controls are often awkward and clunky.
- • Some boss fights are overly long and tedious.
Rating Criteria
Blending action and survival horror, Resident Evil 6 promises to be the dramatic horror experience of 2013.
