Segregating each episode into bisected timelines, following the trail of the previous half, allowed for the opportunity to reimagine one of the series' staples: backtracking. Never once did traversing repeated areas in a different timeline was the experience squandered because of it - if anything, the progression of the twisted story, enemy variety, insight, & sight seeing was enhanced thanks to it. Different character pairs felt beyond natural & each respective companion aided in every scenario. The "zapping" system, while perhaps a bit too subtle for it's own good (& could have been explored even further), is a wonderful addition & the dynamic results in something more playful than anything detrimental. Unlike Rev1, the new characters, while sloppily written at times, are wonderfully explored with interesting developments that no longer act as shells of action hero tropes. There's a specific sense of intimacy involved with the duo system, particularly during the slower portions, which is something one admittedly does not feel with previous entries with similar mechanics. The simulationist level design that RE in known for incorporates more immediate verticality & the pairs work off of this aspect beautifully.
Quite the unrealized potential of balancing in some halves of episodes as well. For example, while Barry's portion in Ep3 is somewhat lackluster in comparison to Claire's, the latter's portion in Ep4 ends far too soon & is especially underwhelming seeing as the former's has what is arguably one of the most stand out eleventh hour in the franchise. I would even argue that this imbalance could have been further explored & even remedied in each episode rather than just the last 2. With that said, b2b, the latter 2 episodes are outstanding regardless & work particularly well played in one fell swoop. On a small note as well, I personally could have done with some logic puzzles in-between the combat, stealth, & exploration.
Extremely underrated gem here. Barring some questionable non-diegetic RPG-lite elements or wonky delivery of key story reveals, the episodes are not only delightfully engaging to play, the overall writing & pacing of the story as a whole being something to revel in, & every new mechanic is properly implemented throughout.
Helps that the rain falling from the clouds is laced in surrealism that comes from the one true king of the genre. I may break the rules & pass thru the gate.
Quite the unrealized potential of balancing in some halves of episodes as well. For example, while Barry's portion in Ep3 is somewhat lackluster in comparison to Claire's, the latter's portion in Ep4 ends far too soon & is especially underwhelming seeing as the former's has what is arguably one of the most stand out eleventh hour in the franchise. I would even argue that this imbalance could have been further explored & even remedied in each episode rather than just the last 2. With that said, b2b, the latter 2 episodes are outstanding regardless & work particularly well played in one fell swoop. On a small note as well, I personally could have done with some logic puzzles in-between the combat, stealth, & exploration.
Extremely underrated gem here. Barring some questionable non-diegetic RPG-lite elements or wonky delivery of key story reveals, the episodes are not only delightfully engaging to play, the overall writing & pacing of the story as a whole being something to revel in, & every new mechanic is properly implemented throughout.
Helps that the rain falling from the clouds is laced in surrealism that comes from the one true king of the genre. I may break the rules & pass thru the gate.