The brain trust behind Capcom’s prized survival horror franchise is in the process of rebuilding it. That plan seems to be working thanks to the positive fan response to the recent HD re-releases and news of a Resident Evil 2 remake.
Besides the games that are loyal to the game’s original themes, one upcoming shooter is looking to rectify the mistakes made by Operation Raccoon City. Umbrella Corps places you within the armored gear of a mercenary who represents a corporation looking to gain what’s remaining of the Umbrella Corporation. In order to appease your clientele, you’ll need to gun down your opposition, work alongside your fellow mercenaries and brave the bio-weaponized horrors in your way. This deviation from the classic RE formula might end up being better than we’re all expecting it to be.
Before you hop into the bloody fray of Umbrella Corps, here’s everything you need to know about it.
1. The Story Takes Place Two Years After the Events of Resident Evil 6
As we’ve mentioned beforehand, Umbrella Corps takes place two years after the end of Resident Evil 6. Set in 2015 and 12 years after the dissolution of the Umbrella Corporation (2003), information regarding their leftover research has become quite known by various corporations. These companies are looking to obtain Umbrella’s BOW research and other unknown data.
As more global associations vie for Umbrella’s secrets, a mad rush ensues between them all to get it in their hands first. In order to make that goal a reality, each company sends their top mercenaries into BOW-filled locations in order to obtain what’s left of Umbrella’s confidential info.
2. The In-Game Action Employs the Use of Firearms, Melee Weapons, Gadgets, Cover and Zombies
This competitive shooter includes elements of co-op mechanics. You’ll take on the role of a mercenary from one of two different corporations, who will then need to work in conjunction with their fellow armed soldiers. As you venture throughout each of the game’s “compact battle zones,” the “analog cover” system will notify you of places to stay safe behind with a blue highlighter. The more you peek out from behind cover, the better your weapon accuracy will become. It’s also possible to to decrease your visibility on the battlefield by crouching and remaining prone.
The close quarters battles that ensue in each stage will involve the usage of several gun types, plus protective gear and a powerful melee tool. Not only can you customize your agent, you can also choose to equip them with different semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, pistols, grenades and explosives. The hook blade you can use to cut down zombies and enemy mercenaries in one hit is called “The Brainer.” The “Tactical Shield” can be brought up to protect you from incoming gunfire.
The “Terrain Spikes” are purposed for swifter climbing up walls. The “Zombie Jammer” makes zombies unaware of each mercenaries’ presence. However, the “Jammer Buster” can disrupt that tool and make those players visible once again to the undead. Zombies can actually be grabbed and used as an extra piece of protection during battle. There’s an extensive progression and customization system to take advantage of here.
3. Several of the Maps are Based on Recognizable Locales From Past Resident Evil Games
Longtime Resident Evil fans will feel real nostalgic after seeing which stages are available to play on. The maps present in Umbrella Corps are based on the environments featured in Resident Evil 2, 3, Code: Veronica, 4, 5 and more. To see a few of the maps that have been revealed for the game thus far, check out the list posted below:
– Raccoon City
– Police Station
– Antarctic Base
– Umbrella Lab
– Village
– Tricell HQ
– Kijuju
4. Not Only Will There be Several Multiplayer Modes, There Will Also Be a Series of Single-Player Missions
There’s one main Team Deathmatch mode: One-Life Match. As you’ve probably already guessed, getting killed means you’ll no longer be a part of the current match in play. As for the main single-player mode, that series of 20 missions falls under the moniker of “The Experiment.” The objectives you’ll tackle here will properly train you for everything you’ll encounter in the online multiplayer. Your corporation will challenge you to obtain DNA samples from Mutated Zombies and even fend off invading BOW’s while you wait for important information to be transmitted from a certain location.
Multi-Mission Mode is one of the bigger multiplayer portions of the game. This mode lets up to six players battle it out to determine the winning team who takes three out of five rounds. Eight separate objectives are randomly switched out before each round. For a complete overview of some of the objectives that will come up during Multi-Mission Mode, check out list (posted by the Capcom Unity blog) below:
– Target Hunter: One target will be chosen per team and only killing that target will count towards the score. You can choose whether to focus on protecting your own target or aggressively attacking the enemy target
– Respawn Match: Team deathmatch featuring respawn. Take advantage of the on-screen sound radar map to locate the enemies’ random respawn points.
– Domination: Secure the specified data transmission point located within the stage for a longer time than the enemy team in order to win.
– DNA Hunter: Kill zombies and collect their DNA samples. Destroying the opposing team’s Zombie Jammers is a key strategy in this mode.
– SP DNA Hunter: Kill the special mutated zombies and collect their DNA samples. They are particularly tough and immune to the effects of the Zombie Jammer. It’ll take teamwork to bring these creatures down.
– Collector: Teams battle it out to see who will be first to collect all 5 briefcases in the stage.
– Protector: Find the briefcase and hold it for as long as possible, while fending off the opposition. The player who has it will become a moving target, so teams must work together effectively.
– Collar War: Collect the battle data “collars” of downed enemy players, and pick up allies’ collars to prevent the enemy team from getting points.
5. Gamers Can Purchase the Game’s Standard Edition or Deluxe Edition
If you’d like to hop into Umbrella Corps, it can be done in two different ways. It’s possible to digitally obtain the Standard Edition or Deluxe Edition, both of which comes with an exclusive PS4 theme when purchased through PSN. Pre-ordering the game on PSN and Steam will give you access to the character customization pack entitled the “Fashion Victim Pack.”
The separate “Upgrade Pack” comes with a variety of Resident Evil-themed character skins, weapons, patches, custom colors, and emotes. You’ll be able to outfit your mercenary with masks from Chris Redfield, Albert Wesker, Leon S. Kennedy, Barry Burton, Jake Muller and HUNK.
Buy the Deluxe Edition of Umbrella Corps here.