Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is a spin-off game in the long-running and beloved Resident Evil franchise. Developed by Slant Six Games and published by Capcom, this third-person shooter takes place during the events of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, offering a different perspective on the iconic Raccoon City incident. While the game has its fair share of issues, it manages to provide an enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise.
One of the biggest strengths of Operation Raccoon City is its unique premise. Instead of playing as the usual protagonists, players take on the role of Umbrella Corporation's elite security service, known as the Umbrella Security Service (USS). This fresh perspective adds an interesting twist to the established lore and allows players to see the events of the Raccoon City outbreak from a different angle.
However, the execution of this concept falls short in several areas. The gameplay mechanics feel clunky and unpolished, with awkward controls and inconsistent AI. The shooting mechanics lack precision, and the cover system feels clunky and unreliable. These flaws can make the gameplay frustrating at times, especially during intense combat situations.
The level design is also a mixed bag. While some areas are atmospheric and well-designed, others feel repetitive and uninspired. The game's graphics, while decent for its time, have not aged well, and the character models lack detail and fluid animations.
Despite these flaws, Operation Raccoon City manages to deliver some enjoyable moments. The game features a cooperative multiplayer mode that allows players to team up with friends and experience the campaign together. This cooperative experience adds replayability to the game and can be a lot of fun, especially when playing with a group of friends.
In terms of story, Operation Raccoon City falls short compared to its mainline counterparts. The narrative lacks depth and fails to provide compelling character development. The dialogue is often cheesy and uninspired, and the overall story feels like a missed opportunity to explore the rich lore of the Resident Evil universe.
In conclusion, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is a flawed but enjoyable spin-off entry in the iconic survival horror franchise. While it fails to live up to the standards set by its mainline counterparts, it still offers an interesting twist to the established lore and provides some enjoyable moments, especially in its cooperative multiplayer mode. However, the clunky gameplay mechanics, lackluster story, and dated graphics prevent it from reaching its full potential.
