Resident Evil has always been pretty hamfisted about its themes, politics, and undertones. Can you call them “undertones” though with the extreme lack of subtlety these games’ writers have.

“This is no ritual. It’s terrorism.”

“Isn’t that a popular word these days?”

Thanks Resident Evil 4 zombie Napoleon, I get it. It’s topical…

Anyway, Capcom has released Resident Evil Revelations 2′s opening cinematic to kick the story off, and as you might expect, its opening minute decries bio-terrorism, corrupt politicians and evil corporations. Of course, this turns out to be a propaganda video within the game’s universe, but you can hardly blame me for thinking that this was genuine Resident Evil storytelling.

“We are the unflinching mop that sops up the evils of bio-terrorism and chemical warfare!” Best line ever?

Afterwards, it devolves into pretty standard cutscene affair. Awkward writing, voice acting, and a “handheld camera” that is trying a little too hard to look Hollywood. If this were another franchise, I would roll my eyes, but Resident Evil has a long history of poorly emulating big Hollywood movies. It simply works here.

We get hints at trouble brewing in Washington and the basic relationship between Claire Redfield and Moira Burton. Moira is also home to a few Daddy issues as well, calling him by his first name “Barry” rather than “Dad.” What’s a bet that “that” scene happens? You know, where someone is about to get killed, and the power of calling him “Dad” gives him the motivation to save everyone’s life? Again, classic cheese, almost of the stinky French kind.

Of course, armed SWAT teams storm the party’s penthouse and kidnap the two, taking them to the secluded island the game takes place on. Bit of a warning, as a modern day teenager, Moira’s language isn’t for pure ears, so be sure to turn down the volume if that offends you.

http://youtu.be/1P5KcsgAbT0

Resident Evil Revelations 2 looks like a pretty good time, but I can see where the limited budget of its episodic releases has taken its toll on the visuals. Not that I’m complaining though because I think Capcom needs to exercise a little restraint with the series for a while. Bring it back to its roots and refocus. Again, the lack of budget here simply works for where the series finds itself.

As mentioned before, Resident Evil Revelations 2 will have episodic releases starting from Feb. 17th for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC.