Resident Evil 6 is one of the most multiplayer-focused entries in the series, with ample options for on- and offline co-op, so it isn’t too surprising that Capcom added a few competitive modes to that equation. Available for individual download or as the 3-Mode Pack bundle, the three new modes — Survivors, Onslaught, and Predator — inject a little more longevity into RE6, giving those who loved it an excuse to dive back in.
Two of the modes, Survivors and Onslaught, are variations on modes from Resident Evil 5’s versus-mode DLC pack. In Survivors, up to six players are tossed into an obstacle-strewn version of a Mercenaries-mode arena for a team or free-for-all deathmatch. But there’s a twist: dying brings you back to harass other players as a slow, clumsy zombie. Getting around the many obstacles and high platforms in this state is a nightmare, but if you actually manage to kill another player while undead, you’ll get another shot at life — and at victory.
Onslaught, meanwhile, has two players vying for points in separate arenas. In a setup reminiscent of Puzzle Fighter, killing a big chain of zombies dumps a bunch of damage-resistant versions of them onto your opponent’s side, forcing him to waste precious time battling crowds of your defeated enemies while you rack up more kills.
What would've happened if Leon and Chris had opened fire on each other? Survivors mode has the answer.In the all-new mode, Predator, up to six players take turns playing as the nigh-indestructible hulk Ustanak, while the others try to stay alive by running away or piling on enough gunfire to actually kill the giant. Terrorizing others as Ustanak can be a lot of fun, especially once you figure out his somewhat awkward controls and wild attacks, and the two-minute rounds (or shorter, if one side eliminates the other) and “tag, you’re it” structure make it ideal for quick play against a few friends.
All three modes are fast-paced and enjoyable, but don’t expect them to add anything major to the game: aside from letting you gradually unlock weapons and characters that can also be earned in Mercenaries (including the new, faceless Agent and mysterious Carla Radames), they’re a little shallow. In fact, just imagine Mercenaries with the addition of direct competition and the chance to play as Ustanak or a zombie, and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect. Still, at less than $10 total, the new modes are compelling enough to give RE6 fans a reason to return to the fray.
Trying to fight off damage-resistant monsters in Onslaught mode can be demoralizing.PUBLISHER: Capcom • DEVELOPER: Capcom • ESRB: Mature • MULTIPLAYER: 2–6 over Xbox Live • ACHIEVEMENTS: Time-intensive • COST: 720 Microsoft Points ($9) for 3-Mode Pack, or 320 Microsoft Points ($4) per individual mode • RELEASE DATE: December 18, 2012
+ Unlockable characters and weapons keep the action interesting.
+ Taking on five other players as Ustanak is great fun — if you can control him.
– Getting swamped by your opponent’s kills in Onslaught is near-impossible to come back from.
? Will we see co-op story DLC anytime soon?
