UPDATE: Leon Kennedy will apparently have a new security partner by the name of Helena Harper. Chris Redfield’s partner is unknown at this moment, although he’s referred to as, “the man who’s told to save the world,” within the released trailer. Additionally, the shown beast is named Javo. He’s supposed to have “an even greater impact than the zombies,” which isn’t surprising.
Well, that was fast.
Earlier today, an intrepid IGN reader (and Gamestop employee) e-mailed the publication to inform them of an interesting promotional poster he’d discovered at work. Said advertisement shows a large-scale and disturbing looking number 6, sitting above a well-known text-based title: Resident Evil.
Below, a release date of November 20, 2012 is listed, alongside news that gamers can pre-order the holiday title now. Needless to say, news of a potential Resident Evil 6 reveal spread like wildfire.
At that point in time, the news was just a rumor, having yet to be confirmed or denied by the folks at Capcom. However, that has recently changed, as the publisher just released a confirmation press release for the horror sequel. It states that the game will in fact be available on 11.20.2012, although only for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. A PC release will follow afterwards.
The following text is taken from the aforementioned press release. It focuses on the storyline that we will be shooting through in Resident Evil 6, as well as some of its new gameplay enhancements.
It has been ten years since the Raccoon City incident and the President of the United States has decided to reveal the truth behind what took place in the belief that it will curb the current resurgence in bioterrorist activity. Due to be by the President’s side is his personal friend and Raccoon City survivor, Leon S. Kennedy, but when the venue suffers a bioterrorist attack, Leon is forced to face a President transformed beyond recognition and make his hardest ever decision. At the same time, Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance member Chris Redfield arrives in China, itself under threat of a bioterrorist attack. With no country safe from these attacks and the ensuing outbreaks, the entire world’s population is united by a common fear that there is no hope left.
In a first for the franchise, Resident Evil 6 sees series favorites Leon and Chris come together to face this unprecedented threat. They will be joined by new characters, each with their own unique perspective and involvement, in this relentless dramatic horror experience enacted on a global scale.
“Resident Evil 6 represents a giant stride forward in the evolution of the series,” commented Katsuhiko Ichii, Head of R&D and Global Marketing. “The development team, led by Hiroyuki Kobayashi, is working tirelessly to deliver the most impressive Resident Evil® title ever both in terms of scope and production values. We are all genuinely excited by the title and cannot wait to share it with the world.”
Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Resident Evil 6 Executive Producer added: “From the outset the team’s intention was to create an experience that delivers a gripping storyline, tense single-player and co-op action all set against a constant theme of horror. We are calling this fusion dramatic horror and are confident it will resonate with both existing fans of the series as well as newcomers.”
An internal team at Capcom (Japan) is handling development of the title, which is said to feature three separate campaigns. Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy and an unnamed character all have their own separate storylines, with each one being available at the onset of the game. Playing through all three will grant players access to Ada Wong, who is also rumored to be a playable character.
Starting today, fans can pre-order the game at supporting stores. Those who reserve their copy through Gamestop, Best Buy and Amazon.com, will receive a retailer exclusive map. Each of those three exclusive maps is said to function with certain in-game modes, although no specific details have been released.
Check out Capcom‘s Resident Evil 6 reveal trailer and full press release below. The former one showcases the development team’s emphasis on evolving the series’ gameplay, as well as its effort to create more action-oriented set pieces, while staying true to the series’ well-liked formula.
Count me in. This one has made its way up towards the top of my 2012 must-play list.
Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, is very proud to announce that Resident Evil® 6 is in full development and scheduled for release on the Xbox 360 ® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on November 20, 2012 with a Windows PC version to follow. Blending action and survival horror, this latest instalment in the multi-million selling franchise is the most ambitious, immersive and feature rich title of the series to date and promises to be the dramatic horror experience of the year.
It has been ten years since the Raccoon City incident and the President of the United States has decided to reveal the truth behind what took place in the belief that it will curb the current resurgence in bioterrorist activity. Due to be by the President’s side is his personal friend and Raccoon City survivor, Leon S. Kennedy, but when the venue suffers a bioterrorist attack, Leon is forced to face a President transformed beyond recognition and make his hardest ever decision. At the same time, Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance member Chris Redfield arrives in China, itself under threat of a bioterrorist attack. With no country safe from these attacks and the ensuing outbreaks, the entire world’s population is united by a common fear that there is no hope left.
In a first for the franchise, Resident Evil 6 sees series favorites Leon and Chris come together to face this unprecedented threat. They will be joined by new characters, each with their own unique perspective and involvement, in this relentless dramatic horror experience enacted on a global scale.
“Resident Evil 6 represents a giant stride forward in the evolution of the series,” commented Katsuhiko Ichii, Head of R&D and Global Marketing. “The development team, led by Hiroyuki Kobayashi, is working tirelessly to deliver the most impressive Resident Evil® title ever both in terms of scope and production values. We are all genuinely excited by the title and cannot wait to share it with the world.”
Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Resident Evil 6 Executive Producer added: “From the outset the team’s intention was to create an experience that delivers a gripping storyline, tense single-player and co-op action all set against a constant theme of horror. We are calling this fusion dramatic horror and are confident it will resonate with both existing fans of the series as well as newcomers.”
To view the announcement trailer visit www.youtube.com/residentevil
For all assets please visit press.capcom.com
To keep up to date with all the latest information on Resident Evil, please visit: www.facebook.com/residentevil
www.twitter.com/re_gamesIn conjunction with the announcement of Resident Evil 6, the retail pre-order campaign also kicks off today. GameStop, Best Buy and Amazon.com will each get an exclusive map that will function with various modes in the game. Further details on the maps and modes will be revealed at a later date. For details on how to pre-order, please visit www.facebook.com/residentevil .
ABOUT CAPCOM
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil ®, Street Fighter ®, Mega Man ® and Devil May Cry ®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Korea, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com or www.capcom-unity.com.Capcom, the Capcom logo, Devil May Cry, Mega Man and Resident Evil are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox360, and Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.