Hey guys! Ready to dive into the chilling world of Resident Evil on your Nintendo Switch? The Resident Evil Triple Pack brings together three iconic games from the legendary survival horror series, offering a hefty dose of scares and action on the go. In this review, we're going to break down what makes this collection a must-have for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's get started!

What's Included in the Pack?

The Resident Evil Triple Pack includes Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, and Resident Evil 6. While the physical version cleverly houses Resident Evil 4 on the game card, Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 are available as digital downloads. This means you'll need some extra storage space on your Switch to fully enjoy the collection. Each game offers a unique experience, from the isolated horror of Resident Evil 4 to the more action-oriented gameplay of Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6. Whether you're a fan of puzzle-solving, intense combat, or cooperative play, this pack has something for everyone. Let's delve into each game individually to see what makes them stand out.

Resident Evil 4: A Masterpiece Reborn

Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made, and for good reason. Originally released in 2005, it revolutionized the survival horror genre with its innovative over-the-shoulder camera perspective and intense, action-packed gameplay. In Resident Evil 4, you play as Leon S. Kennedy, a U.S. government agent sent on a mission to rescue the President's daughter, Ashley Graham, who has been kidnapped and taken to a remote rural village in Spain. Upon arriving, Leon quickly discovers that the villagers are infected with a mind-controlling parasite known as Las Plagas, turning them into violent and relentless enemies.

The game's atmosphere is thick with dread, as you navigate through eerie forests, dilapidated buildings, and claustrophobic interiors. The tension is palpable, with enemies constantly swarming you from all directions, forcing you to conserve ammunition and use your environment to your advantage. The combat in Resident Evil 4 is incredibly satisfying, with a wide variety of weapons to choose from, including pistols, shotguns, rifles, and grenades. Each weapon feels unique and powerful, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to your preferences. Headshots are particularly rewarding, often causing enemies to stagger or explode in a shower of gore. The game also features memorable boss battles that will test your skills and resourcefulness. From the towering El Gigante to the relentless Verdugo, each boss requires a different strategy to defeat, keeping you on your toes and engaged. Resident Evil 4 on the Switch retains everything that made the original game a classic, with smooth controls, enhanced graphics, and all the bonus content from previous releases. Whether you're a seasoned Resident Evil veteran or a newcomer to the series, Resident Evil 4 is an absolute must-play.

Resident Evil 5: Cooperative Horror

Resident Evil 5 takes a different approach to the survival horror formula, emphasizing cooperative gameplay and action-oriented combat. Set in the fictional Kijuju region of Africa, the game follows Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as they investigate a new outbreak of the Las Plagas parasite. Unlike the isolated horror of Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5 is designed to be played with a friend, either online or in local split-screen. Working together is essential for survival, as you'll need to coordinate your attacks, share resources, and revive each other when downed. The game's environments are more open and expansive than those in Resident Evil 4, allowing for more freedom of movement and tactical options. However, this also means that you'll often be facing hordes of enemies at once, requiring you to work together to manage the crowd.

The combat in Resident Evil 5 is more focused on shooting and melee attacks, with a greater emphasis on firepower and explosive weaponry. You'll have access to a wide range of weapons, including pistols, shotguns, machine guns, and rocket launchers, as well as various grenades and melee weapons. The game also introduces a new inventory system that allows you to carry a limited number of items, forcing you to make strategic decisions about what to bring with you on each mission. One of the most controversial aspects of Resident Evil 5 is its setting, which has been criticized for its portrayal of Africa and its people. While the game does feature some positive representations of African culture and characters, it also relies on stereotypes and tropes that have been deemed problematic by some critics. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil 5 is still a fun and engaging cooperative experience, especially when played with a friend. The game's action-packed gameplay, challenging boss battles, and exotic setting make it a worthwhile addition to the Resident Evil series. If you're looking for a survival horror game that you can play with a buddy, Resident Evil 5 is definitely worth checking out.

Resident Evil 6: An Ambitious but Flawed Sequel

Resident Evil 6 is the most ambitious and divisive game in the Resident Evil Triple Pack. It attempts to blend the survival horror elements of the earlier games with the action-oriented gameplay of Resident Evil 5, resulting in a sprawling and uneven experience. The game features four separate campaigns, each with its own storyline, characters, and gameplay style. You'll play as Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jake Muller (the son of Albert Wesker), and Ada Wong, as they navigate a global pandemic that threatens to unleash a new wave of bioterrorism. Each campaign offers a different perspective on the events unfolding, allowing you to see the bigger picture and uncover the secrets behind the outbreak.

However, the game's fragmented structure and inconsistent tone can be jarring, as you jump between different storylines and gameplay styles. Some campaigns focus on puzzle-solving and exploration, while others emphasize shooting and melee combat. The game also introduces new mechanics, such as sliding, rolling, and cover-based shooting, which add more depth to the combat system. However, these mechanics can feel clunky and unresponsive at times, making it difficult to execute precise movements. One of the biggest criticisms of Resident Evil 6 is its over-reliance on action and set pieces, which often overshadow the survival horror elements that made the series famous. The game is filled with explosive moments, QTEs, and over-the-top boss battles, which can feel out of place in a Resident Evil game. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil 6 still has some redeeming qualities. The game's graphics are impressive, with detailed environments and character models. The story is convoluted but engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. And the cooperative gameplay is solid, allowing you to team up with a friend to tackle the challenges together. If you're a fan of action-packed games with a touch of horror, Resident Evil 6 might be worth a try. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Performance on the Switch

Now, let's talk about how these games perform on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the Resident Evil Triple Pack runs surprisingly well on the Switch, with smooth frame rates and responsive controls. However, there are some noticeable differences between docked and handheld mode. In docked mode, the games generally run at a higher resolution and with more stable frame rates. However, in handheld mode, the resolution is reduced to conserve battery life, which can result in some blurry visuals. The controls are well-optimized for the Switch, with support for both the Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller. The Joy-Cons can be used in either detached or attached mode, allowing for a variety of control schemes. The Pro Controller offers a more traditional control experience, with comfortable ergonomics and precise analog sticks. One of the biggest advantages of playing the Resident Evil Triple Pack on the Switch is the ability to take these classic games with you on the go. Whether you're commuting to work, traveling on a plane, or just relaxing at home, you can always jump into a quick game of Resident Evil. The Switch's portability makes it the perfect platform for these games, allowing you to experience the horror and action wherever you are.

Final Verdict

The Resident Evil Triple Pack for the Nintendo Switch is a solid collection that brings three iconic games to a portable format. While Resident Evil 4 remains a timeless masterpiece, Resident Evil 5 offers enjoyable cooperative gameplay, and Resident Evil 6, despite its flaws, provides a lengthy and ambitious experience. The performance on the Switch is commendable, making it a great way to experience these games on the go. If you're a Resident Evil fan or looking to dive into the series, this pack is definitely worth considering. Just remember to have enough storage space for those digital downloads! So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to face your fears and survive the horror!