The virtual reality (VR) version of Resident Evil 4 has been a big success for Armature Studio, picking up several awards since its release last year. But there was one notable omission from the launch, that of The Mercenaries mode. Today, as part of the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase that has been put right, with the mode now available as a free update.
The Mercenaries mode is essentially a wave-based horde mode for Resident Evil 4, adding loads more content to the survival horror. Just like the main game, The Mercenaries has been entirely rebuilt for VR by Armature Studios in collaboration with Capcom and Oculus Studios. Pick a character, each of which has its own loadout, and then try to rack up as many points as possible on each map by killing enemies.
Take on the maps as Leon, Resident Evil 4’s protagonist or try one of the other characters from the campaign. Step in the shoes of the mysterious Ada Wong or try Krauser, one of the later bosses. Or there’s Hunk, a specialist operative and Wesker, the main villain found throughout the franchise.
The difference here is that the VR edition features exclusive content so even Resi 4 veterans can enjoy a new playthrough. Meta Quest 2 will sport its own online leaderboards for each of the maps so you can challenge players worldwide. Plus, there are 20 all-new Challenges to complete. These offer harder scenarios to survive whilst tempting you with bigger rewards. For example, you might only have the use of a knife, a fog that impairs your vision or tighter time restrictions. Complete them and you’ll be rewarded with bonuses like Golden Gun skins, Big Head mode, a black-and-white Classic Horror Mode, and more. Even better, these can be used in the main campaign.
If you’ve got a Meta Quest 2 but have not bought the videogame then take a look at gmw3‘s review of Resident Evil 4, which said: “Resident Evil 4 on Oculus Quest 2 is a testament to Armature’s VR skills whilst highlighting the difficulties in bringing an almost 20-year-old videogame into VR. With the immersion settings on full whack, running around monster-filled castles was thoroughly engrossing and genuinely tense at points.”
You shouldn’t need an excuse to step back into Resident Evil 4 but with The Mercenaries now available there’s a great reason to. For further updates from the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, keep reading gmw3.