Introduction
“Umbrella Corps,” developed and published by Capcom, is a competitive third-person shooter set in the iconic Resident Evil universe. Released in 2016, this game aimed to deliver a fast-paced, multiplayer-focused experience that combines elements of survival horror with tactical gameplay. Despite its connection to the Resident Evil franchise, Umbrella Corps received mixed reviews due to its departure from traditional Resident Evil gameplay mechanics. This article provides a comprehensive review of Umbrella Corps, analyzing its gameplay, graphics, sound design, and overall reception. Additionally, we will answer some frequently asked questions to help players understand what to expect from the game.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Tactical Combat and Multiplayer Modes
Umbrella Corps is centered around tactical, team-based combat, where players engage in intense battles within close-quarters environments. The game offers various multiplayer modes, such as “One Life Match,” where players must eliminate the opposing team without the chance of respawning, and “Multi-Mission,” which randomly cycles through different objectives. These modes encourage players to work together and strategize in order to outmaneuver their opponents.
Weapons and Customization
Players have access to a range of firearms, melee weapons, and bio-organic weapons that can be customized to suit their playstyle. The game features a unique “Zombie Jammer” device that repels zombies, allowing players to focus on combat with other players. However, if the jammer is damaged, zombies will become hostile, adding an extra layer of tension to the gameplay.
Environmental Interaction
Umbrella Corps features maps set in iconic Resident Evil locations, such as the Raccoon City Police Department and Umbrella’s underground labs. The environments are designed to be interactive, with destructible barriers and obstacles that players can use to gain a tactical advantage. The presence of zombies in the environment adds a dynamic element to the gameplay, as players must navigate around these AI-controlled enemies while engaging in firefights with other players.
Single-Player Experience: The Experiment Mode
While Umbrella Corps is primarily a multiplayer-focused game, it does offer a single-player mode called “The Experiment.” This mode is a series of challenging missions that put the player’s skills to the test, pitting them against waves of enemies in increasingly difficult scenarios. Although it provides some insight into the game’s lore, “The Experiment” mode is relatively short and lacks the depth that many players might expect from a single-player campaign.
Graphics and Visual Presentation
Visual Design and Atmosphere
Umbrella Corps employs the Unity engine, which allows for decent visual fidelity, but the game’s graphics were criticized for being somewhat underwhelming, especially when compared to other games in the Resident Evil series. The environments are detailed, capturing the dark and claustrophobic atmosphere of the Resident Evil universe, but the character models and animations lack polish.
Lighting and Effects
The game’s use of lighting is effective in creating a tense and foreboding atmosphere. Shadows and dark corners add to the sense of dread, while the dimly lit environments make it difficult to spot enemies, adding to the game’s challenge. However, the overall visual effects, such as explosions and blood splatter, are not as refined as those seen in other contemporary shooters.
Performance and Technical Aspects
On the technical side, Umbrella Corps runs smoothly on most systems, but it does suffer from occasional frame rate drops and glitches, particularly in online matches. The game’s netcode received criticism for its inconsistency, with some players experiencing lag and connectivity issues that detracted from the overall experience.
Sound Design and Music
Audio Effects and Atmosphere
The sound design in Umbrella Corps plays a crucial role in building the game’s tension. The audio effects, such as gunfire, zombie growls, and environmental sounds, are well-executed and contribute to the immersive experience. The sound of footsteps and other subtle audio cues can help players detect enemy movements, adding a tactical element to the gameplay.
Music and Soundtrack
Unlike other Resident Evil titles, Umbrella Corps features a minimalist soundtrack that focuses on ambient sounds rather than a traditional musical score. This choice enhances the game’s atmosphere, emphasizing the eerie silence of the environments. However, some players might find the lack of a memorable soundtrack disappointing, especially considering the iconic music associated with the Resident Evil franchise.
Critical Reception and Player Reviews
Mixed Reviews from Critics
Upon its release, Umbrella Corps received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Many praised the game’s attempt to introduce a new gameplay style within the Resident Evil universe but criticized its execution. The game’s lack of depth, limited content, and technical issues were common points of contention. The decision to focus on multiplayer over a traditional single-player campaign also left some fans disappointed.
Praise for Innovation
Some reviewers appreciated the game’s innovative mechanics, such as the Zombie Jammer and the fast-paced, tactical combat. The concept of blending survival horror elements with a competitive shooter was seen as a bold move, even if the execution didn’t fully meet expectations.
Player Feedback and Community Response
The player community also had mixed feelings about Umbrella Corps. While some enjoyed the game’s unique take on multiplayer combat, others found it lacking in content and replay value. The game’s online player base quickly dwindled, making it difficult to find matches, which further contributed to its decline in popularity.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its shortcomings, Umbrella Corps remains a curious entry in the Resident Evil franchise. It serves as an example of Capcom’s willingness to experiment with different gameplay styles, even if the results are not always successful. The game’s legacy is one of ambition but also of missed opportunities, as it struggled to find its place within the broader Resident Evil universe.
Conclusion: Umbrella Corps – A Mixed Bag in the Resident Evil Franchise
Umbrella Corps is a unique experiment within the Resident Evil franchise, offering a blend of tactical shooter gameplay with survival horror elements. While it brought some innovative ideas to the table, the game ultimately struggled to live up to the high standards set by other titles in the series. Its focus on multiplayer action, coupled with technical issues and a lack of content, left many players and critics underwhelmed. However, for those who appreciate competitive shooters and the Resident Evil universe, Umbrella Corps may still offer some enjoyment, even if it falls short of being a standout entry in the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
What is Umbrella Corps?
Umbrella Corps is a competitive third-person shooter set in the Resident Evil universe, developed and published by Capcom. The game focuses on team-based, tactical combat in various multiplayer modes, with a single-player mode called “The Experiment.”
Is Umbrella Corps a Resident Evil Game?
While Umbrella Corps is set in the Resident Evil universe and features locations and elements from the series, it is not a traditional Resident Evil game. It deviates from the survival horror gameplay that the series is known for, focusing instead on fast-paced, competitive multiplayer action.
What Are the Main Features of Umbrella Corps?
The main features of Umbrella Corps include tactical, team-based multiplayer modes, customizable weapons, and equipment, interactive environments, and the use of a Zombie Jammer to repel AI-controlled zombies during matches. The game also includes a single-player mode with a series of challenging missions.
How Does the Zombie Jammer Work in Umbrella Corps?
The Zombie Jammer is a device worn by players that repels zombies, preventing them from attacking. However, if the jammer is damaged during a match, zombies will become hostile, adding an extra challenge for players to manage while engaging in combat with other players.
Is Umbrella Corps Single-Player or Multiplayer?
Umbrella Corps is primarily a multiplayer game, with various team-based modes that emphasize tactical combat. It also includes a single-player mode called “The Experiment,” which consists of a series of missions that test the player’s skills against waves of enemies.
What Are the Main Criticisms of Umbrella Corps?
The main criticisms of Umbrella Corps include its lack of content, limited depth, technical issues, and departure from the traditional Resident Evil gameplay. The game’s graphics and visual design were also seen as underwhelming compared to other titles in the franchise.
Can You Still Play Umbrella Corps Online?
As of the time of writing, it is still possible to play Umbrella Corps online, but the player base is significantly smaller than at launch. Finding matches may be difficult, and the game’s online community is much less active than it once was.
