Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D - Fast-Paced Handheld Action

In this review the takeaway is clear: Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is a focused handheld shooter for fans who want quick, replayable combat sessions rather than a long narrative campaign. Built from re-mastered stages of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, the game delivers a relentless countdown-driven mode that rewards speed and precision, with a deep unlock and skill system that encourages repeated runs. The package also includes a demo of Resident Evil Revelations and supports 1 or 2 players via Ad Hoc and Nintendo Wi-Fi, making it a compact, social option for Nintendo 3DS owners who crave intense short-form action.

Key Features

• Remastered stages: Levels from Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5 are reworked to fit handheld play, offering familiar arenas optimized for quick sessions.
• Timed Mercenaries gameplay: Every mission is a race against the clock, rewarding frantic combat and strategic target selection to maximize score.
• Character variety: Play as legendary series characters including Chris, Krauser, Hunk, Jill, and for the first time in Mercenaries, Claire Redfield, each with unique weapons and roles.
• Deep unlock system: A skill and abilities progression encourages replay by giving tangible rewards for mastering missions and boosting replay value.
• Local and online co-op: Two-player action via Ad Hoc and Nintendo Wi-Fi lets players team up for cooperative runs and shared strategies.
• Resident Evil Revelations demo: The included demo provides a bonus taste of another portable Resident Evil outing for additional hands-on value.

Who It's For

This title is ideal for players who already enjoy the Mercenaries mode from console Resident Evil games and want that same high-score, time-attack thrill on a handheld. It suits short-play sessions, competitive friends who want quick co-op or head-to-head runs, and collectors of Nintendo 3DS-era titles looking for a franchise spin-off focused on combat.

Players seeking a deep story-driven Resident Evil experience should look elsewhere; this is not an adventure or survival horror campaign but a compact action-focused experience. Also, those who demand flawless frame pacing on handheld hardware should be aware of occasional frame rate issues reported by users.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fast, addictive timed gameplay that makes each run feel meaningful and rewarding.
• Strong replay value thanks to the in-depth skill and abilities unlock system.
• Good character variety with multiple playable series veterans and unique weapon options.
• Includes a Resident Evil Revelations demo for extra hands-on content.

Cons

• Some users report occasional frame rate drops and lag during intense moments.
• Sound quality received mixed impressions and may not impress audiophiles.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is a strong pick for players who want compact, high-energy combat on a handheld and appreciate replay-driven progression. While it is not a full story experience and has occasional frame rate and audio compromises, its character variety, cooperative options, and unlock system make it a worthwhile value for 3DS owners who favor action over narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it include any bonus content?
The cartridge includes a demo of Resident Evil Revelations as an additional playable demo.

Can two people play together?
Yes, the game supports two-player cooperative play via Ad Hoc and Nintendo Wi-Fi connection.

How many missions are there?
There are 30 Mercenaries missions with an unlock and skill system that rewards replay.