In an exciting announcement on July 10, Capcom introduced a fresh entry into the Resident Evil universe, crafted by the developer studio JOYCITY Corporation with co-publisher Aniplex Inc. Titled “Survival Unit,” this new endeavor is a survival horror real-time strategy game specially designed for mobile devices, including Android smartphones, tablets, iPhones, and iPads. However, the excitement turned to disappointment for many fans upon discovering its mobile platform launch, a domain often critiqued for its “cheap” graphics and “pay-to-win” dynamics.
The mixed reception is reminiscent of Diablo Immortal’s debut, which, despite initial criticisms, has found success, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck. With “Survival Unit” being free-to-play, there’s no harm in giving it a chance. The release is anticipated before Resident Evil 9, slated for 2025.
Diving into the storyline of Resident Evil: Survival Unit, players will encounter iconic characters such as Jill Valentine, Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Alyssa Ashcroft, Barry Burton, among others. The game begins intriguingly in a hospital, where the main character awakens to the unsettling revelation of being an Umbrella Corporation test subject. With an ambiance reminiscent of early Resident Evil games and featuring a fixed camera style, the spinoff pays homage to its roots with nostalgic elements like the classic slow-turning zombie.
The game challenges players to solve puzzles and navigate through the eerie hospital environment using a flashlight. This setup reflects the authentic Resident Evil atmosphere, albeit with a hint of simplicity. Once the hospital is left behind, the gameplay transitions into a hybrid experience, merging elements of city-building and survival strategy. This involves strategic decision-making, assembling teams with diverse strengths, and embarking on real-time battles against zombies.
Drawing parallels to “State of Survival: Zombie War,” a game boasting over 50 million downloads and positive reviews, Survival Unit has the potential to achieve similar success in various regions. While the game will feature in-game purchases, hinting at a possible pay-to-win model, it offers the promise of engaging gameplay—even if some may argue it arrives a few years late to the mobile gaming scene.
