Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is a departure from the typical Resident Evil experience, focusing more on action and combat than horror. It's essentially a full game version of the popular Mercenaries mode found in Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. The Mercenaries 3D offers a straightforward gameplay experience where players can choose from eight playable characters to shoot, explode, and melee their way through hordes of enemies. The game features an over-the-shoulder camera style similar to Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, with the option to switch to a zoomed view when targeting enemies.
The gameplay revolves around killing as many enemies as possible within a time limit or achieving specific objectives before time runs out. Each stage has unique settings, such as a set time limit, an extendable time limit, defeating waves of enemies, or taking down a boss character. The game features thirty individual missions inspired by Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D boasts a range of features to add depth to the experience. Players can apply various skills to each character, which can be upgraded as they gain experience and are equipped with them. Skills such as increased resistance to death or faster gun reloading are available, unlocked through gameplay progress.
The game also offers a variety of medals that can be earned by completing specific tasks, ranging from simple objectives like clearing all missions for level 1 to more challenging elements like killing three enemies with one hand grenade.
Players can customize their weapons and enjoy alternate costumes for the playable characters. The game is also playable in co-op mode both online and locally.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D comes with a playable demo of the upcoming Resident Evil: Revelations, which blends classic survival horror elements with refined gameplay mechanics.