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Resident Evil: Revelations Was Originally Going To Take Place On A Mansion At Sea [Update]

By Ishaan . January 22, 2012 . 1:30pm

Resident Evil: Revelations Was Originally Going To Take Place On A Mansion At Sea [Update]


Update: Capcom’s Seth Killian recently clarified over Twitter that he was only joking, and that Revelations was not, in fact, going to be set on a floating mansion.

 

Original Story: Resident Evil: Revelations came about as a result of producer, Masachika Kawata, hearing from many fans that they still considered the Resident Evil remake on the Gamecube to be the best game in the series. The original Resident Evil put you inside an eerie mansion filled with booby traps and monsters, and your primary concern was surviving and getting out.

 

Revelations is set in a similar mansion-like setting — it takes aboard a cruise ship, the Queen Zenobia, the interior of which strongly resembles a mansion. Protagonist, Jill Valentine, even remarks that the place “looks familiar” at the very start of the game’s demo.

 

What you may not have guessed is that the Queen Zenobia was instead originally going to be an actual mansion floating out at sea. This amusing bit of information comes from Capcom’s new bi-weekly podcast, where community manager Seth Killian discusses both Revelations and Resident Evil 6.

 

“The concept for Revelations, it was actually just a floating mansion,” Killian reveals. “That was the concept. It was just a mansion at sea. Capcom USA forced them to change it to a cruise ship.”

 

To further suit the horror vibe of the game, Capcom recorded Revelations’ music using orchestral instruments with a heavy focus on the piano in particular. Chorus and violin solos were later added to the soundtrack during a second recording session.

 


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  • James Beatty

    I think it would have been cooler for it to take place in a prison surrounded by water like Alcatraz. They already have done the mansion, but i guess a boat would be the next best thing. 

    • caleb1993

      The prison idea is very interesting. It would’ve been a really cool environment to have to go through.

    • kupomogli

      They’ve also already done the boat thing as well.  If not for the gameplay mechanics, the GBC Resident Evil would be a great game.

      Resident Evil Dead Aim is also on a boat.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bruce-James-Ingram/533700805 Bruce James Ingram

        Dead Aim was great! We need more of Bruce McGivern!

        • Gatchaman1

          He was in Namco X Capcom

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Valtiel-Ikari/1217218156 Valtiel Ikari

      I, in one point back in school was gona do a RE fan comic in a prison, never actually did make it past the main character (a latin inmate that was goin to get out of prison the next week before the outbreak).

      Nice to see some one that also thought that a prison themed RE would be cool, just imagine the posibilities!

    • neetyneety

      a prison, huh…. reminds me of that one stage in House of the Dead 4… yup, an RE like that WOULD be pretty cool.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002630732162 Maurice Campbell

    this will be one of the best games people will play on there 3ds, if not THE best one.

  • l777l

    ‘“The concept for Revelations, it was actually just a floating mansion,” Killian reveals. “That was the concept. It was just a mansion at sea. Capcom USA forced them to change it to a cruise ship.”’
    Yes, really well done, Capcom USA. Western influences to the rescue.

    • skymap

      It’s scary that Capcom USA has power over Capcom Japan.

      • l777l

        I think it’s unfortunate, overall.

        • http://www.siliconera.com Ishaan

          I’d like to point out that if not for Capcom USA, we wouldn’t have:

          a. Fighting games
          b. The push for Monster Hunter in the west
          c. PC versions of most of their major games
          d. Actual feedback going to Capcom Japan
          e. Insight into the company’s working process

          So, I really don’t understand why you think it’s so “unfortunate,” because trust me, if Capcom USA didn’t exist, Capcom Japan would have no direct line with the company’s fans. 

          I really dislike this silly notion of any western involvement immediately being regarded as “bad”. I wish people would stop and think before making these types of comments.

          • http://twitter.com/DanijoEX DanijoEX

            I always wonder why most would think like that?

            On a sidenote, you do explain things to make it clear for others to understand.

          • PrinceHeir

            “Capcom Japan would have no direct line with the company’s fans. ”

            well that’s the only thing good about Capcom USA to be honest. i think if there were no Capcom USA. Atlus or others might pick up the torch and localize it.

            while i agree l777l post. i don’t really agree with the whole westernizing it.

            though i think he has a point in some cases like Megaman X bosses. putting in pop cultural references and removing stuff that was originally with the game(JPN voices in MMX6 from MMX Collections) not really a deal breaker. but it could be annoying as hell and why they even bother doing it in the first place.

            even the trailers have differences:

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDCx_dWxdN8 

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwUT1eH0jn0 

            sure this is nitpicking, but why even bother changing the music?? is it because the music in the original trailer doesn’t fit towards western audiences??

            i mean im grateful that Capcom US has been localizing Capcom main games. but im still baffled on why they had to take out something they are not familiar with or something “they” think wouldn’t fit the audiences??

            *EDIT

            i also forgot

            “The push for Monster Hunter in the west”

            i don’t think they’re doing a good job in that department to be honest.

          • l777l

            “So, I really don’t understand why you think it’s so “unfortunate,” because trust me, if Capcom USA didn’t exist, Capcom Japan would have no direct line with the company’s fans. I really dislike this silly notion of any western involvement immediately being regarded as “bad”. I wish people would stop and think before making these types of comments.”
             
            Actually, you really don’t seem to understand what I mean at all. Consider the context, that is Capcom USA forcing a decision (I’ve noticed the update to the article but that’s irrelevant here) and Capcom USA having power over Capcom Japan. I don’t categorically mind Capcom USA being able to influence Capcom Japan. It’s a matter of degree, and forcing and having power over someone/-thing is a rather extreme degree. Moderate influence is a different thing. Also note the qualifier “overall”, signalling that I certainly don’t object to everything that has occurred.
             
            So, there was no notion of any/every western involvement being bad. (And consequently, there was no such silly one.) Instead there was a nuanced notion. To conclude this section in your [adjusted] words: “I really dislike this silly notion of [any negative reaction to] western involvement immediately being regarded as “bad”. I wish people would stop and think before making these types of comments.”
             
             
            I find (forceful) outside/western interference with the creative processes and decisions of Japanese developers questionable. On a sidenote, localizing and releasing their games in western regions does not constitute (such) interference [edit: by the way, your list of positive things (a, b, c, d, and e) doesn't appear to contain a single action that interferes with creative processes and decisions of Japanese developers] . And irrespective of where these decisions come from, I tend to dislike the direction many of Capcom’s games have taken. I object to the westernization of Onimusha; I consider the action-and shooter-driven direction of the newer RE titles caused by western influence and dislike this direction; and I’m relatively sure the direction DMC/DmC has taken is largely due to western influence – I do not like how this series has changed, as far as that has become apparent.

            These are subjective preferences, naturally, my preferences. I actually very much appreciate pre-rendered backgrounds and pre-set camera angles (e.g. RE [GC], RE Zero, Fear Effect [2] and Onimusha) and I appreciate well-designed linearity as opposed to large environments that inevitably lack detail and careful pacing. I value cutscenes, atmosphere and intricate exploration. Additionally, hand-drawn (2D) games and Japanese uniqueness are important to me. Trends away from all these things are substantially driven by western influences; many people there prefer sandbox, open-world, non-linear, excessively interactive, action-dominated games. Don’t get me wrong, I like (for example) Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age 2 and I’m anticipating The Witcher 2. I do play games such as Deus Ex: HR and various shooters. But nonetheless I personally do not want to lose more of the things I have previously described.

          • http://www.siliconera.com Ishaan

            “your list of positive things (a, b, c, d, and e) doesn’t appear to contain a single action that interferes with creative processes and decisions of Japanese developers”

            You really think Capcom Japan don’t make development decisions in line with feedback received via Capcom USA? Of course they do. That’s why their games are successful worldwide.

          • l777l

            [edit: Ishaan:] “You really think Capcom Japan don’t make development decisions in line with feedback received via Capcom USA?”

            Of course Capcom USA does effectively influence Capcom Japan. That’s what all this is about. Quite an absurd reply you came up with there. If you want to have it simple, just go back to the early “… Capcom USA has power of Capcom Japan” part to which I replied “… it’s unfortunate, overall”.

          • http://www.siliconera.com Ishaan

            @l777l:disqus I just don’t understand your point. From my perspective, Capcom USA is a large part of the reason that Capcom as a whole is a profitable company that makes consistently good games. 

            In contrast, your opinion is that Capcom USA is bad because [?????????]

      • PrinceHeir

        agree.

        i think Square Enix USA and EU has some control with Square Enix JPN(the whole Nier Main Character debacle) and some translation errors

        *SPOILERS

        in FFX Ending(Yuna never said “I Love You” but it was “Thank You” towards Tidus according to the official japanese translation)

        i mean big difference right???

    • http://www.siliconera.com Ishaan

      How is that western influence?

      • l777l

        There obviously was influence and it came from a western institution. Hence western influence. That being said, I consider it supremely likely that Capcom USA represents interests of the western market(s), inasmuch as they understand that. And when they can force changes, these probably fall in their special jurisdiction: things concerning western markets, changes to the game in respect to western markets. Creative input – suggestions - of general nature is different.  

        • http://www.siliconera.com Ishaan

          Well, it came from a western source, true, but I don’t think the suggestion in itself is particularly “western” in any way, just as having a floating mansion wouldn’t be “Japanese”. They probably just felt that setting it on a cruise liner would make more sense, rather than a random mansion floating out at sea. :P

          • http://twitter.com/choosyant dan aubin

            So, the creators are Japanese. They thought it made enough sense for them, but it seems like it didn’t for the US Department. 

            Who is thinking a mansion would of been wayy better!

          • http://twitter.com/DanijoEX DanijoEX

            They probably wanted a change in atmosphere or something like that. You know, a more fitting setting at most.

          • JustThisOne

            A mansion sounds cool and all, but not in the middle of a sea. It sounds pretty ridiculous.

            Not only that, because the mansion scene sounds pretty well explored already within past RE games. I suppose a gaudy mansion is the best reason to explain complex puzzles, though. Unlike the Raccoon City Police Station, which is the largest and most unique police station I’ve ever seen.

            They probably wanted to explore different settings…. despite it still being a gaudy mansion scene inside the ship. xD

    • PrinceHeir

      wow just wow.

      i think Capcom USA should stay the hell out of the development process and just stick to localizations and marketing.

      though they’re not even good at localizing their own games(hint* Megaman games)

      remember 3rd strike Online Edition, SSF2 HD Remix, Okami Wii and tons more.

      i mean they removed the story of 3rd Strike, horrible UI, horrible remixes, the balance of HD remix is bad, replace the art with UDON(WTF, i mean at least give us the option to revert back to the original art or music) no credits on Okami Wii(seriously?!?!)

      and this is why i love SNK’s way of handling of old games. they don’t cut stuff and replace it with bad remixes and balance. heck they can even improve the frame rates of KOF 96-97 games on PSN. they just replaces the black bars with new art(from the same artist btw) and that’s it(though a widescreen is preferable but not a necessity)

  • http://twitter.com/choosyant dan aubin

    Resident Evil GC you’re god damn right it was the best!

  • vrakanox

    Masachika Kawata sounds like a pretty smart guy. Listening to fans and all that.

  • MarkMario

    A mansion floating on water..
    Interesting..

  • skymap

    I want to vote “YES PLEASE” with my money, but don’t have a 3DS. :(

  • aoihana

    I don’t know, a mansion in the middle of the sea sounds a bit…secluded. (¬ ､¬)

    But then again, if you have monsters inhabiting your home, and booby traps around the corners, you really shouldn’t be expecting company anyway, so it might as well be secluded. （*＾ワ＾*）

    I think a boat is a nice setting, but @google-813eeb877e3afcbf4a9402dd1a2d8c4f:disqus ’s idea of a prison setting, sounds pretty interesting. I think that’d make a great setting for a Resident Evil game, as scary as it will make it. ｡：ﾟ(｡ﾉω＼｡)ﾟ･｡

    • Gatchaman1

      you said booby

  • SetzerGabbiani

    I can’t wait for this.  I’ve played through the demo about 5 times at this point and it’s still impressive.

    • punkchobit

      Which reminds me, that 30 use limit is retarded

      • http://twitter.com/#!/kaishou Kaishou

        Does it even matter? are you really going to play a demo 30 times? I only played it once and deleted it off my 3DS.

        • punkchobit

          I’m sure there are people who will. Removing the choice is backwards

  • http://twitter.com/FaithlessMr Bruno Silva

    Going by the demo I can tell that the RE Revelations OST is wonderful, and I’ll definitely get it. Best OST in the series by far.

    EDIT: I mean, just have a listen. Jebus Christ.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqAhKhFd3UY

  • serathisbelmonto

    I believe there was a prison like area in the DLC for RE5…it wasn’t that great. To be honest I feel the boat offers more options. Ideally though, I wouldn’t like a boat. The sections in other games didn’t play out well, I’m thinking of all the cargo areas in RE5, a more claustrophobic environmental would lend itself to RE better. Perhaps a hospital or asylum?

  • JustThisOne

    Well… I’m going to be honest. A mansion at sea sounds kind of stupid. I get that all RE baddies are eccentric people who make eagle crest keyholes and have statue slots to burn a hole in a painting to reveal a red gem that fills a slot in another statue…. but a floating mansion sounds really secluded.

    Also, mansions remind me of Wesker. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXJHvXij3yA]

  • http://twitter.com/ScissorsDtoid Scissors

    I think it was for the best. The cruise ship takes the familiarity of the mansion, yet feels new at the same time. It’s actually perfect when you think about it since the theme of this game is a return to the roots, and at the same time an overhaul / new experience. When I saw the first trailer I was immediately struck by how interesting a cruise setting is. It’s actually more terrifying than a mansion because you can always run away from the mansion on foot, but out in the middle of the ocean your screwed. You can’t just swim away you need a boat or a helicopter. land is human turf so we have our own little tricks and advantages, we can always climb stuff, use objects we find etc. Ocean we have to be constantly moving or we’ll drown, and if some predator comes we can’t really use the enviroment to help us like we can on land.

    You’ll feel more powerless on the ship than on land because on that ship you’re stuck there, escape is significantly more difficult. Feeling powerless is a great way to bring out fear, so if things play out like they did in that demo I think we’re going to have a really great game.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Roberto-Armando-Iraheta/775564143 Roberto Armando Iraheta

    This game honestly is looking a whole lot better than Resident Evil 6 because it looks like a horror game and not a Michael Bay film.

  • http://twitter.com/choosyant dan aubin

    I love how they say the fans still consider the original remake the best game (me included). Go on to talk about the great mansion elements and then go on to say that the USA team thought a mansion would be a bad idea, so they removed it.

  • http://twitter.com/creid8 Pete

    “Capcom USA forced them to change it to a cruise ship.”
    Booooo them for removing Japanese weirdness.

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