Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D Save File Can’t Be Deleted
The DRM-virus spreads to the latest Resident Evil game.
Capcom has implemented DRM on its Nintendo 3DS release Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D. The save data file is locked on the game cartridge and can’t be deleted. A forum member on NeoGAF posted screenshots of the game’s manual which includes the warning, “Note: Saved data on this software cannot be reset.”
The save file includes high scores, ranks and completed missions. It also stores unlocks like new skills, characters and costumes. Mercenaries 3D only includes one slot for saved data.
Mercenaries 3D released June 2 in Japan. It’s set to release June 28 in North America. The Japanese version includes the same DRM. The DRM hurts players who want to borrow their copy to friends or family. Those who buy Mercenaries 3D used can’t experience the game from the beginning and earn their own unlocks and high scores. It also limits existing owners’ replayability if they want to completely start the game over and unlock everything again.
Some are speculating this is a move by Capcom to severely limit the used game market for Mercenaries 3D. The trade in value for the game at some stores in Japan has already plummeted to as low as 500 Yen ($6.22). With the DRM Mercenaries 3D’s resale value is significantly reduced, which makes it hard to sell on eBay or trade the game to retailers like GameStop to earn credit for new games.
Mercenaries 3D isn’t the only 3DS game with this restriction. Sega’s Super Monkey Ball 3D released March 27 and also features DRM where the player can’t delete their save file.
Players are extremely upset at Capcom for locking the save file. Some are choosing to boycott Capcom. Other are cancelling their preorders and deciding not to buy Mercenaries 3D. A member on the Capcom-Unity forums said:
It’s a dealbreaker to me – it’s withholding features that have been an important part of games ever since we were able to save to cartridges. Want to start over from scratch? Too bad, buy another! Want to let your friend play through it from the beginning? Too bad, tell your cheapskate friend to buy a copy! This is basic functionality and they’re taking it away to try to trash the game’s resale value.
Mercenaries 3D features 30 remastered missions from Resident Evil 4 (2005) and Resident Evil 5 (2009). Both titles featured a Mercenaries side mission mode. The goal is to kill as many enemies under a time limit and get the highest scores possible. Mercenaries 3D features a lineup of eight playable Resident Evil characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Albert Wesker and Barry Burton. The game has local co-op or online through Wi-Fi. There’s not a traditional story mode in Mercenaries 3D.
Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D will retail for $39.99. The game includes a demo for the upcoming 3DS game Resident Evil Revelations, an all-new Resident Evil title scheduled for a 2012 release.
Photo by Nintendo
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