Hmm, decisions...

When the playable characters in Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D were revealed with Barry Burton being the eighth and final member; some were left wondering why other characters were left out, in particular, Resident Evil 2 protagonist Leon Kennedy.

Speaking to Eurogamer, producer Masachika Kawata said no plans were in place to provide downloadable content for The Mercenaries 3D. However, if it's something that gamers want, then the developer "will endeavour to make it happen," adding that comments and feedback from users are always being monitored.

On why Leon Kennedy isn't one of the playable eight, Kawata quipped:

He's all tied up for Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City... He couldn't make his appearance in Mercenaries.

On a more serious note though, Kawata explained why Barry Burton was always considered a unique character in the Resident Evil universe and how different perceptions of the character was unintentional:

Most of the Resident Evil characters are cool heroes... Barry's a little bit different. It was quite a few years ago we found out that Barry was popular in the western market. It was a bit of a surprise for us Japanese guys... But since then we've always thought about him. He's a guy who thinks about his family all the time, which shows his humility. We thought he would be a unique character to play... He's not included as a comedian character... It's difficult because we don't play the game in English. The English lines may be taken in a different context when it's translated from the Japanese... I remember him as having love for his family. In order to protect his family he has to betray his colleagues. That was an impressionable scene.

The game's official Japanese website has been updated with new gameplay details (as translated by AndriaSang.) The game is split into levels, each containing multiple missions that have to be cleared in order to unlock the next. Customisation plays an important role as gamers manage skills that allow weapons to increase in strength and characters to take less damage. Up to three skills can be equipped at the same time and each can be upgraded using skill points earned by clearing missions. Skill levels will rise when enough points have been applied.

Also new on the website is the reveal of a new Bio-Organic Weapon (B.O.W.) and a new video that shows cooperative gameplay footage.

[source eurogamer.net, via andriasang.com]