Resident Evil Revelations for the 3DS is a bridge title taking place between the events of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5.

The game focuses on Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate a new biohazard site – Terragrigia, a city built on an artificial island – as it gets flooded with the undead.

A day before launch and gaming websites haven’t pushed reviews out just yet, however, leading magazines have released their verdict ahead of their February issues.

From the available reviews, the game has done really well, scoring an average of 81% on Metacritic (based on 7 reviews so far) and 90% on Gamerankins (based on 5 reviews).

From the critical scores, it looks like you will either love RE:R, or find it completely lacking – with no real middle ground in opinion so far.

Check out what the critics had to say:

Games Master UK 91

One of the scariest games ever committed to handheld, and a spectacular return to form.

Official Nintendo Magazine UK 90

Dark, terrifying and brilliantly exciting, Revelations is a triumph on 3DS.

Nintendo Gamer 90

A tasty blend of traditional Resi spooks and modern action pacing that, despite a few action hiccups, remains one of the most satisfying uses of 3DS to date. The third-party game to beat.

Game Informer 90

The story is interesting with the added bonus of actually being coherent for once, the gameplay feels perfect on 3DS, and it’s one of the greatest-looking portable games I’ve ever seen, especially with the 3D cranked up.

Nintendo Power 90

The game is an incredible showcase for what the handheld is capable of and a potent reminder of why Resident Evil remains one of the medium’s most celebrated franchises.

Edge Magazine 60

It takes the best and worst of Resident Evils past and present, and spot welds them together unevenly. If the designers had committed wholeheartedly to either polarity of action or horror, Revelations may have been a headshot, but what we’re left with is more like a glancing blow.

games(TM) 60

Handheld editions of big console titles often feel like straight to video sequels – looking the part but lacking the polish – and Revelations is no different. It nails the atmosphere in its hybrid design, but those crucial sparks of brilliance that make the series so great, no matter which of its eras you prefer… they’re as rare as a single use rocket launcher.