Resident Evil 5 review
Not content to sit on their laurels after the launch of the massively popular Street Fighter 4, Capcom follow it up with yet another blockbuster title destined for a place in the Game of the Year charts this December, Resident Evil 5. After the plaudits received for episode 4 of the franchise it would be an understatement to say that expectations have been high for number 5.
This game is set 10 years after the ogirinal Resident Evil and the story is focused on Chris Redfield, a survivor from Raccoon City and a member of a group known as Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance sent to investigate a terrorist threat in an African desert area of Kijuju. Together with Sheva Alomar, his female partner, it doesn’t take them long to notice that something isn’t right with the local people and the zombiefest begins.
This is the first Resident Evil title to go high-def, so graphics are amazing and we love the ability to play the game co-op with a friend. The storyline is slick and the cut scenes are quality. With regards to gameplay, this follows on exactly from Episode 4. It has an over-the-shoulder camera perspective and that plays like a shooter rather than relying on suspense and shock that those who played the earlier titles will be familiar with.
The co-op aspect is integral to the gameplay - your partner helps fight back the hoarde of enemies but also to help solve puzzles and situations that require the two to act independently. Online this is played with a friend, but when playing solo the computer takes the partner role, with button controls to instruct them to move, attack and cover. Fortunately the AI holds up well.
The series has now become more action-orientated but frustratingly, they’ve stuck to the old control system where you cannot move and shoot simultaneously, but this is one of the very few gripes we can find with the game. If you liked Resident Evil 4, you’ll love 5.
9/10