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One would think that after countless encounters with biological nightmares that Resident Evil veteran Chris Redfield would have turned in his trusty knife and hoped for some semblance at a normal life. But much like the shambling masses of decaying flesh he has dealt with over the years, the need to fight evil just won't die and once again our familiar hero is thrust into an environment full of corporate conspiracy, mutated monstrosities, and a plucky sidekick to help level the corpse-riddled playing field.
This time around, the former S.T.A.R.S. member finds himself in Kijuju, Africa. All is not as it seems. Something is turning Kijuju's residents into bloodthirsty killing machines with tentacles exploding out of their heads. In other words, business as usual for Chris. Players can expect plenty of action-driven sequences and campy humor as the ever-complicated narrative continues to unravel. The characters are definitely memorable and each makes their own impact before the tale comes to an end.
Visually breathtaking, Resident Evil 5 has to be the best looking game on the market. Everything from the character models to the environments have been rendered so masterfully that you will constantly be amazed by how realistic everything around you appears.
The game is comprised of six chapters. Rail sequences and action are what RE5 is about and players will hardly have time to stop as enemies relentlessly break through doors and crash through windows to get at Chris' chewy center. Chris moves and acts a lot like RE4's Leon Kennedy. Any weapons he comes across can be fully upgraded. Chris jumps through windows and can barricade entrances. The one thing he can't do is move when his pistol is drawn. The controls are easy enough to get used to and players will be taking down enemies in no time. As familiar as all of this feels, Capcom has included a new feature to the series which is the focal point of Resident Evil 5's gameplay; a constant companion.
Having a computer-controlled partner isn't an innovative concept since numerous titles have straddled support characters alongside the protagonist, if only for a few small sections at a time. In Resident Evil 5 however, Capcom introduces Sheva Alomar, a bio-weapons expert and a native to Kijuju. Unlike other tagalongs, Sheva stays with Chris for the entirety of the game and will lend a helping hand when she isn't taking down enemies or healing her wounded partner.
The inventory between Sheva and Chris can be manipulated by the player, deciding how much control you would like to hand over to the eager newcomer. Fill her inventory with enough ammo and Sheva will essentially destroy anything that gets in her way. Conservative players will want to keep her reserves low and merely call upon her when the game requires it, providing her with just enough ammunition and health items so that she isn't considered too wasteful.
Capcom clearly wanted to push the series into a new direction and Sheva's inclusion does add a bit more to the game than what's to be expected. As AI goes, Sheva handles admirably and is by far most the reliable computer-controlled partner most players will have encountered. But as helpful as she can be, her mere presence is yet another factor in the diminishing fear of the Resident Evil franchise. In short, Sheva is always there. Occasional circumstances will arise where the fem fatale will depart from Chris' side, but it will never last long enough to make the player truly feel alone. This detracts from any sense of isolation the player might feel and the tension and suspense of Resident Evil's earlier years simply isn't there.
It would be more upsetting if it weren't for the fact that Sheva has the potential to be a lot more than just an AI. She can also be controlled by a friend. At any given time, players can enlist the aid of a friend and play through the entire game with another player by their side, or miles away online. This is where the game really begins to shine. Players will be able to move freely without being constantly followed around. In co-op the gameplay becomes all the more dynamic and the chaos truly becomes a shared experience. It is a remarkable change to the classic Resident Evil formula and players looking to get the most out of their purchase shouldn't let this feature be ignored.
Completing the game will earn Mercenaries mode, an arcade-style affair in which players must kill as many of the incoming enemies as possible until help arrives. Players will not be able to bring any upgraded weapons into the arena and because ammo and health items are hard to come by, it is a true test of the player's skill. It is a total blast to play and perfectly captures the intensity of Resident Evil.
Gamers looking to turn to Resident Evil 5 for scares will realize that the franchise has essentially grown out of its pee-in-your-pants mentality. As an action title, Resident Evil 5 is a cut above the rest. It is a fast paced experience which will leaves players wanting to play again after finishing the main game. It is a great addition to the series and players owe it to themselves to make this title a part of their permanent collection.
Fun Factor: Co-op gameplay makes for a terrific formula, never a dull moment. Don't forget to bring a friend along to maximize enjoyment.
Game Length: Six chapters clock in at around 8-10 hours to complete.
Difficulty: Enemies can be overwhelming if ignored but the game never becomes too difficult.
On the Negative Side: Cannot walk while shooting. Not scary at all.
Bang for your Buck: With a slew of unlockables, Mercenaries mode and downloadable content, Resident Evil 5 will remain in players' consoles for a very long time.
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