Game Title: Resident Evil 5
Developer: CAPCOM
Genre: Third Person Horror Shooter
Rating: M
Release date: March 12, 2009
Platform: Xbox 360 & PS3
Game Overview: After near 5 years, the sequel to RE4 is finally upon us. Set in Africa, the horror franchise's latest outing sees the return of former protagonist Chris Redfield, on assignment to catch a deadly bioterrorist dealing in B.O.W.'s. If it sounds cheesy, that's because it is. RE5 maintains the classic RE concept that great fluff & horrible dialog go together like...er...great fluff & horrible dialog, I dunno. Fuck off. Some fan favorite characters make a return here, including the infamous Albert Whesker & Jill Valentine, but what really has everyone talking is Chris' new partner, Sheva. So Trevor, you ask, how is she? Is she stupid? Is she annoying? Is she cool? Meh, she's okay. Really, the story is pretty limp, once again touching on the God awful dialog, & I really tried my best to ignore it. When it comes to gameplay, it's actually a pretty fun game, though a little different than you might expect. RE5 is more of an action game than even RE4 was, focusing on action rather than scares. It's you against the undead horde, so stock up on ammo. The controls are smooth & work well, even if CAPCOM promised us Moving & Aiming & didn't deliver. But the controls work well, the guns are detailed & (mostly) accurate to their real life counterparts (Please ignore ammunition capacity.), & it's pretty fun to play through the game & unlock the bonus weapons & unlimited ammo cheats. So what's wrong with it? One word: inventory. I liked the attache case, it was a novel idea that worked well. In RE5, you're given 9 spaces of real time inventory. You can only carry 9 types of items, all taking the exact same amount of room. So, say you have an herb & a rocket launcher. They both take the same amount of space. Say you want to wear armor. It takes an inventory space. So wait, you're wearing your armor whilst keeping your armor in a pocket inside your- OH NO I'VE GONE CROSSEYED. But the main problem I have with this game is innovation. Strip away the shiny new graphics, enemies, & partner, & RE% is pretty much just RE4. I was expecting a bit more after the epic that came before this game, & I was slightly disappointed by the lack of ambition. All in all though, the game is really fun, & I enjoyed it. ON TO THE SCORING
The Ratings
1. Audio: 7
The audio actually works well enough. Most of the guns have a nice, hearty sound when you fire them, which I found rather enjoyable. The music is rather low key, I hardly even noticed it. The explosions are pretty lacking in UMPH.
2. Graphics: 9
The graphics are fucking AMAZING. The lighting & character models in particular is absolutely breathtaking, their were moments where the game approached photorealism. The environments, particularly the caverns are also really cool. If I have any complaints, it's the water effects, & Sheva's hair. (It's so FAKE!)
3. Controls: 8
The controls are smooth like buttah. Aiming is cake, & the addition of strafing really helps. I still want to move & aim, dammit.
4. Content: 9
Once you beat the story, there's co-op, Mercenaries, weapons to unlock, & figures to collect, so it should have some longevity. Let's not forget the IMPOSSIBLE to find BSAA emblems.
5. Replayability: 8
Going back to earn money to upgrade weapons will be your main motivation, but there are also emblems to collect, four difficulties to stomp, & achievements to gather! It should keep you going for awhile.
6. Multiplayer: 10
The multiplayer content is fucking great, drop in & drop out is available, & two player Mercenaries is unbelievably fun. Plus, with the new Versus out, (Outstanding mode, by the way) there's fresh content to be had.
7. Story: 5
I love the RE fluff, but the story is still REALLY limp.
8. Innovation: 5
Once more, didn't innovate much, it's a prettier RE4.
9. Getting Into It: 9
It's easy to get into this game, particularly with a friend by your side.
10. Game Length:6
I beat it in a day. Granted, I played with my buddy, but still. I call bullshit.
OVERALL SCORE
7.6 out of 10
Final Comment
It may be a bit of a cop out, but it's still such a fun formula I can't help but recommend it. In my head I acknowledge it as an 8, flawed rating system be damned.
Captain Scrambles
