PlayExclusive: Resident Evil 5

Console: PS3, X-box 360
Genre: Horror, 3rd person shooter
Players: 1-2 (Online: 1-2)
Rating: Mature 18+



In the heart of South Africa, anti-Bioterrorism unit BSAA members Chris and Sheva head out investigate a new, more dangerous outbreak, and stop whoever is responsible!


Story
As far as Resident Evil games go, they've always had interesting backstory, but the games have always had ridiculous scripts written out for the main characters.

Just as you think the scriptwriters have managed to come forward with a mature script, they somehow manage to ruin everything with corny heart-to-heart moments, or out of place one liners. That being said, this Resident Evil ties up a lot of loose ends that previous games made.

Gameplay
Resident Evil 5 uses the same 3rd person view as the last game, leaving you with just enough room to see that zombie sneaking up behind you! Thankfully there's always your partner to watch your back, but doesn't make the monster and trap infested labyrinths you traverse any less frightening.


The somewhat poorly programmed AI has a tendency to do some foolish things, like hang too close to the player and stray into their line of fire, or in attack mode, rush too far forward, and stand in the path of incoming RPG's or AK fire.

That, is where it's excellent online co-op mode jump into the picture. It's smooth drop-in/drop-out co-op gameplay lets players join in offline in split screen, and for those that have an internet connection, invite friends or have a random guest pop right into the game with their own inventory to help out.


In addition, your teammate can reach different areas and provide sniper support or find items they would have missed, or rescue you when grappled or pinned down by various enemies!


The only problem many players might feel is the aiming system. While it's understandable for the game to lock the player in place while aiming, as police and military are trained to do so in real life, it glues players down when they pull out their knife too. Given the misleading range of the knife, this can make things VERY difficult when surrounded and low on ammo.

After finishing story mode, the popular “The Mercenaries” mini-game makes a return! It's a fast action shoot-em-up mode where players rack up kills under a strict time limit to earn points and unlock new characters, and with it's new online leaderboard, it's become more competitive than ever.


All these features, and plenty of weapons to collect and upgrade, it's a game that'll keep any players, from the extreme to the rookie, occupied for 30+ hours!

Graphics & Soundtrack
The first thing Resident Evil 4 fans will notice is the change in sharpness and detail, as everything, from cloth, to flesh and weapons are beautifully detailed, and the smooth enemy animation bring new realism to Resident Evil 5's world.


Not only that, but the exceptional lighting and atmosphere absolutely make this game. Each time players step outside from a building, the camera takes a second to adjust to the brightness of the blazing sun, only to find a horde of zombies waiting outside.


Plenty of beautiful stages wait to be traversed as well, from infected towns and tribal villages, to pitch black mines, the burning Savannah and abandoned facilities. With varied places comes all sorts of frighteningly well designed enemies, that will keep coming back at you even after every kick, punch and shot you land on them!


Overall
Challenging and creepy levels, all sorts of vicious enemies, all around smooth gameplay, online and off, and some of the most realistic looking graphics we've seen in a while, this is a game that any action seeking gamers need on their shelf as soon as possible! Don't forget to turn the case cover inside out for the Japanese Biohazard 5 cover!


Review by Johar Aston, TheLAG

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Copyright 2009 Johar Aston, TheLAG