1996 saw the release of a revolutionary title that would spur the onset of a new gaming genre altogether – Capcom’s Resident Evil, opening to wide critical acclaim, made the survival horror genre a mainstay and wide favourite among gamers. Since its origins, however, it has evolved considerably, particularly with the fourth installment released in 2004, in which the gameplay engine was largely overhauled, rectifying many complaints from gamers, allowing a more streamlined (and decidedly less frustrating) gaming experience.

March sees the release of the much-hyped Resident Evil 5. Building on the engine of the fourth game, 5 pushes the bar further, allowing co-operative play throughout the entire game, even extending this to online play. Thus, it is certain to say that the series of noble origins has evolved into a gloriously lavish production.

And although most will be happy with the changes made in the last two Resident Evil games, purists may find the move away from horror elements somewhat jarring, as Resident Evil 5 is through and through an action game above all else. Gone are the frustrating puzzles and hours without a save point – yes, Resident Evil 5 is certainly the easiest of the bunch, but it is the most fun and least frustrating, even if it is a touch too easy.

Resident Evil 5 begins with series regular Chris Redfield in Africa, accompanied by female sidekick Sheva, as they investigate Las Plagas infections in the area. Unfortunately, what they would encounter is more terrifying than they would expect – the parasitic infection of Resident Evil 4 has evolved into a Type 2 intonation, making enemies even more fierce, and furthermore, there are even some vicious, bullet-fodder Type 3 baddies occasionally out to get you, as well as some ferocious and inventive bosses.

So yes, difficulty aside, Resident Evil 5 is as well-constructed a game as any RE fan could ask for. For those who dispised babysitting Ashley for most of Resident Evil 4, you’ll be relieved that the system AI for Sheva is mostly competent – she will occasionally become stuck in objects, and her voice over work is certainly irritating, but if kitted out correctly, she is a valuable asset to your outfit. Naturally, however, the heart of the game comes with playing co-operative with either a friend locally or online – it renders the game even easier than with an AI component, but it is unmeasurably fun, and certainly less irritating (unless you get a player attempting simply to sabotage your game).

Visually, RE5 is a stunning package – it may simply be a refinement of RE4, sure, but everything from the particle effects to the voluminous gore floating around the screen are a joy to observe. The wonderfully realised, grotesque bosses are beautifully rendered, and make the experience not exactly terrifying (thanks to the difficulty), but certainly intense. The presentation of the cut scenes in particular are stellar, accompanied by a superb heart-pounding soundtrack. In fact, the only fault on the presentation side is that Sheva’s voice-over is repetitive and therefore highly irritating.

Although RE5 is little challenging, there are a few touches to ensure your attention never falters – as previously, the much-complained about fact that you cannot shoot and move at the same time remains, and Capcom have now made the inventory system real-time, meaning that you have to be more on your toes than ever before. These changes, however, simply take a little getting used to, and after an hour or so, you’ll never wish for anything different.

It is difficult to say how hardcore fans will respond to the changes made in RE5 – it is a mostly easy game, but to this effect it is highly accessible for non-fans or for those who find disdain in some of the series’ more cumbersome elements (such as a lack of saving, which is wholly rectified here). As an action game, it is certainly one of the best entries onto a console in a long time – with an exciting array of weaponry and stunning set pieces, this is a great entry into the series, although it will to an extent divide gamers.

9/10

Thanks for reading,
Reefer