Resident Evil 5 is the latest
in the long running Resident Evil series, I recommend seeing Resident
Evil Degeneration before you play because it sets up the story for
this. The first thing you will notice is that the controls are
completely different from RE4, the biggest addition is that you are now
able to move sideways, however I prefer the Type A scheme, which
resembles the one from RE4, but you can't move sideways. There are four
control types to choose from, once you find one that you like, the game
is very smooth. Resident Evil 5 picks up a few years after RE4 with
Chris in Africa as a part of the BSSA, an organization that is
dedicated to fighting bio-terrorism. The story answers a lot a
questions long time fans may have wondered, including things about both
Jill and Wesker. The gameplay resembles both RE4 and RE0, the
over-the-shoulder view has returned and objects, such as bookcases
ladders are still intractable. As you probably know, RE5 puts you in
the action, not by yourself, but with a partner named Sheva. You will
need to protect her, although she does a fine job by herself, and
managing her inventory. You can trade items between each other and have
her carry things you don't have space for. Sheva does have a flaw
though, she wastes ammo like no other. Fortunately, supplies can be
found everywhere. If you have a friend with RE5 and an online account,
co-operative play is recommended as there is nothing like fighting
Majini with a friend. The case from RE4 is gone and in its place
are two nine slot inventories, one for you and Sheva. This takes the strategy out of
moving things around in your inventory. When you enter the inventory
screen, the games doesn't pause like in older installments, so all
management besides the shop is in real time. A quick select using the
D-Pad makes switching through weapons and items a breeze. Other than
that, the gameplay closely resembles that of RE4, so fans of that know
what they are getting into from the start. The merchant, however, has
been removed and replaced with a shop that makes an appearance after
every death, chapter complete and load. There is a chapter select, so
you are able to replay your favorite levels again and again. Another
feature is a Library where you can view Intel on Chris, Majini, BSSA
and other people in the game as you unlock them. A cut scene viewer is
back from RE4, it is available from the start so you do not have to
beat the game to get it. Mercenaries Mode is making another appearance
here once you finish the game at least once. Multiple playthroughs are
recommended in order to upgrade weapons and experience the thrills once
again. The graphics are both beautiful and creepy at the same time.
Enemies looked more messed up than ever before, boss designs are still
very original though. Textures look great and the real time cut scenes
are constantly putting graphical power to the test. All this is backed
up by excellent background music during the action sequences. If you
are a hard core Resident Evil fan, you probably already have the game.
However if you are on the fence about it, I strongly recommend picking
this up as it is my second favorite game of this generation. If offers
so much and is constantly calling my name. If you didn't like RE4 for
some reason, I do not recommend this because in terms of gameplay, it
doesn't offer many new features besides the co-op gameplay. Resident
Evil 5 is on the highest scoring game on BS Gaming and is a strong
contender for Game of the Year 2009.-Brandon
BSG
Breakdown
Gameplay - 9.9 Nearly the same from Resident Evil 4, but the
partner system has one small flaw
Story - 10 Answer many questions Resident Evil fans may have
Replay Value - 10 Keep equipment, Unlock more library files, Trophies,
Mercenaries Mode
Overall Score - 9.9
