Resident Evil 5 gets better the more you play it. Despite changes, its sense of 'survival' and 'horror' remains.
Plot- SPOILER ALERT! Resident Evil 5's story is more developed and returns to the series roots when re-introducing Chris Redfeild (who you play as in the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil Code: Veronica). Other characters such as ex-partner Jill Valentine and genetically super-human antagonist Albert Wesker make an appearance also. But really the true secondary character is new-comer 'Sheva Alomar' who is likable and rather reliable during the course of a single player campain. The story plays out episodically through multi-part chapters. Chapter 1 takes place in the streets of an african town.
Chapter 2 explores the Shanty towns, mines and Train station.
Chapter 3 explores the the swamp and oil factory.
Chapter 4 takes you through a puzzle solving ancient ruins.
Chapter 5 takes both characters in a large Umbrella Laboratory within the ruins.
Chapter 6 takes place on a giant ship, then a volcano for the final showdown.
In retrospect, Resident Evil 5 plays an a montage to the entire series. The only drawback is that the main campain is only 10 to 12 hours long. However it plays out episodically, each chapter has its own unique feel and environment, each mini adventures of there own.
Visuals- The graphics on Resident Evil 5 are the best a seventh generation console has offered so far. The characters and environments are so realistic. The scorching sunlight really gives another idea of fear in the resident evil games. Indoor area's are just as stunning. You dont realise as a player how advanced the technology and graphics are in this game until atleast the second playthrough, becouse the costumes that are unlocked after the first time give immense depth and fun to the terrifying experience. The game almost always uses its in game engine and the unlockable costumes for Chris and Sheva are vast and are integrated into every cutscene depending on your choice of wear.
Sound- Resident Evil 5's sound is top notch, right up the the music to the sound of a gun. Voice acting is well done, however it would have been nice if they kept the voice actors from the original games.
Gameplay- Resident Evil 5 features similar gameplay to Resident Evil 4, with context-sensitive controls and dynamic cut scenes also making a return.The number of weapon variations has been greatly increased compared to the previous games in the series; there are now several varieties of the handgun, shotgun, submachine gun and rifle to choose from. Unlike inventory systems in previous Resident Evil titles, the player can only equip weapons and items in the midst of gameplay, as opposed to accessing an inventory menu by pausing the game.The game features a number of memorable boss battles that scream the word 'epic'.
Resident Evil 5's main story mode can be played single player, with two players or in a co-operative online mode. The feature allows players to enter or leave anytime during the game. Players will not always stick together, and can be separated at points during the gameplay. Though this game has far more action than previous Resident Evils even RE4, its still contains many horror elements due to its difficult (hense, intense) tank controls and limited ammunition. The lack of backtracking aswell as using the typewriter as a save method will be missed, but the game makes up for this with broader and larger environments to cross over without any loading times. The game is also scary as hell! The mutated monters and tense situations made me jump on numerous occations.
Re-playability- I would argue that Resident Evil 5 has better re-playability than Resident Evil 4. Resident Evil 5 allows players to return to any chapter of their choosing at anytime. There are alot more treasures to look for and prizes to be won when completing certain objectives such as shooting all 30 very well hidden BSAA emblems that are throughout the whole game. Characters have special specific weapons to unlock such as a gattling-gun for chris and a long-bow for sheva. There are also different costumes to unlock. Resident Evil 5 improves on this aspect over anything, which makes this game alot of fun. Resident Evil 5's downloadable features expand the games scope even more by introducing new costumes and new mini-campains called 'Lost In Nightmares' and 'Desperate Escape' These Scenareo extras in the special feature section of the game are much like RE4's Ada Wongs 'Seperate Ways' and 'Assignment Ada'.
A Versus mode can also be downloaded and used to battle players characters online. Each players characters can be very different depending on how they equip their character in the game. RE5 customisation is great
The popular 'Mercinaries' mini game, that puts a character of choice in an arcade battle for points against the infected, also makes a return with hightened difficulty.
Costumes- Players start with one costume each (default BSAA) on the first playthrough of the campain, more are unlocked as you are rewarded for your efforts in the game. Costumes vary from Sheva's 'clubbin diva' outfit to the more harder to unlock, near naked 'Tribal Chick'. Chris is also rewarded with a safari costume and his retro STARS uniform from RE1. Downloadable content allows for 2 more wildly creative costumes for each character on the playstation network.
Note: The Online Co-op really increases the scope of the game. Playing with a person overseas is extremly fun as you both run around the map and play your roles in helping each other progress through the game. Having a smart and super heavily equiped partner by your side is much more fun compared to the mediocure AI partner your stuck with on a single player mode. 2 player mode at home is almost as good as online co-op.
Capcom has delivered pure fan service with Resident Evil 5! It can be fair to say that RE4 had a longer superior single player experience; however Resident Evil 5 impoved and utilised its predecessors strengths into the next generation.
Its one of the best games in my collection, and a fantastic Resident Evil experience!