Madwoman takes a look at Resident Evil 5, and it just might get you to give the game a shot. After all, you can't play CoD all the time.
Resident Evil 5 has been at the heart of controversy since its debut at E3 last year. However, based on the number of copies sold to date, I’d say that debate is dead and buried. No pun intended. A new debate has been sparked: does RE5 live up to expectations?
Resident Evil 5 released on March 13, 2009. While many fan boys/girls had reserved their copies and were eagerly playing the game, mine still sat bundled in the cellophane wrap. I admit I was a little less than enthusiastic about playing it. A year ago I was pumped, but after playing the demo on Xbox Live, I couldn’t quite grasp the control system. However, after approximately 14 hours of game play, I have become quite addicted.
In RE5 Chris Redfield is being sent to an African desert area in Kijuju to investigate a terrorist threat of Umbrella's weapons for the BSAA (Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance). His new partner is Sheva Alomar. They team up to take out the threat of Ricardo Irving who is selling viruses on the black market. Throughout the game they fight hordes of “simplified” villagers, mutant monsters and eventually, Chris’s public enemy number one, Albert Wesker.
The thing that stands out most about this title is the graphics. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a polished look in a game. I’m not just talking about the cut scenes either. The game is specifically designed to make you look around at the realism of your surroundings. When looking around for ammo or those ever elusive BSAA emblems, you can’t help but notice the detail in everything around you. So, graphically, this game is superb.
Now, I can’t say from experience how the other RE games played but this one at first was a bit difficult for me to grasp. Being a fan of FPS titles, the control system is a far cry from anything I’ve played. Once learning the little tricks about “hot keying” my weapons in the inventory, so I could simply switch from revolver to shotgun by simply tapping the directional pad, I was a bit more comfortable. The inventory was another issue I had to get used to. I learned early on to be careful when I delved into my store of supplies. This is not a fast-paced shooter. This game is definitely more about strategy. Especially when you start the game with just a revolver and a knife. Your ammo supply is at the whim of the game. It was a different experience to ration out the ammo that closely.
In the past, RE games did not have the option of co-op game play, but that's changed with RE5. In my opinion, whenever co-op is introduced, it's a great addition. With most games, the AI is not nearly as good as a real human partner, (nor as much fun I might add-I’m looking at you ladies who played with me-and you too hubby), and RE5 is no different. Although it is do-able with the AI, a friend is much more helpful. It also doesn’t hurt if your partner has the fully upgraded Hydra with infinite ammo.
Now, my copy sat for nearly a week before I even bothered to open it. The control system had totally turned me off. However, now after completing the game, I’m comfortable with the control system and I’m loving the re-playability. You have the BSAA emblems to find and weapons to upgrade to unlock other special weapons. No spoilers here, but Chris and Sheva each get their own “power” weapon once certain weapons are fully upgraded. There are also costumes for each character and depending on what level you complete the game, there are filters that change the game's entire. And let's not forget the DLC pack and its versus mode.
Overall, I’d have to give it thumbs up. Beautiful graphics combined with plenty of re-playability for achievement whores, errr, I mean completionists, make this game well worth a try. Even if only a rental, you will enjoy it (or at least I hope you do). The multiplayer part of it will ultimately determine if its popularity will last. I don’t imagine it will, but then I haven’t been able to play it yet. For most games, the MP is what keeps gamers' interest. Love it Capcom, just don’t make us wait another four years for the next title.
Does it live up to expectations? I suppose that depends on the person and what they were expecting. For me, yes. I can’t say my expectations were terribly high, but then I’ve never played the other games. For those who have, you know more whether it suits your taste or not.
