What I'm Into

I know it’s been a really long time since I’ve reviewed a game. The last one I did, August 28, 2008, was for my video podcast, Teknogazm LIVE, and that was Battle Fantasia for the PS3 (Japanese). My last written review was May 9^th, 2008 for Grand Theft Auto 4.

But, today, I will be writing reviews again, starting with Resident Evil 5. I know it’s been out for awhile, but I’ve been busy with school and stuff. Plus, I know some of you have yet to play this game.

I am now introducing a new, more intrinsic review system based on 100 points; like a school exam. Enough with the formalities, time for the review.

Resident Evil 5

What has been dubbed as the “highest selling video game series of all time,” comes a new addition to the lineup, Resident Evil 5. Resident Evil 5 picks up loosely were the 4^th game left off. The Las Plagas parasites are back!

Graphics

There is no doubt that the graphics in Resident Evil 5 are awesome. Think Resident Evil 4, but with Hi Def graphics. The explosions and fire that you see and experience during the game are extremely realistic. From what I have experienced, there were zero issues with textures tearing or the frame rate dropping. There are some areas in the game that look very similar to the 4^th installment, however.

- 18/20

Sound

The sound was excellent in the game, as well. Some people disliked the voiceovers (Wesker’s is different); though, I thought that they were done very well. The musical scores that play during normal encounters and boss fights really help immerse you into the horrific experience. The guns, explosions and screams are all done exceptionally well. I really have nothing bad to say about the sound.

- 20/20

Story

In Resident Evil 5 you play as the possibly steroid abusing, Chris Redfield and his partner Sheva Alomar. As Chris, you are sent by an anti-bio terrorism group (BSAA) to investigate what Umbrella is doing in Africa and why all Hell is breaking loose. Once there, you meet up with Sheva and together, the two of you set out to figure out what is going on and to find answers to other questions such as “Is Jill actually alive?” The story could have more going for it, but it doesn’t. The story is basically there to help fuel a story to your rampant killing of the Majini (people infected with the Las Plagas parasite). Nonetheless, there are some twists in the story that are actually done well.

- 16/20

Gameplay

The gameplay in Resident Evil 5 is almost exactly the same as Resident Evil 4. But, some critics would argue that this is a lazy move, is it really? How can you improve upon something that is nearly perfect? The over-the-shoulder gun fights still exist, you now have a partner to back you up (and the AI is excellent in this aspect – no back attacks and you can be saved from getting a Game Over) and you can still upgrade and sell your weapons. The movements and camera angels are very fluid and help give you more of a legitimate experience. Playing with a friend is excellent, but playing with the AI is also excellent!

- 19/20

Replayability

This game is short, around 12-20 hours. I was actually able to beat the game on normal difficulty in just under 10 hours. But this game is fun! I went back many times to replay a level in order to get more items to sell and then upgrade my weapons. Also, the Mercenaries mode is back! There is a rumor that there will be DLC for extra characters and costumes later. Currently, there are 10 characters with 2 alternate costumes and 10 levels. Yes, you can play Mercenaries without a partner, too. Finally, there is an online mode, but it is a $5 download, so I am not reviewing it. If you spend the $5, you will get much more replay out of the game. But my reviews are solely based on disk content only. And the online Co-op was released the same day that the game dropped… WTF Capcom… WTF…

- 19/20

Conclusion

It’s a new, HD, Resident Evil! Yes, there were a few short cuts that Capcom took when developing this game, but it is still a very enjoyable experience. The story mode is very short, but you have Mercenaries to play and if you spend another $5 on this game, you’ve got online Co-op as well. I personally have received my $60+ worth of fun and enjoyment from this game. So, I say buy it! This game is available for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC (soon).

Final Score

- 92/100

Buy your copy below from Amazon. Also, check out the Collector's Editions and bundles that are offered!