Solid action game, but is it the classic Resident Evil?
As an absolute lover of the Resident Evil series i was always going to get this game, but was slightly dissapointed from what i had seen prior to getting Resident Evil 5. The engine looked EXACTLY the same as 4, and whilst Re4 was an amazing game... We've moved on many years and a console generation since then. I would've liked a change on that.
The game jumps you straight into Africa as Chris Redfield with a new partner as you both are under operation trying to cover the T-Virus stolen by terrorists (hmm..simple enough). Nothing much has been given away, except the facts that the virus seems very similar to the Las Plagas seen in Re4 (the enemies run at you instead of slowly shambling). I think this all personally though is a cheap excuse due to the fact that they used the same engine from Re4. I can imagine this plot unwinding with a few old characters and some really cool twists, so i'm looking forward to that.
The main worry i had with this game were the controls. I HATED the controls in the demo; moving around was incredibly frustrating and the shuffling of buttons to share inventory in real time was a pain in the arse. Maybe i was used to the old gamecube controls? Perhaps, but i was not liking it at all. Now i've had a chance to really play with the controls in the finished version, it all seems much tighter. Movement seems a lot faster and i adapted to the inventory sharing quite quickly (even though i hate it being in real time!). I think though there will need to be a complete change of engine and controls in the inevitable Resident Evil 6, as i think most players will agree.
One of the main differences to Re5 is the co-op. Instead of running around trying to protect Ashley, this new lady can take care of herself; and she'll need to as the co-operation of both of you during battle is vital. During gameplay you can bring up both your inventory windows and exchange herbs and ammo in order to help eachother out. This is all fine and well and brings a tactical element to the game, but the fact that you can only exchange ALL ammo always seems to leave one person short on lead. The good thing with co-op though is that if you're low on health she'll throw you a herb, and if you're being attacked by an enemy she'll try and free you from their grasp. That, i like a lot. I won't give anything away, but in boss battles the element of teamwork is vital. The other good feature to this is that the co-op is also online (which i haven't had the chance to play yet!)
Graphically, this game is very impressive. Lighting is wonderful and character models have been well designed, showing highly realistic movements and facical expressions. This also is the case with enemies, although often you'll see the same enemy models, and very limited movements when they get shot.
Upon playing this game though, i noticed one vital element that they've missed from Resident Evil 5; Horror. This game just isn't scary anymore. Where'st Re4's main horror element was giving you the feeling that you just always aren't safe.. i just don't feel it in Re5. There's still the moments now and then where you'll jump out of your chair as someone grabs you as soon as you turn a corner but the game overall so far just feels like an Action Shooter. Bring back zombies and mansions!
So i think this is pretty much my view of the game so far, it's got a lot of Resident Evil elements i like, and also some ones i don't, and also some ones that have been left out altogether (not for the better!). The gameplay seems vastly improved from the demo and i'm sure the story will keep me hooked until the end. I'm sure Capcom will still leave me very satisfied by the time i complete the game.
But, you'll feel safe when playing this at midnight with the lights off.