Not a Horror, but a Thriller
And for good reason, has become ever popular, with fans wanting more and more.
Well Capcom has done it again. While RE5 doesn't revolutionize the series like RE4, it doesn't necessary need to. Its that good.
Gameplay-
RE5 plays similar to its predecessor, however CO OP is massive new addition. Right from the get go you are always backed up by your partner, the lovely Sheva Alomar. You can swap and give each other items. Provide aid or assistance when things get hairy, and help each other reach places that would be impossible to get to alone. All this translates into is a game that is beautifully centered around CO OP. On xbox Live or PSN players can seamlessly jump in and out of CO OP. Its up to you if you want to invite a friend or let any who wants to play join your game. But you don't have to play online, going through the game with A.I. isn't as fun as with a friend, but is more than adequate. The ability to strafe is new upgrade, RE5 almost feels like a shooter. However you can't move and shoot, RE5 sticks to its survival horror roots. Run and gun isn't necessary, but I do think you should be able to slowly walk and move at the same time. Not being able to move and shoot will in no way ruin the experience, it would be nice to have, its just not crucial to the gameplay. Movement might seem a little sluggish at first, I know I did, but that problem was easily solved by turning up the sensitivity. The enemies are mostly crazy infected villagers, and other sorts of infected animals and monsters.
The quick time events are back, and now have been implemented into the game very well. QTEs let you execute attacks that can only be performed when an enemy is stunned, which is usually a flashy melee move, other times you must quickly execute QTEs in order to evade enemy or boss attacks.
Boss battles are easily the best in series, there is so much variety to them, and the games design is ingenious in how you have to defeat them.
Graphics -
There are 3 games that have truly impressed me on a visual level this generation. Gears of War, Killzone 2, and Resident Evil 5. No other console game has character models that even come close to RE5's, explosions are beautifully rendered, particle effects make it the game come alive. Every place in the game world is textured well, and has its own unique atmosphere. It truly feels like your in Africa. Character's facial and body animation are incredibly fluid and life like. Enemies look fantastic as well. However enemy animation is a mixed bag, enemies will act and behave similarly, it will start to look repetitive after a while.
Over all this is a very exceptionally looking game.
Audio - The audio is another place where the game excels at. The series always done a great job implementing sound. Almost every movement makes a sound, weapons are pleasing to the ears, and the musical score fits the game perfectly. Voice acting is also very well done.
RE5 isn't really a horror game. RE5 is a "Thriller". There have been many times where I've jumped, or felt an uncomfortable tension, but never a true sense of fear or horror.
RE5 is a must play, if you are a gamer looking for a looking for an outstanding experience to enjoy with a friend, RE5 would be a no finer example.