Resident Evil 5 fails where Silent Hill delivers.
I can't say I am not disapointed but I can't say that I'm not enjoying this game either. In my mind, I was expecting Resident Evil to deliver a true horror experience the way they had it back in the days (RE 1, 2, 3 and Veronica). RE4 was special in its own right as it represented a change of direction in the series but it was still creepy and jumpy enough to make it a decent horror game.
Resident Evil 5 has seemingly dropped the "creepy and jumpy" elements of the previous series. The game is now set in broad daylight for most parts which, to me, tones down the scare factor. Most parts can be predicted too which is a real shame, most enemies are just too easy to tale down as well which also tones down the game.
On the other hand, what seemed to be a pain in the "derriere" in the demo proves to be a rather unerving experience in the full game. The fact that your character is so slow and those enemies are rather speedy makes for a good "tension" experience.
The graphics are absolutely luscious although I have a big problem with the frame rate which seems to have dropped out from almost every critics's radar. The frame rate are so bad in fact that they compare to what we had in Mass Effect. Whilst you can get used to them, you just can't ignore the fact they spoil a bit of your experience playing the game.
The new co-op element proves to be a welcome challenge in most part of this game, although, if you want my opinion, I find it rather annoying having to keep her tightly on a leash. If you don't she will just wonder about, take all the amunition for herself (bad Sheva!), spend it all and leave you high and dry. She can also get herself in sticky situation whilst she's wondering around, for which you have to quickly run to her and pet her until she's better again. As annoying as these things might be, they can be avoided by contantly calling her by your side, or assigning a weapon you do not want to her for her to play freely with. That said, I feel like we should not have to constantly worry about her. It spoils it a bit for me. On the other hand, it is good to have someone covering your back in tricky situations.
Resident Evil 5 is, to me, a bad Resident Evil game, HOWEVER, it is a brillant action game. The game feels too much like a bis repetita of RE4 but in daylight, some enemies are just repeats from the previous installments as well (hardly inventive) and something I also found very cheap was the bosses weak points (if you've played Lost Planet, you'll recognise these bright orange weak spots instantly, and also the bat scorpion boss reminded me hugely of the flying "bee" boss from Lost Planet too). On the other hand, the action of this game is well balanced, challenging enough, although very easy, the story is decent (I won't go there as there are too many spoilers).
As yet another turn in the series, I feel Resident Evil 5 should have been renamed to drop the Resident Evil element and be part of some sort of spin-off series. It would have been more fitting. So, if you're looking for a decent horror, edge of your seat game, turn to Silent Hill. However, if you just want the action and another slice of the Resident Evil story line then this game is for you.
In any case, this game is a must own. And you have doubts, try it before you buy, as usual.
PS: This game has a multiplayer element, which I have not played or intend to play (I am sad that way). It was deliberate of me not to include it in my review.