It's not Resident Evil 4, but it's still outstanding.
The problem with being so legendary is that the next game in the series always has some over-sized shoes to fill, and that is especially true for Resident Evil 5. It's predecessor, Resident Evil 4, took the series in a new direction and completely redefined the genre as we knew it, so Capcom was going to have to come up with something amazing if they were going to trump their previous success. And how well they accomplished this task is going to completely depend on your point of view.
Diehard fans of the series will probably be extremely disappointed, because a lot of what made the series so unique is now gone, starting with the inventory system that no longer varies the amount of space certain items take up. No matter how large or tiny an item is, every item takes one inventory slot, and you only get nine slots. So whether you're carrying nine eggs or nine rocket launchers, you will use exactly the same amount of space in each case. What's even more ridiculous is the fact your body armor takes up an inventory slot, which means that the Chris Redfield (the game's protagonist) must get protection from a bullet proof vest by sticking it in his pocket. If you're thinking this all makes no freaking sense whatsoever, you're absolutely right.
You'll also find that the game is all thriller and no chiller. While there's a certain level of excitement created by tribal zombies who want to bury their large spiked clubs into your skull, you'll find nothing frightening about it in the slightest. Barney episodes are far more disturbing and frightening than this game could ever hope to be, thanks to the fact that all of the struggle is gone. Not even conservation figures into the equation. Zombies constantly drop ammunition when you take them out, so you'll rarely find yourself in a spot where you're surrounded by them with only two bullets left in your pistol.
You're also going to have a constant companion, Sheva, throughout the entire game. This not only removes any semblance of fear (because you constantly have a partner with you) but can also add an extra layer of frustration at times. The problem is that her A.I. was obviously programmed by schizophrenics, because she's either so helpful that you'll be beside yourself with joy or so freaking stupid that you'll want to shoot her yourself. There really is no in-between with her, and it gets particularly bad during boss battles when you're forced to direct her everywhere. She's not even smart enough to grab a gun and start shooting or run away from a guy with a chainsaw without your say so.
So by the time you take away the fear and desperation, the ammunition conservation, the unique inventory system, and add in some jackass A.I., you end up with a game that feels nothing like its acclaimed predecessor and for all points of purposes is a flying piece of crap. Right?
Wrong. Because this game was intended to be another reinvention of the Resident Evil formula. The only similarities, when it really comes down to it, is the over-the-shoulder camera angle and the control mechanics. Everything else was intentionally changed to bring the game's pace up another notch but still prevent it from being a true run-and-gun experience. And it not only succeeds in doing this, it excels at it.
What Capcom went for here was a fun and exciting Co-Op game, and that's exactly what you get. So even though the A.I. will drive you right out of your mind, it becomes a much different game when playing playing with another opponent on line. Strategy takes a front seat, and you'd be amazed what a riot it is to clear out a room full of Zombies when you have a good partner...and how much loot you pick up along the way. This isn't even taking into account how technically flawless the online cooperative play is; it's literally seamless.
And once you actually play the game, it's fairly easy to see all of the time and attention that went into the title. It features spectacular sound and voice acting, an effective menu and upgrade system, a brilliant map, weapons that feel just right, a well-written storyline, and some absolutely breathtaking visuals. It all adds up to a very immersive experience that just about any gamer can, and should, enjoy to the fullest.
Recommendations for this game are fairly easy to make: If you're the type of gamer that will find yourself pining for another Resident Evil 4 and simply nit-picking this game to pieces, don't bother with this one. You'll be disappointed. But if you'll be able to see past this issue, or if you're new to the Resident Evil series, there is a lot of fun and replay value to be had here. Don't miss it.