Resident Evil 5 builds upon the reputation of the fourth game and successfully ends one of the longest running arcs.
The gameplay of Resident Evil 5 is largely the same as the previous game. You're still using the over-the-shoulder third person perspective. You still use a laser sight to aim and you still have context sensitive actions in certain situations. What is different is the co-op mechanic and item management.
Resident Evil 5 is the first game to be played co-op (if you disregard Outbreak). It's certainly an interesting idea. I'm pleased that they went this way as co-op games that can be played locally are getting sparse these days. The option exists to have someone join in from online making sure that you almost always have a person to play with. However, even by yourself, the computer plays Sheva excellently, healing when you need it and choosing to use weapons that you give her.
Item management has been changed as well. You no longer have a large case that you can access whenever you want. With only nine slots to choose from, you need to make sure you choose your weapons and other items carefully. You can quick switch weapons and items with the directional pad, but if you need anything else, you're going to have to push triangle and hope you're not mauled in the process. This really ratchets up the tension helping to mitigate the choice of ultra bright conditions that Resident Evil is not known for.
Like Resident Evil 4, you're fighting Las Plagas victims. They are typically tougher than zombies and far more intelligent. Indeed, the Majini of the game use weapons intelligently, dodge your aim, and attempt to work together. They also come at you in disturbing numbers. While you may have enough ammo to take them down, your aim is slow and you can't shoot and run. I feel this is a bit weak as it artificially creates tension in how slow and clunky your character is. The actual character of Chris Redfield is muscular to the point of silly and highly trained. Am I really expected to believe that he can't run and shoot? Still, it is a blast to play.
Visually, this is the best Resident Evil has ever looked. The characters look great and aside from the occasional clunky parts, they move like humans would. Environments are suitably detailed and make you feel like you are actually in a war torn part of Africa. Cut scenes are all done with the game engine as well.
The sound design is excellent as well. All of the voice acting for the game is superb, especially for Albert Wesker and Excella. Background music will grow and intensify during fights and fade afterwards to help you determine if you've killed all of the enemies in an area.
The value for the game is based on the Gold Edition. There's a ton of things to see and do here. Aside from the main quest which should take around 20 hours to complete, you have player versus player battles, the Mercenaries (two versions with different characters in each), unlockable cheats and other things, alternate costumes, the Lost in Nightmares and Desperate Escape scenario. The latter two scenarios themselves can take a few hours to complete easily. Needless to say, the Gold Edition of Resident Evil 5 has a ton of things to see and do.
I loved Resident Evil 5 to be honest. It's jam packed full of content, it's fun to play alone or with a friend, and it continues to tell the overarching story of the series. The end of Resident Evil 5 successfully completes one of the longest running arcs in the series. It's a fitting end to a villain in the game and wonderful experience overall. This game now usually runs in the $20 range, so pick it up if you haven't.
The Good: Excellent graphics and sound, co-op play is fun, tons of replay value, additional scenarios are interesting and fun, Mercenaries is a blast, excellent end to the series most prominent villain.
The Bad: Overall style of the game may alienate some, can't run and shoot.