Resident Evil 5

"One Small Step for a Series, One Great Title for Gamers"

INTRODUCTION

The fifth title in Capcom's Biohazard series isn't revolutionary. It doesn't move the series, genre or gaming in general forward in any significant way. It probably won't be remembered as being particularly influential. But it is one thing that really shouldn't be underestimated: extremely fun. Biohazard 5 provides an enjoyable experience that just about any gamer will be able to derive a significant amount of value from. The game is fun to play and gives you plenty of reasons to keep coming back.

Note that I use the game (and series) original title partially because it is the “real” name, but more so because it is the title I am used to and feel it is ultimately a more appropriate name. Hopefully fans of the “Resident Evil” title will be able to overlook this personal preference.

STORY & CHARACTERS – 7/10

The previous entry in the series (Biohazard 4) was something of departure, being only vaguely connected (story-wise) to the other games. Biohazard 5 bucks this trend and brings back both the main character and villain from the original game. The series has always been known for cheesy action and campy dialogue, and this title is no exception. Many of the cutscenes play out like something out of the Matrix or a Metal Gear Solid title, and some of the writing is so bad that you'll wincing and laughing most of the time. The game starts on a semi-serious note, but seems to grow more ridiculous as the game progresses, with the final third of the game really going over the top.

The saving grace is that story and most of the characters involved are pure fan service. The game includes a special library with in-depth files listing the history of the series and several of its main characters, as well as connecting all the previous titles together and giving a complete history of the series. I walked away from the experience feeling like I had a very strong grip on everything that had happened to the series and how it all fits together.

Additionally, Capcom deserves kudos for providing a “real” ending to a game. In an era when naming a AAA title that doesn't end in a cliff-hanger can be a chore, Biohazard goes all out and really wraps everything up nicely.

Many gamers (myself included) might find it hard to care about the story and characters, which are not especially good from an objective perspective. But the developers do deserve praise for making a game geared towards their long-term fans, and taking the extra effort to leave virtually nothing unanswered.

GAMEPLAY – 8/10

Capcom's decision to carry over the gameplay of Biohazard 4 basically intact was a hotly contested one, and I'd like preface my evaluation of it by saying that I was one of the naysayers. I had a strong negative impression from the demo and didn't think I was going to be able to adjust. The previous game worked well for its time, but four years have passed and in many ways the gameplay felt a little archaic.

But this ceases to matter after about 20-30 minutes of play. The controls might not represent the cutting edge of gameplay, but the game is a lot of fun to play. The controls are purposefully a bit clunky, but it doesn't feel weighted down. The overall experience of shooting and moving is quite comfortable.

Several new elements have been introduced, some more successful than others. The game does away with previous Biohazard's inventory system, which involved going into the pause menu to access, use or rearrange items. Now each character has exactly nine slots for nine items, and the inventory is accessed real time in game. Up to four items can be hot-keyed through the D-pad for quick equipping. This system can be a little frustrating to get a handle on at first, but actually is quite manageable once you learn the ropes.

The most prominent change comes in the form of co-op play. The entire game plays out with two main characters, Chris and Sheva. Both are on-screen at all times. With only one player, Sheva is controlled by A.I. that fairs well enough on the easier difficulties, but quickly breaks down on the harder ones.

This OK because the game is best enjoyed with a human partner. Biohazard 5 can be player co-op splitscreen, over system link or online, all of which work quite well. Trying to manage resources and come up with strategies to tackle different encounters is extremely fun and greatly adds to the overall experience.

One less successful addition is the puzzling choice to suddenly add a cover system to the final third of the game. Cover systems are all the rage these days and it seems like something of a contradiction for Capcom to have stubbornly held on to the core Biohazard 4 gameplay but then make a concession like this. The system isn't bad (though it's nowhere near the level of something like Gears of War), but it feels out of place and brings the game's identity into question.

Biohazard 5 contains a wide variety of weapons, each of which feels relatively distinct. Each has several different upgradeable characteristics, adding to their value. The enemy variety is also quite good…some repeats are inevitable, but there's enough there to not make it feel repetitive. The game throws a ton of boss fights at you, and though their design is relatively uninspired (a few are even rehashes of bosses from the fourth game), most are fun to play with the exception of a few quicktime events.

Speaking of which, the game contains a fair amount of quicktime sequences. On some level the game gets a pass since it was Biohazard 4 that helped popularize QTE and led to their overuse, but it does feel a little tired and it would have been nicer to see encounters that focused on testing the player's skills through the core gameplay.

One final mention is that Biohazard 5 is not an especially difficult game. The easy and normal settings are a breeze, and while the two harder settings can provide a challenge initially, player's who have fully upgraded their weapons and unlocked infinite ammo settings should have little trouble. Not every game needs to be a Ninja Gaiden or N+ to be fun, but it would have been nice to see a little more challenge.

GRAPHICS & SOUND – 10/10

Simply put, Biohazard 5 is one of the best-looking console games available. The wide variety of environments look gorgeous (some of the scenery is literally breath-taking), and textures universally hold up to close scrutiny. Character models look extremely life-like and emote especially well. All cutscenes were created in-engine, but you honestly wouldn't know it to look at them. The lighting deserves special mention as there were several sections in which I found myself stopping to admire it, jaw agape.

Really just one nitpick is that much of the environment feels oddly static. While many objects can be destroyed, broken or knocked around, others are strangely immobile. It feels weird when Chris' way is blocked by an immovable sheet hanging from a clothesline.

The sound is also strong, with a near-flawless 5.1 mix and suitable sound effects for everything from guns to smashed objects. The voice-acting is also top-notch, especially considering the cheesy dialogue that the actors were forced to work with.

REPLAYABILITY – 10/10

One would be hard-pressed to complain that Biohazard 5 offers little in the way of replayability. While it may be a bit shorter than the previous game, it is still a bit longer than average: about 8-10 hours, depending on playstyle.

But Biohazard 5 offers more than enough reasons to go back. Acquiring all the weapons (let alone upgrading them all fully) is impossible in one run, and the completion of each section concludes with a grading based on various factors such as time, accuracy, etc. The higher the grade, the more points are awarded. These points can than in turn be used to buy everything from extra costumes, infinite ammo for weapons, special filters (sepia, black & white, etc.) to collectible figurines that can be viewed in a special library section. This section also contains a variety of “files” (see Story & Characters above) that provides more information for those who are interested.

The stupendous Mercenaries mode is also back, providing timed challenges on smaller maps. This is a tremendous addition that will keep players busy for many hours past the main campaign.

The inclusion of cooperative play online, via system link or through splitscreen serves as the final nail in the coffin of certainty that you will get your money's worth from this game. If there was ever a title that was worth the full price charged for brand new titles these days, this is it.

FINAL RECOMMENDATION

The previous Biohazard game was notable not only for its drastic departure from earlier games in the series, but for the fact that it moved up the bar for gaming in general. Biohazard 5 might not be the revolutionary title that its predecessor was (with the possible exception being graphics), but its outrageously fun gameplay and high replay value shouldn't be overlooked. The developers did implement some questionable design decisions, but the product as a whole is quality one that I can safely say nearly any gamer will enjoy.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/08/09

Game Release: Resident Evil 5 (US, 03/13/09)