[Munkey Boy]

The first Resident Evil game on a Microsoft machine, worth the wait? How did the coop play online? An outdated franchise or a brilliant reprise of a classic series?

Please vote in the poll and leave a comment in the thread once you've played enough of the game to judge it.

[sparko3671]

Excellent for me, really enjoyed it first go round. Now having fun with my upgraded guns on harder setting.

Must be good cause it's kept me off Left4Dead for a week.

[D2TheQ]

I done a bit of research on RE5 before purchasing as I’ve never really been that into the whole franchise. Most of the forums was saying how short the game was, how you can’t run n gun and how it was not really a survival horror game. Best to say there was a lot of negative comments and it really did put me off.

So I parted with my £40 and I’m happy to report this is the best game of 2009 so far (IMO). Yes the game is short played from start to finish, but I’m not the kind of gamer to do this in one 7-8 hour stint. I completed the game over 5 days putting in varying hours but after doing that last epic boss battle there is SO much replay value. After checking the game stats I’m now 25% and I have only done all the chapters on normal. I now need to find all 30 embalms, unlock all the different graphic filters, upgrade all the weapons which unlocks ubber weapons, unlock the different character uniforms, complete all levels on the different difficulty settings, do all the achievements and then find all the treasure. I'm sure there more to do but you get the idea.

Getting used to the controls are a little tricky at first if used to COD but soon popping zombies heads off with a magnum becomes 2nd nature. Levels are broken into chapters and each chapter has something different to offer with sometime several fantastic boss battle waiting for you at the end. Weapons are upgradable and if you max out the stats you can have infinite ammo which is really useful as ammo is mostly sparse. Weapons are broken down into the main categories handguns, shotguns, rifles, machine guns and heavy. Some are found and some needs to be purchased. Online play offers a whole new dimension as you will be required to backtrack through previous levels to collect money / ammo, heck the pure fun of it - and what better way to do it with then with a mate. It would be nice to have human vs zombie mode much alike L4D, but they crammed so much into this game I’m not bitter. Let’s hope it comes out as DLC !!!!!!

After you complete all the chapters you can then play 'Mercenaries' mode. It’s like an arcade mode where you have to kill as many zombies as possible before a timer runs out. Here you can unlock other characters from the game to play as.

Now for the cons... the inventory is a pain, you can only have 9 items at any one time (this includes ammo, health spray, weapons, armour). This makes changing weapons very slow when your surrounded by the infected and often gets you into trouble. Movement seems a lot slower than your average shooter but you soon get used to this pace. For some reason you are unable to talk to a player that’s just joined your game, you need to sent a XBL party request before you can chat which I found odd.

Graphics are beautiful and the landscapes awesome. The variety is this games is staggering and the levels are broken up so something different happens from chapter to chapter. This game is up there with the best of them and I can’t stress how essential this game is in anyone’s collection.

9/10

Anyone know what the eggs are for ..?

[Andy58]

I'm on my third play through and still loving it. I enjoy unlocking weapons and infinite ammunition and going for all the collectables. There's loads of back story and I think the co-op adds a new dimension to the game.

I've barely touched the Mercenaries mode but I will do once I complete it on Veteran. All in all, a really solid game with lots of replayability. The demo isn't particularly representative of the final game in my opinion, it just throws you in at the deep end of two action set pieces. The game is better than that.

[gingin]

voted excellent.

i love it, the animations are the best i have seen.

shooting them in the legs, and the way they spin around when shot - ace.

the graphics are really good too, one of the best. Its resi now an action game so the running and not shooting at the same time is an issue for some, but i have gotten used to it now.

top class 9/10

[quarry2006]

I might get this next month but I've noticed there's a version out with a DVD and all sorts of assorted gubbins to go with it. Has anyone here got it or has everyone gone for the standard version? I know something similar was done with Gears Of War 2 so it seems to be a bit of a trend.

[Andy58]

Quarry -there is a special edition but the only extra for EU terrotories is a 1HR "making of" DVD in the case. The case is also metal with different artwork to the standard. Compared to the US CE, its a very poor show:

GameSpy: Resident Evil 5 Collector's Edition Revealed

[quarry2006]

Ahh, well it's not worth it then. I though there were more extras, to be honest.

[dannius]

Right, finally completed this and I have to say really enjoyed myself doing so. I played through on normal and found it a challenge without being ridiculously hard, there were some frustrating moments when I thought i'd never progress but like all the good games after a few times trying you manage to move on.

There were some moments when I longed for Gears' controls, and I got annoyed when Chris kept turning around for no reason when using the stun rod () but overall they worked well for the type of game.

In solo play Sheva was generally a good AI ally, she got on my nerves occasionally when she kept getting herself killed, but she also saved me loads so I can't complain!

The graphics deserve a mention as they really are top drawer, up there with the best of this generation so far.

I'm still yet to play it co-op, and have only had a brief go at Mercenaries. Also there are still some solo achievements to unlock so I have a feeling i'll be playing for a little while yet. Good VFM IMO.

Overall a great game, the best i've played recently and would recommend to anyone.

[Crovon]

I voted a 9 excellent!

I really hated the demo and was certain that I wasnt going to by it, but I was pursuaded by some friends to give it a go.

I am really glad that I did! I have just done my 4th playthrough and have all 1000/1000 achievement points. Its a great game and a worthy addition to the franchise - if a little short.

Well deserved of at least 1 -2 playthroughs

[jamienufc]

I voted Outstanding because I can't remember a game where I've enjoyed myself so much and wanted to replay a game for things I'd missed on my first run through. I really struggle to find anything I didn't like and feel the co-op element to the game really adds to things. It's great playing with a friend, but the AI is very good aswell - it does the job.

Like so many I played the demo and hated it. Found it too difficult, throught the controls were awful and generally didn't enjoy playing it. After all the hype I decided I wouldn't buy it. Then, I came onto these forums a couple of days following release and people were raving about it. Lots were saying that they to hated the demo but were really enjoying the full release. After reading lots of comments like these I decided to pick the game up and pursuaded a friend to do the same.

When I first started playing (on normal) I found the game really difficult, especially aiming. I couldn't get my head around the fact that you couldnt move and shoot, but at the same time I found myself having fun. I didn't really understand what bssa embelems were, or what you did with treasure etc but I began enjoying myself. I played level 1.1 with a friend and things began to click into place. We were swapping ammo, healing eachother and helping eachother out fighting the enemys. Then over the next couple of levels I got to grips with alot of the features of the game like requesting items, selling treasure for cash, combining items etc, things that went over my head during the first level or two. I was at this point that I fell in love with the controls and movement too. You begin to realise that you control the game the way you do to create tension. It would be too easy to run and gun gears of war stylee. You have to take time with your shots, go for head shots to conserve ammo and avoid getting swamped by the enemy. When this 'clicks' you start playing a survival horror game and stop trying to play gears of war or the like.

Thinking back about the overall game I've got really fond memories. The graphics are jaw dropping as are the cut scenes. The story is fine and intersting to follow. You can flesh it out by reading the many items scattered throughtpout the the levels. Plus there are characters from past games to please the resi fans.

The levels themselves are varied and interesting. The game never felt samey to me because of the changes in scenery but also due to the changes in enemy. There are numerous 'boss' fights that require you to target weak spots, puzzels to gain access to certain areas of the map, on the rails shooting sections, arcade style screen prompt sections that require certain timed button pushes to progress and exploration sections where tension is built before the enemy is unleased on you.

Replayability is very good too, with numerous achievements for performing certain tasks, rewards and unlocks for performing certain requirements, treasure to find and collect, weapons to find and upgrade and bssa emblems to find. All this going on, which you could choose to ignore or aim for on repeat playthroughs. The collecting side to the game didn't feel tacked on because the more treasure you collect the more money you will make to upgrade your weapons with ect. A very worthy addition to the game I felt and added that layer of depth and replayability a single player game needs.

All in all I highly recommend this game. My only negative point is that whilst tension is created and there are some 'tense' moments I never felt scared. I also feel the inventory system can sometimes be a pain if your havent got something mapped to the d-pad and need it quickly. But dont let these two minor points detract from the game because when you take the whole package into account this is A1 gaming at its finest. This is my first Resident Evil game and after playing Im now a huge fan of the franchise and cant wait for Resident Evil 6!

Well done Capcom 10/10

Anyone who is sitting on the fence after feeling underwhelmed by the demo needs to add this game to their collection, it really is THAT good.

[COPPER585]

Anyone know what the eggs are for ..?[/QUOTE]

you eat them to regain some health.been with resi evil since number 1, love them all but this is one of the best, imho number 2 is my fav.

[jayd]

Originally Posted by COPPER585

Anyone know what the eggs are for ..?

you eat them to regain some health.been with resi evil since number 1, love them all but this is one of the best, imho number 2 is my fav.[/QUOTE]

Also sell rotten eggs for 2000 a piece.

[quarry2006]

Umm, I'm still undecided on this and the most recent review here has done little to persuade me. I play alone, see. I don't "do" online gaming or co-op so I have to really wonder at Capcom making a game which really only comes into its own with both. Whilst I can understand developers making the most of the online aspect of the 360, if this is at the expense of an equally good single player experience then I'd feeling pretty short-changed with this title.

Sadly, it was either RE5 or Left 4 Dead for me and I'm being told that title is very much a great game...once you play it online.

[jamienufc]

I think RE5 is still a fantastic game when played solo. The option to co-op is just that - an option. Yes its great fun communicating with a mate over live and kicking some ass together, but its equally as much fun playing with the AI (which imo is more than capable).

The game is full of exploration and like i said in my review has a massive collectable side to it. Alot of this is best done in singleplayer anyway so you dont annoy your co-op buddy when you keep stopping and saying stuff like 'my guide says theres a bssa embelm around here..'

I'd recommend having a couple of solo runs through, collecting treasure, bssa embelms, unlocking weapons etc and then having a couple of co-op runs through to tackle the harder difficulties.

[kingfats]

I voted excellent i'm enjoying the game very much audio/video are top notch plus storyline and cut scenes are great.
Fine with the controls and the gameplays fun.

[inzaman]

I gave it a ‘good’. Whilst for me it is a good game I don’t think it’s great as it is kind of caught between a survival horror and action imo. There’s too much action for it to be survival horror and the action is too slow for it to be purely action – I don’t think it quite knows what it wants to be.

The highlight of the series for me was definitely the first one, this was the first time I had experienced a survival horror game and I enjoyed everything about it. It would be nice if they released this ala SFII HD Remix, or for the next Resident Evil go back to survival horror as opposed to action – if action then speed up the main characters and improve the targeting. It is frustrating (especially on Veteran) when you spin round only to find your laser target a mile away from a monster running towards you and it then taking an age to line the sight up as your character is too slow, then bang a chunk of energy gone so cheaply

With the first Resident Evil you had to really conserve your amo, trying to take the Zombies down with just a knife where possible, using the Shotgun sparingly, and it was an event when you finally got the Magnum which again was used very sparingly. With RE5 you get too many guns too cheaply imo and I personally think that less is more in this type of game. Also why do developers insist on using cut scenes where you have to memorise what buttons to press or know where the buttons are on the control pad, it is annoying having worked through the strategy of a chapter and done really well to then get killed cheaply because you missed the on screen prompt. Further you cannot take the cut scenes in therefore missing out on the story as you are too busy looking at the bottom of the screen for the prompt for it to never arrive or when you glance away it is a cut scene with a prompt for a button action, and then you are dead so have to sit through the thing again.

On the plus side the graphics are great and despite my comments about the first Resident Evil I do like the leveling up of the guns, I just wished there weren’t so many of them; in a game like this do you really need so many different machine guns, or shot guns – I thought I was looking at the COD4 equipment list at one point.

If you want survival horror then Dead Space is your game, if you want to shoot zombies then I understand Left for Dead is your game, if you want a kind of in between then RE5 is definitely worth a look – just remember survival horror pretty much left the series after the original Resident Evil

[jamienufc]

Originally Posted by inzaman

I gave it a ‘good’. Whilst for me it is a good game I don’t think it’s great as it is kind of caught between a survival horror and action imo. There’s too much action for it to be survival horror and the action is too slow for it to be purely action – I don’t think it quite knows what it wants to be.

The highlight of the series for me was definitely the first one, this was the first time I had experienced a survival horror game and I enjoyed everything about it. It would be nice if they released this ala SFII HD Remix, or for the next Resident Evil go back to survival horror as opposed to action – if action then speed up the main characters and improve the targeting. It is frustrating (especially on Veteran) when you spin round only to find your laser target a mile away from a monster running towards you and it then taking an age to line the sight up as your character is too slow, then bang a chunk of energy gone so cheaply

With the first Resident Evil you had to really conserve your amo, trying to take the Zombies down with just a knife where possible, using the Shotgun sparingly, and it was an event when you finally got the Magnum which again was used very sparingly. With RE5 you get too many guns too cheaply imo and I personally think that less is more in this type of game. Also why do developers insist on using cut scenes where you have to memorise what buttons to press or know where the buttons are on the control pad, it is annoying having worked through the strategy of a chapter and done really well to then get killed cheaply because you missed the on screen prompt. Further you cannot take the cut scenes in therefore missing out on the story as you are too busy looking at the bottom of the screen for the prompt for it to never arrive or when you glance away it is a cut scene with a prompt for a button action, and then you are dead so have to sit through the thing again.

On the plus side the graphics are great and despite my comments about the first Resident Evil I do like the leveling up of the guns, I just wished there weren’t so many of them; in a game like this do you really need so many different machine guns, or shot guns – I thought I was looking at the COD4 equipment list at one point.

If you want survival horror then Dead Space is your game, if you want to shoot zombies then I understand Left for Dead is your game, if you want a kind of in between then RE5 is definitely worth a look – just remember survival horror pretty much left the series after the original Resident Evil

Good review, nice to hear the thoughts of a Resi veteran (this is my first resi game). To me this was survival horror because its all I know (I'm an fps and action nut), and this was nothing like what I'd ever played before, hence the 'excellent' rating. The pace and style of the game felt fresh and exciting, but I do appreciate where your coming from in the sense of different gaming elements and genres i.e. a bit of survival horror, a bit of action with a bit of puzzle solving plus throw in some rpg elements.

I too wish for an updated resi game, because I missed out first time round and have found something in this game that I really like, so to experience it in its purest form would be fantastic.

[quarry2006]

Originally Posted by inzaman

I gave it a ‘good’. Whilst for me it is a good game I don’t think it’s great as it is kind of caught between a survival horror and action imo. There’s too much action for it to be survival horror and the action is too slow for it to be purely action – I don’t think it quite knows what it wants to be.

The highlight of the series for me was definitely the first one, this was the first time I had experienced a survival horror game and I enjoyed everything about it. It would be nice if they released this ala SFII HD Remix, or for the next Resident Evil go back to survival horror as opposed to action – if action then speed up the main characters and improve the targeting. It is frustrating (especially on Veteran) when you spin round only to find your laser target a mile away from a monster running towards you and it then taking an age to line the sight up as your character is too slow, then bang a chunk of energy gone so cheaply

With the first Resident Evil you had to really conserve your amo, trying to take the Zombies down with just a knife where possible, using the Shotgun sparingly, and it was an event when you finally got the Magnum which again was used very sparingly. With RE5 you get too many guns too cheaply imo and I personally think that less is more in this type of game. Also why do developers insist on using cut scenes where you have to memorise what buttons to press or know where the buttons are on the control pad, it is annoying having worked through the strategy of a chapter and done really well to then get killed cheaply because you missed the on screen prompt. Further you cannot take the cut scenes in therefore missing out on the story as you are too busy looking at the bottom of the screen for the prompt for it to never arrive or when you glance away it is a cut scene with a prompt for a button action, and then you are dead so have to sit through the thing again.

On the plus side the graphics are great and despite my comments about the first Resident Evil I do like the leveling up of the guns, I just wished there weren’t so many of them; in a game like this do you really need so many different machine guns, or shot guns – I thought I was looking at the COD4 equipment list at one point.

If you want survival horror then Dead Space is your game, if you want to shoot zombies then I understand Left for Dead is your game, if you want a kind of in between then RE5 is definitely worth a look – just remember survival horror pretty much left the series after the original Resident Evil

I take it you've not played RE4 then? The changes that you think were heralded in with RE5 were actually instigated with that game. Capcom clearly felt the time was ripe for change and it was a refreshing change. No, it's not survival horror anymore and is more about taking all the enemies down rather than avoiding them. But the elements of creepiness are still there and there's tension that you won't really find elsewhere.

As for a remake of the first Resident Evil, we've already had it in the form of the excellent redux on the Gamecube, which knocks the PS original into the proverbial cocked hat.

The prompts during cut scenes (again, intoduced in RE4) were a great idea and a means to stop gamers plonking the gamepad down on the sette whilst they sat through a few minutes if chat. It maintains the sense of invovlement with the game, which can only be a good thing, no?

[quarry2006]

Originally Posted by jamienufc

I think RE5 is still a fantastic game when played solo. The option to co-op is just that - an option. Yes its great fun communicating with a mate over live and kicking some ass together, but its equally as much fun playing with the AI (which imo is more than capable).

The game is full of exploration and like i said in my review has a massive collectable side to it. Alot of this is best done in singleplayer anyway so you dont annoy your co-op buddy when you keep stopping and saying stuff like 'my guide says theres a bssa embelm around here..'

I'd recommend having a couple of solo runs through, collecting treasure, bssa embelms, unlocking weapons etc and then having a couple of co-op runs through to tackle the harder difficulties.

Cheers. I'm getting my copy in a few weeks' time and I've asked the missus if she'd entertain the idea of playing co-op with me. She said she'll give it a go, only if I don't shout at her...looks like it's single play for me then!

[Kinetic Frenzy]

I hated the demo but hearing enough people give it good reviews convinced me to take a punt and i'm glad that i did. Its the first game since GOW2 where i've been motivated to keep progressing the story and then on completion go back and re-play time and time again.

The game has bundles of replayability and i love the sound of collecting money and gems

9 for me, can't be a 10 as there's no horror to it anymore (i didn't play 4 but understand that this did manage to keep some creepiness about it despite going Rambo).

[xox Godders xox]

I think they’ve pretty much nailed it in terms of bringing the series into the next generation, making it feel like a RE game but also making enough changes for it to not just be a clone of any of its predecessors (I played through RE 2 & 4 as well as Code veronica: X so I have a bit of experience of the series). Perhaps some of the RE feel isn’t there but I don’t think that’s such a bad thing. I don’t just want to play a slightly sexier looking version of RE4 (as good as RE4 is), I want a fresh experience and I think RE5 delivers in this respect (and there were a few parts where the “RE feel” was definitely there anyway).

Reading some of the criticism it just goes to show that they’re damned if they do and they’re damned if they don’t. Those new to the series complain of “clunky” controls but if they’d made significant changes then previous fans of the series would no doubt have been in uproar about it being “dumbed down” (I wander if there was a temptation to just make Gears of Resident Call of Duty Evil War and be done with it?). Some say it’s too similar to previous RE’s, some say it’s not similar enough. Like I said I think they’ve struck a pretty good balance overall.

I think the achievements are very well considered too and although it’s mostly about the gameplay for me I have to say it looks pretty amazing and with a good variation in environments.

There are a few flaws; the inventory system is a bit lame. I don’t have a problem with the restrictions on what you can carry but the fact that a green herb takes up the same amount of space as an RPG launcher is a bit silly. I would’ve liked to have seen the briefcase carried over from RE4 (or something similar). I think Sheva works well in general but there are one or two points in the game where she gets in the way. There is a chapter where you need to move quickly and hide in recesses in the wall and I found she got in the way a bit here. And she can cane your gear if you don’t manage her inventory properly but I found that’s something I learned pretty quickly at which point it ceases to really be a problem. All things considered there were far more occasions in the game where she was a help rather than a hindrance.

From a purely personal perspective I would rather they’d putt all of their efforts into fleshing out the SP game rather than adding all of the MP stuff. I wasn’t as disappointed with the length as some seem to be (especially considering how much I’m looking forward to playing through again at least once) but if they could have ditched the MP stuff and made it longer then that would’ve suited me. Like I said, a personal thing.

So excellent overall I think, there really aren’t many games that I’ve enjoyed more than RE5 since owning a 360.

9/10

[rio1981]

Terrific game, just got the full 1000 on this today.

First time around on normal difficulty took about 10 hours in co-op with my other half, not too bad when you consider all the upgrade options there are available, the collectible items, etc. Just ran through on Professional and managed to get it done in under four hours.

It's the best-looking game I've seen on this console, despite the slight tearing I get over VGA. I can't comment too much on how helpful the AI is as I've only been playing in co-op locally.

I think the controls suit Resi perfectly, I hated the old-style Resi games where you'd enter a room at the "far end" as far as the camera is concerned, really made it difficult to aim at your enemies. So I'm glad that RE5 has stuck to the same formula as RE4, I think the controls add to the tension and satisfaction (a fully upgraded magnum shot to the head of an enemy just doesn't get boring!).

The whole package is class from start to finish, highly recommended - 9/10

[buster_broon]

Voted good

couple of issues aside its a good game, but a step backwards since RE4 is better in my opinion

the controls are just awful at times and you always seem to face the wrong way after cut scenes

otherwise played around 40hrs and now on Professional mode

[Doctor Smirnoff]

Originally Posted by rio1981

It's the best-looking game I've seen on this console, despite the slight tearing I get over VGA.

Relieve to hear someone else getting this. Can prove quite distracting and thought for a while it was maybe just my machine or disk.

Game overall - or what I've played at least - is good. Not as exciting as L4D, or as tense as Dead Space. But a nice, casual middle ground.

I realise it's been said before but the inventory system and static shooting is so old school it's just restrictive. Ok, maybe run & gun wouldn't be appropriate, but surely a slow walk whilst blasting away wouldn't be too much to ask for?

So yeah, overall a 7 or 8 from me.

[quarry2006]

I gave it an excellent. The inventory system isn't so bad when you use the shortcuts for changing weapons and reloading and having a permanent partner along works really well (I did try and have the wife play co-op but it didn't work out). Graphics-wise, the game's a stunner, taking the look of the already impressive RE4 to its logical conclusion. The soundtrack is excellent, really amping up the tense atmosphere of the game. I thought I'd miss the merchant, but the ability to upgrade, sell and buy at the start of each play makes up for his absence. All-in-all, whilst I haven't yet finished the game, I'm confident that I'll be revsiting it as many times as its predecessor.

[Meadsy4742]

Avid Resident Evil fan here.

Looked forward to this game for ages and I'm glad it was a long wait for something so outstanding.

Started off having a little trouble getting used to the controls, but after a quick tweak in the settings I was on my way. I was sucked in straight away, loving the new environment and enemy, not to mention the bosses.

The weapons are quite amazing aswell, I was expecting one pistol, one shotgun, one machine gun and maybe some kind of explosives, but they have kept to their style.

My only gripe about the whole game is Sheva, or, to be precise, the AI of Sheva, an ammo wasting, stupid, tactless character.

I've rated this game Excellent.

[quarry2006]

Okay, I'm in the middle of Chapter 5 so I'm nearly at the end now and there's just a couple of niggly things that, whilst they don'tt ruin the game or make me want to review my rating, they are worthy of mention.

One is that in all cut scenes, Chris is seen to be holding a pistol, no matter what weapon you've equipped him with - in RE4 this didn't happen. Also, I miss the descriptions of the weapons that we got in RE4. One other is that, by using the save and quit option, you can tool your characters up with endless supplies of ammo. Whilst this is something definitely worth taking advantage of, I think this was a huge oversight by Capcom when developing the game.

[GamerThombus]

I put very good, i managed to get 1000 GS and i pretty much enjoyed every second trying to get all the achievments, the biggest negative point for me is sheva it is nearly impossible to do veteran by yourself because she is so useless but that didn't really matter to me because i only wanted to play co-op anyway so yeah thumbs up from me. Not very impressed with the versus mode though.

[A Legal Beagle]

I voted outstanding on this one

It was always going to be difficult for RE:5 to live upto RE:4 and some say it hasnt.

IMO it has and even exceeded the previous instalments. It retains the majority of whats good about the series and adds great cut scenes, graphics, replayability, Co-op and Multiplayer (although iam not a big fan of MP on RE)

Its one of the few games that keeps me going back for more
I have replayed the game at least 10 times.

Co-op is a massive plus for me and last night a friend and I managed to complete it on Professional mode. IMO extremely difficult. Normally I give up to easily but whilst it was difficult I went back for more until the war hero achievement popped up!

This achievement actually gave me a real sense of achievement and Iam proud to have the medal

Although I wont say how many deaths we racked up trying to complete pro mode

Cracking game which will keep me going until this years AAA titles start arriving.