Fear You Can't... Remember?
WARNING:
Spoilers, Bad Language!
Resident Evil has been a name that symbolizes horror since it's debut in 1996. In 2006, Resident Evil 4 was the most praised and critically acclaimed title of the series, redefining both gameplay and horror. How does Resident Evil 5 compare to it's predecessor?
Overall, Resident Evil 5 is an updated Resident Evil 4, complete with HD graphics, co-op and online. However, nothing special defines this game from the rest of the series, like Resident Evil 4 did. The game's slogan, "A fear you can't forget" is much exaggerated as there is nothing remotely scary about this installment of the Resident Evil series. Nonetheless, this game offers a great co-op experience.
p.s. I will not be reviewing the "Versus" pack that is to be released.
Spoilers, Bad Language!
Resident Evil has been a name that symbolizes horror since it's debut in 1996. In 2006, Resident Evil 4 was the most praised and critically acclaimed title of the series, redefining both gameplay and horror. How does Resident Evil 5 compare to it's predecessor?
- The story is good at best. As a direct sequel to Resident Evil 4, the story just continues where the last one ended. Nothing special that sets this title apart from the other Resident Evil titles.
- Some environments resemble those from Resident Evil 4. If you've played Resident Evil 4 before, you have an idea of what to expect.
- Graphics are amazing, however some cutscenes (non-QTE) are noticably poor than others due to pre-rendering. Also, playing on a standard TV, it's hard to see the laser sight, making it hard to aim.
- There are a few cutscenes that are awesome, others not so much. Either a lot of talking or Wesker doing Matrix moves.
- All sound-related content are great. However, the "call partner" action (B button) needs to be removed when playing co-op - their voices are annoying!
- Without the ability to move and attack, this makes the Knife unattractive to use in fights, unless you’re fighting against a small group of Majini.
- The Stun Rod, Melee Vest and Bulletproof Vest are completely useless. I thought that the Stun Rod would replace the Knife when equipped; the Melee Vest would reduce 90% of all melee damage taken and that the Bulletproof Vest is what it claims to be. Nope, they don’t do any of those.
- The animation time between actions is far too slow (like turning around and running, or using the knife then switching to shoot).
- I would've liked a "Dodge" button, like in Resident Evil 3. Considering that there were many opportunies to dodge an attack.
- I am disappointed that you can’t upgrade your Inventory space, like in Resident Evil 4 but since you have a partner now, I guess this is reasonable.
- When discarding items from the inventory, they disappear. Would've preferred a "Drop" option to drop the item on the ground so you can pick them up later instead.
- You can't trade weapons between each other when playing with 2 gamer profiles. I don't see the point in this. So, during the course of the game - one player will get a new weapon for free, whereas the other player has to buy it.
- There is no more merchant (from Resident Evil 4) to buy items or upgrade weapons. I think this is a great decision. My complaint is that you can’t buy ammo from the shop.
- There is no way to cancel reloading. This sucks when you're surrounded and you're reloading your shotgun.
- I like that you start off with Max health (not need to upgrade your health like in Resident Evil 4).
- Resident Evil is known for it’s crazy puzzles, however this is not the case with Resident Evil 5. There is probably only one puzzle that I needed to think about.
- Some of the bosses from Resident Evil 4 are re-designed and re-used in Resident Evil 5. Maybe this was intentional with this game being a direct sequel?
- The enemies on Veteran and Professional difficulties deal more damage. I would've preferred if they did normal difficulty damage but there are a LOT more enemies on screen.
- I was surprised to see the Licker from Resident Evil 2, but they are now retarded?
- Your partner’s A.I. is good but could have been improved.. He/she can cover your back but giving orders is somewhat of a hassle. It’s better to play co-op than single player.
- Setting up split-screen co-op is a hassle. Would've preferred the way they designed it in the demo.
- In Mercenaries mode, after completing a level, it only offers points. I was expecting it to offer cash afterwards.
- I like the way you can unlock Infinite Ammo for weapons.
- Achievements are reasonable.
Overall, Resident Evil 5 is an updated Resident Evil 4, complete with HD graphics, co-op and online. However, nothing special defines this game from the rest of the series, like Resident Evil 4 did. The game's slogan, "A fear you can't forget" is much exaggerated as there is nothing remotely scary about this installment of the Resident Evil series. Nonetheless, this game offers a great co-op experience.
p.s. I will not be reviewing the "Versus" pack that is to be released.
