Cert: 12+
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3
Genre: Third person shooter, survival horror
The Resident Evil games are regarded as some of the scariest ever made. The latest incarnation is a lot more action orientated than it's predecessors although it definitely has the feel of a horror movie – zombie on motorbikes being just one freaky encounter.
The big inclusion this time round is co-op and here Resident Evil 5 can safely stand beside Gears of War II. There are lots of occasions when you'll have to cover your partner, rescue them or even give them a boost to jump to another building. If you detest the people on Xbox Live fear not. You can play with an AI controlled buddy instead – although don't expect her to be too concerned about conserving ammo.
The graphics in Resident Evil 5 are some of the best you'll experience in any current generation game; unfortunately the controls are not. For some bizarre reason you can't run and gun simultaneously. Instead the game forces you to shoot at the approaching zombies, run away when they get close, fire again, rinse and repeat. While this does ratchet up the tension it will drive anyone who has played Call of Duty nuts. The other problem with this game is the inventory system which seems to work on the principle of trial and error.
Niggles aside this is both a welcome addition to the series and a good starting point for Resident Evil virgins.
Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 5/5
Game Play: 4/5
Replay Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Reviewed By: Bryan Collins