Resident Evil 5

[x Returner x]

If you aree going to be near LA this Friday...
Gameplay will be selling Resident Evil 5 this Friday!

WOOT!

[KamaItachi]

I just got an email saying my CE has shipped. Hopefully playing this this weekend.

Gripes with the controls aside, I can't wait.

[Urizen]

I don't care much for the co-op, and I find this sidekick trend repugnant, but I'm happy to say that RE5 is still very much an RE game.

I'm still early in it, and it's not as good as good as RE4, but it's almost an unfair comparison to beg. My two major gripes aside, I'll take it over Dead Space in a cinch.

I will say that there is a fine line between paying homage to a series' legacy and regurgitating past material, but when you take whole set pieces and copy and paste, I think you go too far.

[Narradisall]

What! How can you have it already!

DAMN YOU!!!

I wants it...

[National Kato]

This will have to be a rental for me. By the time I can budget it in and actually play it, everyone will have completed it and co-op seems to be the only way to enjoy the game fully.

[Kenzington4short]

According to Cheap Ass Gamer, you'll be able to pick up the game at Toys R Us and get a $20.00 gift card. [link (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=216257)]

This is for NEXT week, Friday and Saturday only, so if you can wait until then you can pick up the game and nab a $20 gift card for a future purchase.

[Urizen]

What! How can you have it already!

A friend of a friend. ;)

He's never been able to get me anything in the past, so this is a nice surprise. It's definitely worth the money if I had to buy it. It pulled me away from Valkyria Chronicles.

I will say that if there's anyone who missed out on RE4, they are going to enjoy this game a whole lot more. If you've played RE4, this will feel like a bit of a retread or a remake. The first three bosses play A LOT like certain bosses out of the last game.

Still a lot of polish and fun. But disappointing in a significant number of ways. The gameplay being what it is, RE5 should have come out 12 to 18 months ago.

[TheCuriousLittleOyster]

Can't buy anything atm with Uni fees and text books...still haven't even gotten the new Silent Hill :(

At least I still have Fallout/Oblivion sidequests to keep me sane.

[Narradisall]

A friend of a friend. ;)

He's never been able to get me anything in the past, so this is a nice surprise. It's definitely worth the money if I had to buy it. It pulled me away from Valkyria Chronicles.

I will say that if there's anyone who missed out on RE4, they are going to enjoy this game a whole lot more. If you've played RE4, this will feel like a bit of a retread or a remake. The first three bosses play A LOT like certain bosses out of the last game.

Still a lot of polish and fun. But disappointing in a significant number of ways. The gameplay being what it is, RE5 should have come out 12 to 18 months ago.

Good for me, I never played the 4th. Last one I played was the 3rd, lol.

The co-op peaked my interest so I'll give it a whirl and hopefully watching my freidns eaten by all manners of freakish things will help me ignore any glitchy problems.

[Urizen]

Good for me, I never played the 4th. Last one I played was the 3rd, lol.

The co-op peaked my interest so I'll give it a whirl and hopefully watching my freidns eaten by all manners of freakish things will help me ignore any glitchy problems.

Two things. The game's not glitchy. I've twice had my 360 pause for a second when the enemy threw a grenade towards me, but that's it. One annoying change is the new save system. The game makes you miss the typewriter system from previous games.

Now we've got automatic checkpoints. And when ever the game is saved at a checkpoint your inventory is also saved. So you cant go back and restart the level with the stuff you had before. You can't load a previous save file to turn the clock back a few minutes. I always felt the save system worked for the type of game RE is, but they changed it to Gears style. You never know when you're going to take a step and trigger a cut-scene (and thereby a checkpoint) and lose the opportunity FOREVER of investigating a certain area to pick up treasures, cash and ammo.

My issues with the game are not technical, but design-related.

Onward:

Here some impression when I was about 40% through the game:

I'm on Chapter 3-3, so I've played through half the game so far and it didn't take me very long at all. Maybe four hours, and I'm a very slow, methodical, search-every-corner type of player. (I might be even farther in given the type of weapons I have at my disposal at this stage.)

RE4 was so polished, it would be a massive disappointment if the follow-up disappointed there. So, yes, the controls are sharp. The graphics are sharp. The voice acting is pretty good...but there is enough trademark silliness to ensure we're still playing an RE game. At one point early in the game, Chris finds the key to a certain room and just as he's about to use it, a boss materializes behind him. Instead of using the key, opening and door and locking the boss on the other side and moving on....Chris runs down a branching corridor to fight the boss.

The sidekick trend in games is still not perfected. Essentially, the game is meant to be played co-op. Otherwise, you have to manage twice the inventory. Capcom expects you to use Sheva in single player as a mule for carrying around inventory you'll need yourself, which is the reason you can carry so little yourself. It's a distracting chore that breaks the rhythm and pace of the game.

Is it better than Dead Space in spite of these flaws? I believe so. Dead Space only had about half a dozen different enemies throughout the game. You could fight virtually everything by standing in a corner sniping it from across the room. There are vast numbers of segments where this works in RE, but there are a number of others as well. I'd give DS a 7 or 7.5 and RE5 an 8 so far.

Now with about 90% of the campaign complete, I'd revise my score down a little. The game is short. There isn't much variety in the enemies and the bosses are rare. This game makes you realize how high RE4 raised the bar.

All the footage that first came out out for this game had me thinking this game was RE 4.5. Even after the minigun set pieces were revealed, I still wasn't impressed. When the action becomes that fast-paced it ceases to be RE. After seeing as much of the game as I've seen, and knowing how much is left, I am disappointed.

This isn't RE 4.5. It's RE 3.5.

[divinechaos]

SO how long would you say this game is?

[Urizen]

If you're a Gears player, taking RE5 for a spin...5 to 7 hours. If you're an RE player first, more like 8 to 10. That seems about right for the first playthrough.

It's half the length of RE4, maybe shorter.

(About the save system, it speeds up the game. You no longer have to manage multiple save files and go back forth depending on how much resources you have in your inventory on different files. That was something distinct about RE, but it's gone and effectively shortens the game.)

[TheCuriousLittleOyster]

And when ever the game is saved at a checkpoint your inventory is also saved.

I really hope they reconcile that by eliminating the need to be over-resourceful.
In Code Veronica I got stuck on the plane with that tyrant with only 3 bullets due to obsessive overwriting of old save files. The game has been on my shelf since. Fail :(

[Krispy]

I really hope they reconcile that by eliminating the need to be over-resourceful.
In Code Veronica I got stuck on the plane with that tyrant with only 3 bullets due to obsessive overwriting of old save files. The game has been on my shelf since. Fail :(

You can knife the tyrant pretty easily. ;)

The best part about RE5 is all of the plot holes it fills. The game is great story wise, completely overhauls all the loose ends.

[KamaItachi]

I really hope they reconcile that by eliminating the need to be over-resourceful.
In Code Veronica I got stuck on the plane with that tyrant with only 3 bullets due to obsessive overwriting of old save files. The game has been on my shelf since. Fail :(

You can get extra ammo and money quite easily playing through the game, and every time you restart you're taken to the shop so if you keep getting hammered at any one particular point, the theory is that you should eventually be saving up enough ammo and cash to tool up enough to get through.

[Narradisall]

snip

I wasn't being overly serious about the glitches, I'd heard some comments but glad to here its not that way.

Thanks for the write up, its really helpful. Shame about the shortness but I'll still pick it up regardless.

Hopefully mercs will be online co-op (at some point) and the campaign will have some replay.

[Food Nipple]

I wasn't being overly serious about the glitches, I'd heard some comments but glad to here its not that way.

Thanks for the write up, its really helpful. Shame about the shortness but I'll still pick it up regardless.

Hopefully mercs will be online co-op (at some point) and the campaign will have some replay.

I just talked to a friend in Japan, he just beat the game and said that mercs is already online enabled, at least on the 360 version.

[Dukefrukem]

Two things. The game's not glitchy. I've twice had my 360 pause for a second when the enemy threw a grenade towards me, but that's it. One annoying change is the new save system. The game makes you miss the typewriter system from previous games.

Now we've got automatic checkpoints. And when ever the game is saved at a checkpoint your inventory is also saved. So you cant go back and restart the level with the stuff you had before. You can't load a previous save file to turn the clock back a few minutes. I always felt the save system worked for the type of game RE is, but they changed it to Gears style. You never know when you're going to take a step and trigger a cut-scene (and thereby a checkpoint) and lose the opportunity FOREVER of investigating a certain area to pick up treasures, cash and ammo.

My issues with the game are not technical, but design-related.

Onward:

Here some impression when I was about 40% through the game:

I'm on Chapter 3-3, so I've played through half the game so far and it didn't take me very long at all. Maybe four hours, and I'm a very slow, methodical, search-every-corner type of player. (I might be even farther in given the type of weapons I have at my disposal at this stage.)

RE4 was so polished, it would be a massive disappointment if the follow-up disappointed there. So, yes, the controls are sharp. The graphics are sharp. The voice acting is pretty good...but there is enough trademark silliness to ensure we're still playing an RE game. At one point early in the game, Chris finds the key to a certain room and just as he's about to use it, a boss materializes behind him. Instead of using the key, opening and door and locking the boss on the other side and moving on....Chris runs down a branching corridor to fight the boss.

The sidekick trend in games is still not perfected. Essentially, the game is meant to be played co-op. Otherwise, you have to manage twice the inventory. Capcom expects you to use Sheva in single player as a mule for carrying around inventory you'll need yourself, which is the reason you can carry so little yourself. It's a distracting chore that breaks the rhythm and pace of the game.

Is it better than Dead Space in spite of these flaws? I believe so. Dead Space only had about half a dozen different enemies throughout the game. You could fight virtually everything by standing in a corner sniping it from across the room. There are vast numbers of segments where this works in RE, but there are a number of others as well. I'd give DS a 7 or 7.5 and RE5 an 8 so far.

Now with about 90% of the campaign complete, I'd revise my score down a little. The game is short. There isn't much variety in the enemies and the bosses are rare. This game makes you realize how high RE4 raised the bar.

All the footage that first came out out for this game had me thinking this game was RE 4.5. Even after the minigun set pieces were revealed, I still wasn't impressed. When the action becomes that fast-paced it ceases to be RE. After seeing as much of the game as I've seen, and knowing how much is left, I am disappointed.

This isn't RE 4.5. It's RE 3.5.

Those are awesome observations and I thank you for them. My expectations have dropped a little, but I will still be buying it next friday.

As far as the new saving method goes... I kinda like it. I know it's not what us true RE fans are used to, but this completely destroys the ability to save the game for achievements/trophies and reload them to get certain ones. Instead you have to play all the way through (again). Maybe that's what they were thinking when they made them?

[KamaItachi]

Those are awesome observations and I thank you for them. My expectations have dropped a little, but I will still be buying it next friday.

As far as the new saving method goes... I kinda like it. I know it's not what us true RE fans are used to, but this completely destroys the ability to save the game for achievements/trophies and reload them to get certain ones. Instead you have to play all the way through (again). Maybe that's what they were thinking when they made them?

Once you've beaten a chapter you can go back to it at any time, so you're not stuck only going forward. This is good because I've missed a bunch of medallions in some of the earlier chapters.

[Dukefrukem]

Once you've beaten a chapter you can go back to it at any time, so you're not stuck only going forward. This is good because I've missed a bunch of medallions in some of the earlier chapters.

ah i see. Well its not a total loss then.

[Kelegacy]

I don't care much for the co-op, and I find this sidekick trend repugnant, but I'm happy to say that RE5 is still very much an RE game.

I'm still early in it, and it's not as good as good as RE4, but it's almost an unfair comparison to beg. My two major gripes aside, I'll take it over Dead Space in a cinch.

I will say that there is a fine line between paying homage to a series' legacy and regurgitating past material, but when you take whole set pieces and copy and paste, I think you go too far.

I just want to say that I hate the sidekick trend too. It's an excuse for co-op, but I still don't like it. I also think it could ruin scares and atmosphere in a genre like survival horror. I like the idea of being alone...

[x Returner x]

I'm torn. On one side I like the side kick thing but I also agree about being alone in a survuval horror. Also I think you could still make a game sacare the crap out of people with a side kick but I'm sure it isn't easy.

[Kelegacy]

And I saw in an interview that this was definitely going to be shorter than RE4--so I wouldn't be surprised if this could be beat in a rental. That made me disappointed.

[x Returner x]

And I saw in an interview that this was definitely going to be shorter than RE4--so I wouldn't be surprised if this could be beat in a rental. That made me disappointed.

Yeah I heard that too I can’t remember where I read it but I thought I read that it was only 8 hours. While I'm sure we all can agree a game doesn't need to be long to rock (portal) it would be nice to have a 20 to 30 hour RE game. I really like the series.

[Urizen]

Yeah I heard that too I can’t remember where I read it but I thought I read that it was only 8 hours. While I'm sure we all can agree a game doesn't need to be long to rock (portal) it would be nice to have a 20 to 30 hour RE game. I really like the series.

Being a fan of the slow, methodical inventory-managing history of RE, I agree. RE4 was a great length because it kept introducing new and interesting foes.

KamaItchi is right to note the chapter saves. When you end a chapter, the game automatically perma-saves those conditions, and you can reload them later. But what I said stands true for checkpoints within games. If you hit a checkpoint, there is no turning back.

Basically, if you have blown all your ammo trying to kill a certain boss and still think you're not close to doing it, and want to try again with all the ammo and health items you had in the previous attempt, you're best off doing a restart. If you die, you're sent back to item management with just what you had when you died.

Thanks for the kind words, Dukefrukem.

[Kelegacy]

I remember telling someone how long RE4 took me and they laughed. I clocked nearly 30 hours on it (actually I think it was more) on my first playthrough. Now, I don't know if I left it running too long on pause or something while I went off and did something, but that seemed really high. Other people said it took about 15. Maybe I replayed certain areas...I'm a perfectionist. But anyway, it took me a really long time. And I loved every damn second of it.

If RE5 is really that short I'm just going to rent it. I was all set to buy it, but the addition of co-op does nothing for me. If it's really a short, more actiony RE, I'm all set.

But I haven't played anything but the demo, so I don't know.

[maharahaj]

Other people said it took about 15. Maybe I replayed certain areas...I'm a perfectionist.

I just finished my first run of RE4 in anticipation of RE5 and 4 took me just over 15 hours. I cant even imagine how you could double that game time unless you had active pauses going on. And I'm very methodical in my games...creeping and checking every nook and cranny.

I felt 15hrs was the perfect length for that game. Any more and I would have been distracted by other things. It's ashamed to hear that RE5 is on the short side.

[Kelegacy]

I just finished my first run of RE4 in anticipation of RE5 and 4 took me just over 15 hours. I cant even imagine how you could double that game time unless you had active pauses going on. And I'm very methodical in my games...creeping and checking every nook and cranny.

I felt 15hrs was the perfect length for that game. Any more and I would have been distracted by other things. It's ashamed to hear that RE5 is on the short side.

Yeah, I don't know. I remember saying it on EvAv and people thought I was crazy. Maybe I was? I did reload scenes many times. But anyway, it was the longest RE game I've ever played and I loved it. I want my games that long, not shorter.

As soon as I heard the news from the developers, I became wary. I wonder if next gen we'll see games even shorter, and then the following games even more so. Prices at $80-100 for an hour of play. Oh but what a PRETTY hour.

[maharahaj]

I need games to get to $80-$100 per title to force me to start renting instead of buying everything I'm interested in. (An increase in software prices would actually save me money then!) For some reason, I like to have game cases lined up along the wall as mini trophies of me concurring them; something I need to get over.

I'm really trying to cut back on spending but I'm willing to drop $60 on this title right away, despite its length, because I have a buddy who wants to co-op, and he has a tendency to not wait around for others if he wants to play something right away. Hearing how similar it is to RE4, it being short might end up not being too bad for me this time as I'll probably get my full of RE type games for quite a while.

[KamaItachi]

I just want to say that I hate the sidekick trend too. It's an excuse for co-op, but I still don't like it. I also think it could ruin scares and atmosphere in a genre like survival horror. I like the idea of being alone...

Re5 is a lot more removed from the classic series than even 4. I think it's pretty unfair to use the label survival horror any more, unless you want to argue that it, like every other game, is about survival.

With the new save system, which gives it a more episodic feel and eliminates that unrelenting atmosphere that was apparent in the previous games in the series, even 4, which I think I finished in well over 25+ plus hours and left me physically exhausted by the end. I'm bordering on half-way through now and got a feeling that it'll come in just too short for single, but it'd be perfectly paced for co-op.

A lot of my fears from the demo have ben somewhat alleviated. Sheva has only gone and got herself killed once over this weekend, so the amount of babysitting i was dreading is thankfully absent. Bosses and environmental attacks seem to ignore Ai in favour of the actual player, which has helped avoid a lot of frustrating restarts as it's not all that able to handle itself. It doesn't seem to want to use any weapon other than the handgun unless it has to. This may have been an attempt to let you stockpile ammo for a bunch of weapons, but at the moment it just means I have to stop and dump large amounts of rifle ammo if I have my hands full.

The enemies don't seem to b too varied, and there's a lack of decent set-pieces so far. Again, I think this was a deliberate decision to better facilitate co-op so that you're never too hard put out by not having the exact right weapon for the situation.

Overall, I think many will see this as a step back from 4, and fans of the original series will find more to dislike. Taken purely as a straightforward shooter, I'm very happy with it, but I don't think it's going to set the world on fire like 4.

[Narradisall]

I just talked to a friend in Japan, he just beat the game and said that mercs is already online enabled, at least on the 360 version.

Yay! Love mercs so this is good news if they added it already.

[menage]

Two things. .......

I am disappointed.

This isn't RE 4.5. It's RE 3.5.

Damn, after reading this I'm thinking of canceling it altogether. Short, meant for co-op, doesn't seem like the game I was expecting at all.

And having just played Dead Space for the first time yesterday and LOVING it. I don't even think I need it anyway at the moment. I'll save the money for Riddick or Bionic Commando.

[Kelegacy]

Looks like the issues I'm going to have, based on review comments, are what others are encountering. Mainly, this is Resident Evil: Action Edition (for Co-Op!). I'm not too happy with that. IGN stated that this is not really survival horror anymore, like KamaItachi confirmed. It's a great shooter, but I don't really want the franchise to go down that path. It upsets me as a long time fan of the series.

When Co-Op was first mentioned I shuddered. That means there needs to be enough action to keep two people entertained. Multiplayer gaming isn't the same as a singleplayer experience, at least in a genre like this. But if RE is going to be action-centric now, I probably won't be a rabid fan anymore. It sounds like they developed this game with Co-Op in mind first and foremost, which upsets the essence of RE.

But the game is getting rave critical reviews, so it doesn't seem to bother people reviewing the game.

[Spigot]

I just want to say that I hate the sidekick trend too. It's an excuse for co-op, but I still don't like it. I also think it could ruin scares and atmosphere in a genre like survival horror. I like the idea of being alone...Well, it's a good thing RE5 isn't a survival horror game :)

I wasn't that hot on the game to begin with and the demo really killed whatever interest I had in purchasing it. I will probably play the game at some point but it's really quite far down my radar in terms of things that I must run out and play.

[Kelegacy]

Well, it's a good thing RE5 isn't a survival horror game :)

I wasn't that hot on the game to begin with and the demo really killed whatever interest I had in purchasing it. I will probably play the game at some point but it's really quite far down my radar in terms of things that I must run out and play.

Well how am I supposed to know, as a fan of the series, that the next iteration in the series is NOT of the same genre as the rest of the series?

Series series series. Didn't say it enough in that paragraph. Series.

It's like making Halo 4 into a racing game or something. I'd be disappointed...if I was a fan of the series.

[Spigot]

Well how am I supposed to know, as a fan of the series, that the next iteration in the series is NOT of the same genre as the rest of the series?

It's like making Halo 4 into a racing game or something. I'd be disappointed...if I was a fan of the series.
I'm kind of joking, but I am serious too. The problem with RE5 compared to, say, Halo 4: Covenant Racer, is that the change from what Resident Evil was to what Resident Evil is has been a very subtle change over the past few iterations. Granted, the game has always been a bit too actiony for me to truly consider a survival horror game, but that's just arguing semantics. I think that RE4 did a fine job of straddling both the survival horror and action genres with a bit more of an emphasis on action.

Unfortunately, in RE5's case, it has essentially turned into a full-on action game without really telling anyone. At least, that's what I'm gathering from pretty much every trailer, demo and impression that I've read of the game. I agree that making the game co-op focused has essentially stripped what little actual 'horror' was left in the series, to its detriment. It doesn't help that it's trying to do the whole action game thing while still being saddled with the peculiar control issues of its survival horror roots, esp. when there are so many other great action games out there to hold it against. In that respect, it's fighting a bit of an uphill battle, in my opinion.

I still want to try the game out, don't get me wrong. I just haven't really felt the 'woo!' factor for the game that I usually do when a big release like this comes around.

[menage]

I still want to try the game out, don't get me wrong. I just haven't really felt the 'woo!' factor for the game that I usually do when a big release like this comes around.

I had that, but the demo and the stuff people are saying killed it for me. I just want a great corny beautiful single player horror em up, not Gears with an CPU controlled sidekick who annoys me.

I didn't mind the co-op, I do mind it affecting my SP experience. I just canceled my pre order. It's just not what I was expecting of a title which follows the great Resi 4.

[MalReynolds]

Less then a week YAAAA

[Spigot]

I had that, but the demo and the stuff people are saying killed it for me. I just want a great corny beautiful single player horror em up, not Gears with an CPU controlled sidekick who annoys me. It's always a shame when a demo ends up squelching interest in a game rather than stoking it. I don't quite understand why a company would release a demo based off of old builds... sure, it might be the easiest way to get the demo out, but they you spend more time trying to apologize and spin the crappy demo instead of letting it speak for itself and sell more copies of your game.

I hate to say it, but the last demo that put the dampers on my interest as harshly as the RE5 demo did was the Blue Dragon demo. Prior to that demo, I was all over that game. I yearned for it.

And we all know how that turned out...

[menage]

It's always a shame when a demo ends up squelching interest in a game rather than stoking it. I don't quite understand why a company would release a demo based off of old builds... sure, it might be the easiest way to get the demo out, but they you spend more time trying to apologize and spin the crappy demo instead of letting it speak for itself and sell more copies of your game.

I hate to say it, but the last demo that put the dampers on my interest as harshly as the RE5 demo did was the Blue Dragon demo. Prior to that demo, I was all over that game. I yearned for it.

And we all know how that turned out...

Yet you still played it.

The demo for BD was terrible indeed though, the full game was much better:D

I do find it pretty hard to swallow that a company would put out a sub par demo of a product they obviously put a lot of love and time in. Why? I really don't get it.

[Spigot]

Yet you still played it:P

The demo for BD was terrible indeed though, the full game was much better:DI will give it that.

And don't get me wrong. RE5 is a game that I think will be good, just not what I want and definately not what I'm interested in playing right away.

Will I play it? Sure. Will I enjoy it? I hope so. I just won't be running out for the midnight launch wearing a paper bag on my head and wielding a chainsaw, though now that I type that, I'm very tempted...

[Sandman]

You know, I think this demo made me finally realize that I hate the controls with this series. Love the story and the games but the tank controls and not being able to shoot while walking just kills it for me. I hardly even played RE4 because of it. I enjoyed 1 and 2 though.

[Spigot]

You know, I think this demo made me finally realize that I hate the controls with this series. Love the story and the games but the tank controls and not being able to shoot while walking just kills it for me. I hardly even played RE4 because of it. I enjoyed 1 and 2 though.The sad thing is that RE4 was a vast improvement over the previous entries in terms of the controls. It was the only one aside from 2 that I was actually able to finish.

Which is why it's so irksome that they stuck with such odd controls while turning the game into a full-bore action game.

[Krispy]

You know, from a hardcore fan perspective, RE5 is the second coming. It completely revises the plot into something interesting again. If you are into the story, RE5 will not disappoint. The files are nice kick backs to REmake which we incidentally have transcribed on my site if anyone is curious ;).

[Spigot]

You know, from a hardcore fan perspective, RE5 is the second coming. It completely revises the plot into something interesting again. If you are into the story, RE5 will not disappoint. The files are nice kick backs to REmake which we incidentally have transcribed on my site if anyone is curious ;).That's pretty cool. I like lore and the RE series has an interesting (albiet convoluted) bunch of lore.

Does it tie into the previous bunch of games (aside from 4) much or does it reinvent the wheel again?

And where exactly does Degeneration fit into the mix? I just watched that this past week and I'm not sure where it fits into the timeline... (looks at Project Umbrella) ooo... shiny...

[Krispy]

Well, that's the amazing thing. It took a series which was going completely stagnant plot wise (let's face it, RE4 might have revolutionized gameplay but it took two steps back in the story) with a stupid amount of convoluted plot holes and tied up all of the loose ends. It explains pretty much every plot hole in the game and does something I never thought possible, which is make the "world" feel knit together. Previously, it was more or less one character per game doing some personal battle; RE5 steps up the plot and makes much more MGS like, that is on a grander scale. It spans many years and locations (cutscene wise at least) and fleshes out the history and future. I was really pleasantly surprised. It's like they hired actual writers for once.

Oh and Degeneration takes place threeish years before RE5 and is basically a complete side story except for the TriCell nod at the end. It really has no bearing on the overall plot line.

[Spigot]

So it does what MGS4 did for the Metal Gear games but without the crazy genius behind it. Interesting.

[Krispy]

Or awkward love scenes.

[MalReynolds]

5 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Urizen]

Beat the game this afternoon finally.

The final Chapter was actually the best, hardest and longest one. The final boss fight was the best in the series. It's definitely one for the ages.

I had some harsh words earlier in this thread about the game, and I stand by what I said but it's worth taking into account that the best part of the game is the end. Definitely worth a rental for everyone.

[menage]

Beat the game this afternoon finally.

The final Chapter was actually the best, hardest and longest one. The final boss fight was the best in the series. It's definitely one for the ages.

I had some harsh words earlier in this thread about the game, and I stand by what I said but it's worth taking into account that the best part of the game is the end. Definitely worth a rental for everyone.

I still want to play it eventually, but I'll wait for a price drop, which should be in a couple of months.

[Kelegacy]

Beat the game this afternoon finally.

The final Chapter was actually the best, hardest and longest one. The final boss fight was the best in the series. It's definitely one for the ages.

I had some harsh words earlier in this thread about the game, and I stand by what I said but it's worth taking into account that the best part of the game is the end. Definitely worth a rental for everyone.

How long did the game end up lasting you? Do you know?

[Narradisall]

Epic final battle?

I'm still so stoked for this.

Still largely to mess with my friends on co-op, but I'm an evil bastard.

[menage]

Eurogamer gave it a 7. Saying it's ridiculously like Resi 4, but without the puzzles and exploring. Largely made for co-op is their sentiment as well.

[Kelegacy]

Eurogamer gave it a 7. Saying it's ridiculously like Resi 4, but without the puzzles and exploring. Largely made for co-op is their sentiment as well.

Good, I'm glad they gave it the score it deserves. Without puzzles and exploring? That means my favorite aspects have been taken out of RE.

I was afraid it was going to be built for co-op when I first heard it. Goddamn it.

[Yeti2005]

Good, I'm glad they gave it the score it deserves. Without puzzles and exploring? That means my favorite aspects have been taken out of RE.

I was afraid it was going to be built for co-op when I first heard it. Goddamn it.

"Built for co-op" is music to my ears. I hate games that have co-op but it was tacked on and feels unnatural.

[menage]

"Built for co-op" is music to my ears. I hate games that have co-op but it was tacked on and feels unnatural.

I agree both aspects should be competent, but now it seems like the sp suffers badly from it all.

[Iron Past]

"Built for co-op" is music to my ears. I hate games that have co-op but it was tacked on and feels unnatural.

What about games that have single player but it was tacked on and unnatural? I still don't understand why developers can't seem to make a co-op and single player game in the same package. I rarely have interest in co-op, so what might be a very good game otherwise gets diluted.

[Spigot]

What about games that have single player but it was tacked on and unnatural? I still don't understand why developers can't seem to make a co-op and single player game in the same package. I rarely have interest in co-op, so what might be a very good game otherwise gets diluted.I think that both Gears games did a great job of having both co-op and singleplayer stand on their own, with Gears 2 doing an even better job of making the singleplayer campaign work just dandy whether co-op or not.

It's a rarity though. RE5 seems to be the game that shows what happens when you skew too much to the co-op side of things in a franchise that has been all about the singleplayer experience.

[Narradisall]

What I fail to understand is why, when they make it co-op centric and it opens up a whole world of possibilities in co-op puzzles do they then go "ah fuck the puzzles, lets just blow shit up"

[Urizen]

How long did the game end up lasting you? Do you know?

As far as I can tell, the game doesn't track your total complete time, just your time for each individual chapter. I think I came in at just under nine hours.

I spent over twice that on RE4.

I'm going to disagree with Krispy on a technical note. As others have observed, there little reason to describe this game the Second Coming for the hardcore. I don't think this game is worth playing because they wrapped up loose ends from the story (coincidentally making something that sounds like it came out of Dead Space).

There's one puzzle and hardly any exploring. There's less any half the number of bosses. Only one new enemy. The game is half the length and twice as easy.

[Krispy]

Eh? There is a lot of nooks and crannies to explore. The files are hidden pretty well in some cases. It may not be the best thing since sliced bread but it reinvigorated a dying plot line. That has to be worth something, right? Funny how I like Resident Evil 5 but dislike Watchmen. I must be stuck in opposite limbo!

[menage]

What I fail to understand is why, when they make it co-op centric and it opens up a whole world of possibilities in co-op puzzles do they then go "ah fuck the puzzles, lets just blow shit up"

Because where would that leave the SP? They just didn't see how it could be fitted in I think. This whole co-op thing is nice, but some games or genre's don't make the transition very well, or they shouldn't at all. I know there's tons of people even on this site who love co-op, and won't buy a game without it. But there's plenty out there which do it and better. Some things are better left the way they are. Hell put out a separate Resi co-op game for all I care. But don't give me Resi 5 in this state.

I feel this exaggerated need to put co-op in everything is biting some devs in the ass at the moment. Cause if I browse around there's a lot of people who are giving this game the finger cause it's not what they wanted. The people who followed the series from day 1. Who don't want to be assed to find someone to play with every time they want to enjoy themselves a little.

I am overreacting a bit of course, but I've been looking forward to this a long time. Goes back to Dead Space.

[Spigot]

I feel this exaggerated need to put co-op in everything is biting some devs in the ass at the moment. Know who I blame? BAPenguin and Co-Optimus. They were too successful in pimping co-op and now I can't even drink a coffee by myself. I have to share a cup with some stranger I meet at the store.

[National Kato]

I was excited to play this as the teasers and trailers were revelaed. The demo didn't do much for me, but I was willing to wait and see. I've been watching gameplay videos in the last few days and I keep getting a frustrated feeling from just watching them. I'm quite sure I won't enjoy RE5.

[Urizen]

Eh? There is a lot of nooks and crannies to explore. The files are hidden pretty well in some cases. It may not be the best thing since sliced bread but it reinvigorated a dying plot line. That has to be worth something, right?

I'm not sure on this. I'll load my game and see if I missed a lot of files, though I doubt it. I personally felt there were far fewer pickups in this game than in previous ones. But maybe it just felt that way because it's a much shorter game.

Regarding completeness of the plot and timeline, I was disappointed by the loading screen 'timeline facts' So often, the dates are as vague as "the 1960s" or "1970s". Why not just say it happen on October 22nd, 1962?

Not really a spoiler, except for fervent fans of the series, but I'll put behind this anyway:

I was hoping Lisa Trevor would have gotten a shout-out. She's easily one of the coolest characters in the RE universe. Her diary, and her 'room' were the creepiest moments the series has ever seen.

Funny how I like Resident Evil 5 but dislike Watchmen. It must be stuck in opposite limbo!

Only one way to settle this.

You're in the Bay Area like myself. I challenge you to a duel. I'll see you on the Golden Gate Bridge. Blue penises at dawn.

[Kelegacy]

Know who I blame? BAPenguin and Co-Optimus. They were too successful in pimping co-op and now I can't even drink a coffee by myself. I have to share a cup with some stranger I meet at the store.

Haha, I had to laugh at that. Good one. At least we don't have to share our wives...yet. At least I haven't that I know of...

I don't mind co-op. But I don't want my singleplayer series ruined by the addition of multiplayer. I had high hopes for a game like Shadowrun as well, but they made it MP only and now I would be surprised if anyone ever touches the IP again. Way to fuck it up.

I would have been happier if this was Residen Evil: "Insert Subtitle About Co-Op/Multiplayer Here" instead of Resident Evil 5. Like a spin-off or side chapter. Grrr.

[Krispy]

Only one way to settle this.

You're in the Bay Area like myself. I challenge you to a duel. I'll see you on the Golden Gate Bridge. Blue penises at dawn.

I challenge you to Smash Brawl.

[Spigot]

I would have been happier if this was Resident Evil: "Insert Subtitle About Co-Op/Multiplayer Here" instead of Resident Evil 5. Like a spin-off or side chapter. Grrr.Exactly. I'm not a huge RE fan or anything but I could go into this with a better mindset if it was called something like Resident Evil Gaiden: Team Biohazard or some such silliness with RE5 being saved for a proper single-player edition.

[Krispy]

That's funny you say that. The casual crowd is all about the gameplay while the hardcore crowd is all about the story so for the hardcore, RE4 was the gaiden since it had nothing to do with the main plot what so ever and RE5 is the true next game in the series while for for you it's the other way around. Capcom just can't win! :)

[Urizen]

That's funny you say that. The casual crowd is all about the gameplay while the hardcore crowd is all about the story so for the hardcore, RE4 was the gaiden since it had nothing to do with the main plot what so ever and RE5 is the true next game in the series while for for you it's the other way around. Capcom just can't win! :)

I disagree.

If you're that invested in the RE story, you're one of the 1.5M people who bought RE: Degeneration. RE4 re-invented the series. Prior to that, the best RE games were REmake and RE: Zero. Since then, it's RE4.

I don't think people who enjoyed REmake, Code Veronica and RE4 did so because those titles spent more time on the story.

RE4 was directed by Mikami himself. As creator of the series, if that's the story he wanted to tell, then I have a hard time dismissing it as apocryphal.

[Krispy]

You obviously don't hang out with the hardcore fans. They all think RE4 was the worst title since Zero. :D

[mister slim]

Well how am I supposed to know, as a fan of the series, that the next iteration in the series is NOT of the same genre as the rest of the series?

Series series series. Didn't say it enough in that paragraph. Series.

It's like making Halo 4 into a racing game or something. I'd be disappointed...if I was a fan of the series.

A racing game? The series does have a bit of driving in it. At least they're not turning it into an RTS.

[Variable Gear]

Stagnating series gets co-op, attracts new audience, bores that audience, and then kills their characters.

Huge success!

[Narradisall]

Because where would that leave the SP? They just didn't see how it could be fitted in I think. This whole co-op thing is nice, but some games or genre's don't make the transition very well, or they shouldn't at all.

True I didn't think of that.

i'm still sure I've played games before where an AI computer has done some of the hard work in such scenarios. Although from the demo the AI in RE5 is a complete retard.

Still there was 'computer help' in old RE, granted it was usually just a scripted scene of whomever was helping the main character just doing what they were supposed to. It would cheapen the SP puzzles as you'd only have to do half though...

I haven't played the full yet, but I would have liked for the 2 main characters to have been split up sometimes (I know the demo did a tiny bit of that). Having to solo it till you met back up and knowing your on your own till then would have put some of the survival back into it.

[mister slim]

The RE puzzles are very deterministic. Shouldn't be too hard to have the AI automatically do every other step.

[Narradisall]

The RE puzzles are very deterministic. Shouldn't be too hard to have the AI automatically do every other step.

Thats what I thought.

Only downside is, in SP you'd be doing 'half' the puzzle. Might take away from the challenge a bit.

[menage]

The RE puzzles are very deterministic. Shouldn't be too hard to have the AI automatically do every other step.

Probably, but I don't think an AI helping you solve a RE puzzle would make for very exciting gameplay. It's not that it couldn't be done, but it would be rather pointless to do half a puzzle like Narradissal said.

They should have made different routes for co-op and sp, but I already went there in my previous rant. Co-op is great for action or WoW, but adventuring, not so much imo.

[Food Nipple]

Reading the responses in this thread make me sad.

I don't think I've ever disliked a sequel because I thought that it was too different from its predecessors, in fact it's usually the opposite: the thing that turns me off about sequels is that they're often too similar, but it's pretty clear that I'm in the minority. There's five other main RE games, and it sounds like most people feel that a sixth was in order.

There's been a bunch of games with co-op modes recently, but these are usually thrown in as value-added modes; there may be co-op but it's never as good as it could be because the single player still needs to be viable. From what I understand, Capcom went all out on RE5's co-op: It is the preferred way to play through the game, and anyone slumming it with an AI buddy their first time through is doing themselves a disservice.

I'm also glad to see that most of my grievances with previous RE games have been ironed out. The traditional inventory system had become archaic. I no longer have any interest in playing tetris with my items, nor do I want to be whisked away to the safety of the inventory screen every time I need to heal or reload. Also, the puzzles need to die. Perhaps I've played too many survival horror games, but I'm sick of contrived puzzles, which, in my opinion, ruin the atmosphere more than co-op ever could.

RE4 made the series relevant again because it was different, and it's heartening to see RE5 be even more ambitious. I, for one, am excited to see developers unafraid of trying new things. It's nice to be able to see real progress in how we play games, and if the rest of you need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the future, so be it.

[menage]

Reading the responses in this thread make me sad.

I don't think I've ever disliked a sequel because I thought that it was too different from its predecessors, in fact it's usually the opposite: the thing that turns me off about sequels is that they're often too similar, but it's pretty clear that I'm in the minority. There's five other main RE games, and it sounds like most people feel that a sixth was in order.

There's been a bunch of games with co-op modes recently, but these are usually thrown in as value-added modes; there may be co-op but it's never as good as it could be because the single player still needs to be viable. From what I understand, Capcom went all out on RE5's co-op: It is the preferred way to play through the game, and anyone slumming it with an AI buddy their first time through is doing themselves a disservice.

I'm also glad to see that most of my grievances with previous RE games have been ironed out. The traditional inventory system had become archaic. I no longer have any interest in playing tetris with my items, nor do I want to be whisked away to the safety of the inventory screen every time I need to heal or reload. Also, the puzzles need to die. Perhaps I've played too many survival horror games, but I'm sick of contrived puzzles, which, in my opinion, ruin the atmosphere more than co-op ever could.

RE4 made the series relevant again because it was different, and it's heartening to see RE5 be even more ambitious. I, for one, am excited to see developers unafraid of trying new things. It's nice to be able to see real progress in how we play games, and if the rest of you need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the future, so be it.

I kinda understand what you're saying, I just don't see changing a formula as progression by default. Resi 4 was progression cause it took everything (or most of it) what the previous ones did wrong and made it right or better than anyone did before. This actually tries to stay in the past with it's tank controls but adds co-op because it wants to be the future? For me it sounds like they wanted to cater too much to all people and got nothing in the end.

Also, if kicking me into the future means I need online buddy's with me all the time to fully play a game like it's meant to be I'll stay in the past. I like SP games and the occasional bout of SF4 or Burnout P. But I don't want to match agenda's to play my video games to completion. It's just not possible with my schedule, work and relationship.

[Mr. Murphy]

RE4 made the series relevant again because it was different, and it's heartening to see RE5 be even more ambitious.

It's shorter, has less enemies, less exploring, less puzzles, less boss battles, less weapons, and less variations in gameplay... and yet somehow it's more ambitious?

I moved away from all of my gamer friends and live with my non-gamer girlfriend. I hate playing games while babysitting an AI. I was excited about this game until I played the demo and read this thread: I have decided to wait and rent it sometime.

I kindof feel like they took one of my favorite series from me. They've changed every single thing that drew me into Resident Evil in the first place.

[Orca]

The traditional inventory system had become archaic.

And the controls hadn't?

It's nice to be able to see real progress in how we play games, and if the rest of you need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the future, so be it.

What progress? The inventory is slightly better but in every other regard the gameplay design lags behind the competition. The only thing impressive about RE5 is the graphics and good looks don't excuse gameplay design that's outdated at best and archaic at worst.

[Kelegacy]

It's shorter, has less enemies, less exploring, less puzzles, less boss battles, less weapons, and less variations in gameplay... and yet somehow it's more ambitious?

I moved away from all of my gamer friends and live with my non-gamer girlfriend. I hate playing games while babysitting an AI. I was excited about this game until I played the demo and read this thread: I have decided to wait and rent it sometime.

I kindof feel like they took one of my favorite series from me. They've changed every single thing that drew me into Resident Evil in the first place.

That sounds about right. Put one new feature in, remove or reduce 5 others. RE games have always been on the shorter side, but RE4 made me ecstatic that it was so meaty.

And I won't lie: I love singleplayer games first and foremost. I think it's harder to make a great SP game than it is MP. Because of that, you usually wind up with a much more fulfilling product. Since I'll need another gamer present to enjoy my RE5 experience properly, that disappoints me. Some people might like that, but I think another buddy talking in my ear would ruin the Resident Evil atmosphere.

Oh well.

[Food Nipple]

It's shorter, has less enemies, less exploring, less puzzles, less boss battles, less weapons, and less variations in gameplay... and yet somehow it's more ambitious?

I'm not convinced that the opposite is true. The Bends is not a more ambitious album than OK Computer because it is longer, has more songs, or more instruments.

As for the controls, I thought they were fine, the puzzles and the inventory were always far more egregious in my book.

[Urizen]

You obviously don't hang out with the hardcore fans. They all think RE4 was the worst title since Zero. :D

I see the smiley, but it's annoying that you think you and those you hang out with as the pre-eminent embodiment of the series' 'hardcore fans'. I don't think you can convince me you have a cult of people who enjoy the series more than I do.

Reading the responses in this thread make me sad.

I don't think I've ever disliked a sequel because I thought that it was too different from its predecessors, in fact it's usually the opposite: the thing that turns me off about sequels is that they're often too similar, but it's pretty clear that I'm in the minority. There's five other main RE games, and it sounds like most people feel that a sixth was in order.

Respecting your opinion as much as I do, I'm saddened by your reaction. I'm not looking for regurgitation. One of my favorite games is Metroid Prime because it was much Metroid as any game in the series that came before it. Another that comes to mind is Mario 64.

I'm saying there's a spirit and essence to a game or a series that has to be maintained.

There's been a bunch of games with co-op modes recently, but these are usually thrown in as value-added modes; there may be co-op but it's never as good as it could be because the single player still needs to be viable. From what I understand, Capcom went all out on RE5's co-op: It is the preferred way to play through the game, and anyone slumming it with an AI buddy their first time through is doing themselves a disservice.

My bad. I was playing it like I played every other Resident Evil game. If you love co-op games, I'm happy for you. Like you said, there are a lot out there for you. There are far fewer RE games for RE fans to choose from. I see this trend - the co-op gimmick - doesn't mean it's going to improve an RE game, especially when the co-op has been shoehorned into at the expense of so many other aspects of what sets the series apart.

I'm also glad to see that most of my grievances with previous RE games have been ironed out. The traditional inventory system had become archaic. I no longer have any interest in playing tetris with my items, nor do I want to be whisked away to the safety of the inventory screen every time I need to heal or reload. Also, the puzzles need to die. Perhaps I've played too many survival horror games, but I'm sick of contrived puzzles, which, in my opinion, ruin the atmosphere more than co-op ever could.

Ever thought that maybe the RE games aren't designed with you in mind? No inventory juggling, no puzzles, faster pace, seamless controls and you think the resultant product is still RE? Contrived puzzles? When are puzzles not contrived? How is it different from the contrivance of a red flower suddenly empowering you with the ability to throw fireballs?

There's a game I think you might enjoy. It's called Gears of War.

RE4 made the series relevant again because it was different, and it's heartening to see RE5 be even more ambitious. I, for one, am excited to see developers unafraid of trying new things. It's nice to be able to see real progress in how we play games, and if the rest of you need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the future, so be it.

I assure you, RE5 is not more ambitious. It's probably the least ambitious of the series, next to RE3. I'm going to hope you haven't played the game yet and are speaking to your expectations. Far fewer boss fights. Far fewer enemies. Far shorter game. Turret gun set pieces. The designers said, "Let's get rid of puzzles - a staple in the series - and replace them with....nothing," and you interpret that as 'ambition'.

It's your last sentence that troubles me most. Any chance you saw or played Megaman 9? That must have been infuriating for you. You so eager to be bathed in the white milky light of the future of gaming, and instead you're hit with NES graphics and gameplay. My condolences.

RE involved the search for silly 'keys' and keys took as much inventory space as a grenade launcher, but the rules of that universe allowed for different, interesting and unique gameplay scenarios. That's all I'm looking for. I don't care if the package comes in something looking like Mario v DK 2: March of the Minis or Katamari Damacy. There's nothing progressive about putting an end to the last carrier of the only brand of this gameplay.

And I won't lie: I love singleplayer games first and foremost. I think it's harder to make a great SP game than it is MP. Because of that, you usually wind up with a much more fulfilling product. Since I'll need another gamer present to enjoy my RE5 experience properly, that disappoints me. Some people might like that, but I think another buddy talking in my ear would ruin the Resident Evil atmosphere.

You'll be 'pleased' to know there's not much Resident Evil atmosphere.

It's shorter, has less enemies, less exploring, less puzzles, less boss battles, less weapons, and less variations in gameplay... and yet somehow it's more ambitious?

I kind of feel like they took one of my favorite series from me. They've changed every single thing that drew me into Resident Evil in the first place.

Thank you.

[SpacemanSpiff757]

I didn't know if this is frontpage worthy (especially coming from GameStop) but I think this is a decent deal if you have any of these games lying around like I do

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/specialty/tradeins/re5offer/?affid=3000&WT.mc_id=031009nl

[Krispy]

Well, by hardcore fan I merely mean the kind of people who would post on a board dedicated to Resident Evil. The kind of people who know the translation errors and where they have occurred. That seems pretty hardcore to me. I'm not saying you aren't a fan of the games, but I doubt you fit in with my definition of "hardcore." For those people it offers a lot of content to let the imagination run wild. I'm sorry it disappointed you.

[darkbase]

I didn't know if this is frontpage worthy (especially coming from GameStop) but I think this is a decent deal if you have any of these games lying around like I do

http://www.gamestop.com/gs/specialty/tradeins/re5offer/?affid=3000&WT.mc_id=031009nl

I hate Gamestop, they're only giving you $20 for each game there, and nearly all of those on the list can sell higher than that on eBay.

[SpacemanSpiff757]

I hate Gamestop, they're only giving you $20 for each game there, and nearly all of those on the list can sell higher than that on eBay.

was just saying for those who want to, it doesn't mean you have to...wow..

[National Kato]

was just saying for those who want to, it doesn't mean you have to...wow..

Angry Natalie Portman is angry. :)

[Food Nipple]

It's interesting that you bring up Metroid and Mario as points of comparison, because the Resident Evil series always reminded of another Nintendo franchise I'm fond of: Zelda. Specifically, too many installments over too short a time with too few changes, to the extent that only the most devoted of the devoted fans finish every entry in the series.

Maybe it's just me, but I always felt that the public was hit by a serious case of franchise fatigue when RE3 hit within just a few months of Code Veronica. That apathy certainly wasn't helped by the releases of RE0 and REmake, which many people passed over knowing that RE4 was on the horizon.

Resident Evil is a series that comes with a lot of baggage, and I think there's more pressure for change on RE than there is on other series.

Ironically, the Zelda series also has what I consider to be the greatest co-op game of all time: The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventure on the GameCube. It has no overworld, no persistent inventory, no heart container side quests, and yet it is absolutely a Zelda game. While I haven't played RE5 yet, my impression is that it's in a similar position, and while it may not have every single series staple, it is unmistakeably an RE game.

The iconic elements that remain in the game: the scarcity of ammunition and healing items, the need to manage your inventory and make hard choices about what to carry, these are things that can be heightened with the addition of a second person. Each subsequent RE game has you making the exact same tradeoffs, to the point now where they're almost automatic. That additional human element has the opportunity to bring in an additional layer of depth to all those choices; all of a sudden I might be stuck with the SMG that I always sell off, because both of us can't be chewing through our shotgun ammo.

Of course, I haven't played the game co-op yet, so I can't really say if any of these things in practice achieve their potential, but from the sound of it you haven't played much, if any co-op either, so neither one of us is in much of a place to argue for or against this. I look forward to finding out how all this stuff worked out, and I wish people would have more of an open mind. There's absolutely going to be people that don't like the changes, but the number of people who are complaining about changes is much smaller than the number of people who have actually played the game.

And yes, sorry, but the puzzles are bad, and they are contrived. I don't understand your point about fire flowers in SMB, RE is more or less a facsimile of the real world, Mario is not. Maybe one of the RE titles I overlooked had a section where Jill Valentine stumbled upon Umbrella's secret facility where they manufacture paintings that need to pressed in order to unlock a door. I have some serious empathy for the officers of the Racoon City Police Department, they probably had to assemble the three parts of an interlocking crest every time they needed to get into the men's room to take a piss.

I always wondered how puzzles got associated with "survival horror." They aren't life threatening, and they certainly aren't very scary. Maybe the genre was originally called "survival horror inane-puzzle-solving" and the marketing guys decided to truncate the name to something a bit more zippy. I don't think I've ever completed an RE puzzle and said "wow, that was a good puzzle."

[menage]

And yes, sorry, but the puzzles are bad, and they are contrived. I don't understand your point about fire flowers in SMB, RE is more or less a facsimile of the real world, Mario is not. Maybe one of the RE titles I overlooked had a section where Jill Valentine stumbled upon Umbrella's secret facility where they manufacture paintings that need to pressed in order to unlock a door. I have some serious empathy for the officers of the Racoon City Police Department, they probably had to assemble the three parts of an interlocking crest every time they needed to get into the men's room to take a piss.

You know, I liked that stuff, not because it was good, but because it was cheesy, out of place and contrived. It made the whole B-Movie horror so much more wacky. It totally didn't make sense, but that was the fun part for me. Some mysterious secret passage behind a red door opened with a red key. I love the cheese.

[MalReynolds]

why isnt this out now... cant wait for friday

[Narradisall]

Whats with the new MP crap they adding though?

Was anyone looking forward to fragging people on RE5?

Seems (if its true) a really odd direction to go (even more odd than some of the stuff previously discussed).

[bapenguin]

Got the full version yesterday, and played through the first chapter. The first demo level is actually the end to section 1-1, it's like a sub section of a sub chapter. Basically it's the climax part of it. And yes, that part is very action oriented.

The rest of the chapter you find yourself going through tight alley ways with random infected jumping off the roof onto your partner, climbing walls and fences, etc.

There's definitely a lot of tension as you make your way through the level, even with two people. So far so good!

[Urizen]

Send me an invitation if you want to do co-op. My most of my guns are souped up already.

[Cactaur]

I always wondered how puzzles got associated with "survival horror." They aren't life threatening, and they certainly aren't very scary. Maybe the genre was originally called "survival horror inane-puzzle-solving" and the marketing guys decided to truncate the name to something a bit more zippy. I don't think I've ever completed an RE puzzle and said "wow, that was a good puzzle."

I feel the puzzles are more to provide a break in the tension and relief from 'oh fuck I'm outta ammo and the zombie's gnawing on my head'. There's been times in RE5 when I actually look forward to reaching a 'puzzle'.

[KamaItachi]

Whats with the new MP crap they adding though?

Was anyone looking forward to fragging people on RE5?

Seems (if its true) a really odd direction to go (even more odd than some of the stuff previously discussed).

They're adding deathmatch or something similar?

When was this hinted?

[Banacek]

I hate Gamestop, they're only giving you $20 for each game there, and nearly all of those on the list can sell higher than that on eBay.

I don't know. I have two old Wii games that are on the list that I might break even if I sold them on eBay. Factor in the hassle and fees and I might do this. Although it would be supporting the devil, so maybe I won't.

[MalReynolds]

friday wont come soon enough

[darkbase]

was just saying for those who want to, it doesn't mean you have to...wow..

Sorry, I wasn't jumping on you, just them. I hate them and how they make so much money off of people who think they're getting a good deal. I used to be one of those suckers. "$20 for my barely used copy of Fallout 3? Hot damn!"

Also: I'LL SIT RIGHT DOWN ON YOUR FACE, AND TAKE A SHIT!

[quidmonkey]

Finished up to Chapter 2-3 co-op with a friend. My only gripe so far is the inventory: Why can't you trade weapons and give a specific amount of ammo?!??

[EternalGamer]

It's shorter, has less enemies, less exploring, less puzzles, less boss battles, less weapons, and less variations in gameplay... and yet somehow it's more ambitious?



I can't really defend the game yet because I'm still waiting to grab a copy, but this mentality really bothers me. More is not always better. In my opinion, streamlined is better. I'm tired of bloated game with padded bullshit they don't need. "more, More, MORE" might be a motto for a marketing push, but I don't think it automatically makes better games. And it doesn't matter whether you are talking about MORE weapons or MORE hours or MORE variety. If something works better without MORE then it is better without it.

[Banacek]

I'm not saying that I don't like it, but they've gotten rid of everything Resident Evil. It's sad. I like creepy mansions, zombie sharks, alligators that I have to kill to get a crank to cross a bridge, things like that. This plays ALOT more like Gears of War then like RE. I heard it gets better as it goes, so I'm in it for the long haul.

[Banacek]

What the fuck. There is no saving except in between levels. I have to redo half of a level because I had to turn the 360 off. This is bullshit. I can't believe what stupid mistakes this game has made. This is the last RE I buy.

[Wasson_]

Played it all night with mah-boi, had a fucking great time. It's even dumber and more insane than RE:4! so quite simply it's still made of win.

[Spigot]

What the fuck. There is no saving except in between levels. I have to redo half of a level because I had to turn the 360 off. This is bullshit. I can't believe what stupid mistakes this game has made. This is the last RE I buy.Ug. Crappy save points and checkpoints are my current windmill to tilt at when it comes to games. I hate them soooooo much. A crappy checkpoint/save system can break an otherwise enjoyable game for me.

[Kelegacy]

I can't really defend the game yet because I'm still waiting to grab a copy, but this mentality really bothers me. More is not always better. In my opinion, streamlined is better. I'm tired of bloated game with padded bullshit they don't need. "more, More, MORE" might be a motto for a marketing push, but I don't think it automatically makes better games. And it doesn't matter whether you are talking about MORE weapons or MORE hours or MORE variety. If something works better without MORE then it is better without it.

This SOMETIMES is true, though I don't think we have to worry about this in the gaming industry lately. Many games seem to offer less and less, and the only more comes in the form of pricetags and DLC.

I'm not saying that I don't like it, but they've gotten rid of everything Resident Evil. It's sad. This plays ALOT more like Gears of War then like RE.

There ya go Eternal Gamer. More is not always better, but now that it's more like Gears of War, you should like it. :)

Seriously, I was hoping for a game that tried to trump RE4. Instead of a step forward, it's a leap to the side. I'm sour, obviously.

[thomas]

Finished the game just recently. It's a decent shooter...

[EternalGamer]

This SOMETIMES is true, though I don't think we have to worry about this in the gaming industry lately. Many games seem to offer less and less, and the only more comes in the form of pricetags and DLC.

I agree about the DLC, but, as I said, it's a pretty minor thing because multiplayer Resident Evil doesn't even sound that great to me int he first place and it certainly is not integral to the RE experience. And I do want games to have more replayability, but the way to accomplish that as far as I'm concerned is to streamline the games and get rid of the crap. Gears of War was only 5 hours long. I may be sick of Gears now (never even finished 2), but Gears 1 was a great experience to me because it was fun all the way through and didn't have a lot of filler. I played through the entire game six or seven times with friends co-op and that is because the game was short and fun all the way through. If it were 20 hours with 8 hours of padding like most games, I probably wouldn't have played it more than once.



There ya go Eternal Gamer. More is not always better, but now that it's more like Gears of War, you should like it. :)

Seriously, I was hoping for a game that tried to trump RE4. Instead of a step forward, it's a leap to the side. I'm sour, obviously.
[/quote]

Obviously I don't want RE to turn into Gears, but I really don't think that is a danger going on the demo I played. Given some of the comments here, though, I was becoming a bit concerned. Then I listend to the new 1up podcast last night and they talked about how much of a blast it was co-op, just as I suspected.

[Kelegacy]

My intent is not to try to discourage anyone from buying or playing the game, but my disappointment and bitterness gets the best of me. I am upset because I don't think there are many great horror games anymore. Dead Space was good, but it wasn't...scary. At least not to me. But Dead Space seems more Resident Evil than Resident Evil.

It's just a massive let down for this huge fan of the franchise. I'll still play it, but probably months from now when it's cheaper. And maybe even just trade another of my games for it. I don't want to personally buy this and support what they've done.

[EternalGamer]

I do think you are jumping the gun a little bit until you play it, but I understand the sentiment. I had a similar issue with Banjo Kazooie 3 where I was pissed it wasn't a regular platformer. But I think if that game had been really fun, I would have gotten over my dislike of the way it wasn't like a traditional BK game. Unfortunately, unlike some, I played that game for around 8 hours and never found it to be that fun.

[JayK47]

I personally wanted RE4 to be about half as long. I think if it was half as long I would have enjoyed ti twice as much. I agree with EternalGamer. I am more willing to go through a game if it is a reasonable length. So it is good news to me anyways that RE5 is shorter. So how long in between saves?

[Banacek]

Obviously I don't want RE to turn into Gears, but I really don't think that is a danger going on the demo I played. Given some of the comments here, though, I was becoming a bit concerned. Then I listend to the new 1up podcast last night and they talked about how much of a blast it was co-op, just as I suspected.

I could probably see multiplayer being fun, but that's still not Resident Evil. Basically, if you haven't really played RE, this game might be a blast. If you're a fan of RE since the beginning, I can't see how you could play this game and be happy with it. It's a completely different game.

[Banacek]

Ug. Crappy save points and checkpoints are my current windmill to tilt at when it comes to games. I hate them soooooo much. A crappy checkpoint/save system can break an otherwise enjoyable game for me.

Well, you don't save, at all. Levels seem to be about an hour long? So you have to finish it before you can stop playing.

There's no merchant either. You can buy items whenever you finish a level or die. So if you die, you go right back to a checkpoint and can buy whatever you need. What they've done is remove any fear of dying. So much for survival horror.

[EternalGamer]

If you're a fan of RE since the beginning, I can't see how you could play this game and be happy with it. It's a completely different game.

Maybe because there were already FIVE Resident Evil games (plus all the remakes) that had zombie dogs jumping through windows, and had me scrounging for save ribbons and limited ammo.

I don't mind them actually doing something different with it and I have played all the previous games in the series. I really liked the demo. So much so I played through the two levels on it about four times with friends.

[Food Nipple]

Well, you don't save, at all. Levels seem to be about an hour long? So you have to finish it before you can stop playing.

There's no merchant either. You can buy items whenever you finish a level or die. So if you die, you go right back to a checkpoint and can buy whatever you need. What they've done is remove any fear of dying. So much for survival horror.

Chapters are at most 30 mins in length, and have multiple mid-mission checkpoints that you can resume at. You're never forced to repeat much stuff.

As for your complaint about the merchant, I don't see the big deal. You can buy healing items, but he doesn't sell ammo. That's exactly how it was in RE4.

[Banacek]

Maybe because there were already FIVE Resident Evil games (plus all the remakes) that had zombie dogs jumping through windows, and had me scrounging for save ribbons and limited ammo.

I don't mind them actually doing something different with it and I have played all the previous games in the series. I really liked the demo. So much so I played through the two levels on it about four times with friends.

Well, I have to ask, if you didn't like the RE formula, why were you playing multiple iterations of it? There are enough shooters out there, they didn't need to make RE5 one. If they really needed a shooter, they could have just made RE:Mercs and been done with it.

I understand changing controls, and changing some things to make the game better. I don't understand changing the core fundamentals of a series so much that it isn't even in the same genre anymore.

[Banacek]

Chapters are at most 30 mins in length, and have multiple mid-mission checkpoints that you can resume at. You're never forced to repeat much stuff.

As for your complaint about the merchant, I don't see the big deal. You can buy healing items, but he doesn't sell ammo. That's exactly how it was in RE4.

You can't restart at checkpoints if you have to turn the game off. You have to restart the level. My complaint about the merchant is that if you can buy and upgrade everytime you die, right where you are, then it removes a certain aspect of the game. So I died fighting a boss. Upgrade guns, buy armor, immediately fight boss again. Which is great for a shooter I guess. It's awful for a game that is supposed to be survival horror.

[Food Nipple]

You can't restart at checkpoints if you have to turn the game off. You have to restart the level. My complaint about the merchant is that if you can buy and upgrade everytime you die, right where you are, then it removes a certain aspect of the game. So I died fighting a boss. Upgrade guns, buy armor, immediately fight boss again. Which is great for a shooter I guess. It's awful for a game that is supposed to be survival horror.

Yes you can, I just turned on my 360 and tested it. Perhaps you didn't save before you quit?

Is there a specific point in the game where you think that this merchant thing is a problem? I don't think it is because:

a) The levels are so heavily gated, you often can't backtrack before a boss to farm treasure.

b) The maximum gun upgrades are limited by your game progress. You can't overupgrade your guns.

c) The cost of items is so high, it's going to take dozens of failures to afford something hefty like a rocket.

[Banacek]

Yes you can, I just turned on my 360 and tested it. Perhaps you didn't save before you quit?

Haha, maybe I'm just stupid :) I swear I saved before I ended the game. What did you do to save? I still plan on beating the game, so I want to know what I did wrong.

In the back of my mind I knew that there was no way that they'd make a RE you couldn't save in. It just didn't make sense.

[Iron Past]

Maybe because there were already FIVE Resident Evil games (plus all the remakes) that had zombie dogs jumping through windows, and had me scrounging for save ribbons and limited ammo.

I don't mind them actually doing something different with it and I have played all the previous games in the series. I really liked the demo. So much so I played through the two levels on it about four times with friends.

I feel you. I haven't been able to pick it up (just bought a Tournament Edition stick, so I'd have give really BIG puppy dog eyes for anything else right now), so I'm just speaking on principle here. RE has changed its formula many times by now through the main and spin-off games, whether you see that as a good thing or not. I'd say it's been slowly angling more and more toward action anyway, but I could be wrong. As such, the recent change doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Having said that, I can completely see why this would bother some people. Taking what you like about a series and changing it around isn't exactly how you please the fans. Then again, after 14 console games and 6 portable ones (counting the mobile phone ones), maybe it's time to rock the boat every once in a while. :)

Edit: Wasn't the Merchant in RE4 almost always before major set pieces/boss fights? Kinda the same thing, right?

[menage]

I feel you. I haven't been able to pick it up (just bought a Tournament Edition stick, so I'd have give really BIG puppy dog eyes for anything else right now), so I'm just speaking on principle here. RE has changed its formula many times by now through the main and spin-off games, whether you see that as a good thing or not. I'd say it's been slowly angling more and more toward action anyway, but I could be wrong. As such, the recent change doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Having said that, I can completely see why this would bother some people. Taking what you like about a series and changing it around isn't exactly how you please the fans. Then again, after 14 console games and 6 portable ones (counting the mobile phone ones), maybe it's time to rock the boat every once in a while. :)

I don't think I don't like it because they changed it. Hell, I couldn't even play old Resi's anymore due to the horrible controls that plagued them. But Resi 4 already turned the formula upside down and improved it tenfold. Why the sudden need to drastcally change the whole concept yet again and worse, make it something totally different in the progress? And stuff that should have been changed, like the shooting and walking they leave alone? I just don't get it.

Everything about the games stucture seems to have been made to appeal more to the Western gamer. But it seems they didn't want to touch some stuff which actually needed improving.

[Iron Past]

I don't think I don't like it because they changed it. Hell, I couldn't even play old Resi's anymore due to the horrible controls that plagued them. But Resi 4 already turned the formula upside down and improved it tenfold. Why the sudden need to drastcally change the whole concept yet again and worse, make it something totally different in the progress? And stuff that should have been changed, like the shooting and walking they leave alone? I just don't get it.

Everything about the games stucture seems to have been made to appeal more to the Western gamer. But it seems they didn't want to touch some stuff which actually needed improving.

Fair enough. I didn't mind the demo, but I felt the same way about the changes they did and didn't make. I'll probably still pick this up, though, eventually. :)

[Banacek]

Now that the game is out and I can read this thread it seems that DaXIthR made all the points I wanted to, and said it much better then I could. I'll just be quiet now :)

[Kelegacy]

Now that the game is out and I can read this thread it seems that DaXIthR made all the points I wanted to, and said it much better then I could. I'll just be quiet now :)

Yeah, DaXIthR is the one that made me cancel my preorder. And then Edge's review. And then other users commenting.

I need to save my money anyway. I have enough shooters on my desk I haven't finished. But what I don't have is enough survival horror type games. Unfortunately, RE doesn't really count as one of those, so maybe I'll have to pick up Dead Space for cheap and finish it. I only played it during a rental period.

[EternalGamer]

If you want a great Surivial Horror game you should pick up Siren on PSN. That game filled me with so much dread I had to stop playing it.

[Banacek]

Yeah, DaXIthR is the one that made me cancel my preorder. And then Edge's review. And then other users commenting.

I need to save my money anyway. I have enough shooters on my desk I haven't finished. But what I don't have is enough survival horror type games. Unfortunately, RE doesn't really count as one of those, so maybe I'll have to pick up Dead Space for cheap and finish it. I only played it during a rental period.

Picking up Dead Space on the cheap is a great idea. I really enjoyed that game. Silent Hill: Homecoming was soulless, if that makes any sense to you. I'm trying to think of what else is out there.

If you want a great Surivial Horror game you should pick up Siren on PSN. That game filled me with so much dread I had to stop playing it.

After Spigot's review I really want to play Siren, but I just don't have the money for a PS3 right now.

[Urizen]

Now that the game is out and I can read this thread it seems that DaXIthR made all the points I wanted to, and said it much better then I could. I'll just be quiet now :)

I can't be certain from your phrasing, but you played the game, right? Just curious.

Yeah, DaXIthR is the one that made me cancel my preorder. And then Edge's review. And then other users commenting.

I need to save my money anyway. I have enough shooters on my desk I haven't finished. But what I don't have is enough survival horror type games. Unfortunately, RE doesn't really count as one of those, so maybe I'll have to pick up Dead Space for cheap and finish it. I only played it during a rental period.

The game is better as a co-op experience, I think, having spent a dozen hours or so in that mode. Which is simply ass backwards. For years, we've been admonishing designers and developers for tacking co-op on to a single-player experience, diminishing it in the process. We argue that those resources should have been dedicated to improving the meat of the game.

Now we've got a co-op experience forced into a series renowned for a certain play style. And the single player is tacked on. And this is reason for celebration?

I'll say RE5 is better as a co-op game, but it's still not great.

[Banacek]

I can't be certain from your phrasing, but you played the game, right? Just curious.

Yeah, I'm on my first playthough right now. I just agree with everything you have said. I'm still going to play till the end, since the game ties up loose RE plot threads that I need to know. But it's just not RE. Which is great for some, not so good for me.

[EternalGamer]

Um, maybe YOU think it is backwards. Personally, I want to see MORE co-op games. I love playing games co-op with friends much more so than competitive versus games, which get boring to me. There are very, very few great co-op gaming experiences and almost none where the game is DESIGNED with co-op completely in mind. Granted you have to have friends that you like playing games with, but I do. My time is limited and when I can combine socializing with gaming in a way that diminishes neither, that is great. So yeah, I think it's a good thing and it's an unsual treat.

I'm really looking forward to playing it with some friends tonight. And, as I said before, I can't really comment on the quality of the game before playing it, but most of the complaints you guys have (it is co-op, it doesn't play like every other RE games etc.) seem less like actual criticism of the game as it is and more like a bunch of Crabby McCrab pants complaining that a box of legos isn't well designed when viewed as a ham sandwich. I have no problem accepting the game for the style of game it is and juding it on its own terms. I admit that I have some blind faith in Capcom but that is because they usually kick a lot of ass.

[Banacek]

Um, maybe YOU think it is backwards. Personally, I want to see MORE co-op games. I love playing games co-op with friends much more so than competitive versus games, which get boring to me. There are very, very few great co-op gaming experiences and almost none where the game is DESIGNED with co-op completely in mind. So yeah, I think it's a good thing and it's an unsual treat.

I agree with him. I'm perfectly content with a great single player game that has no multiplayer whatsoever. If it's not Mario Kart or something similar I don't think it needs multiplayer.

[menage]

Um, maybe YOU think it is backwards. Personally, I want to see MORE co-op games. I love playing games co-op with friends much more so than competitive versus games, which get boring to me. There are very, very few great co-op gaming experiences and almost none where the game is DESIGNED with co-op completely in mind. Granted you have to have friends that you like playing games with, but I do. My time is limited and when I can combine socializing with gaming in a way that diminishes neither, that is great. So yeah, I think it's a good thing and it's an unsual treat.


Eh, my feeling is that every game coming out at the moment is having some form of co-op (where possible, I mean some games like fighters or 60 hour epic RPGs don't really lend themselves that well), and the statement that there aren't games with co-op DESIGNED into them is just not true.

I'd say Army of Two is probably the best example. Kane & Lynch, L4D. But I'll bet Gears is designed that way from the start as well.

Now if you're talking outside of the shooter category I would probably say you've got a stronger case, but If it has guns, big chance there's co-op nowdays

[H.Bogard]

Just played through the first few minutes of the game.

Movement controls are definitely not the same as RE4. They're WORSE... which explains the outcry (as opposed to the thumbs-up that RE4's controls got).

The zombie hordes are a lot more hectic, environments are quite destructable, visuals are fucking amazing.

Now the bad part:

Level design is fucking uselss. Did they hire a retarded chimp to lay out the maps? You don't know you're approaching a turn in an alley until you walk 5 feet close to it or look at the HUD map. Its ridiculous at times. Explosive barrels are placed at some pretty idiotic positions (hay guyz lets put kabooom boxes at random spots in the levels) resulting in some very awkward play experiences for those who feel like luring enemies into traps (For eg. a gas canister was placed at the border of the map right next to a dead end wall, do I blow myself up there? WHAT THE HECK!)

It might be usual business, were this a regular shooter. But this is the fucking successor to RE4, man! One of the greatest games of all time, in which every level... every element, puzzle, enemy and object was laid out and positioned with great care. I hate hate hate not seeing any of the brilliance of the predecessor migrate through the transition.

The inventory sucks as well. It just, does. I haven't the energy to whine about it.

I guess this is the kind of Resident Evil you get in a Capcom Studio 4 that is without Shinji Mekami.

[Krispy]

Playing through retail with a friend, I am having a lot of fun. I don't know why people would think RE4 is a better game, try going back and playing it. The only level that had any tension was the first village encounter which had a bunch of objects for you to play with and you running in circles and then it was a pretty cut and dry linear experience after that. On top of that, it was damn easy. RE5 is definitely RE4+; it cranks up the difficulty, the variety of environments, the types of enemies, the variation of weapons and attacks, and even the number of boss encounters. It also has a continual reward system most interesting of which is a clue about the future plot. Speaking of which, it does more with the main plot line than any other game before has even attempted. My biggest gripe is not being able to move items in my inventory outside of the merchant menu and the terrible cover system. Sometimes I'd like to readjust my quick select menu...

So, I'm not sure what people expected or wanted from this game. If you wanted run and gun controls, I don't think any game in the entire series would have led you to believe that was coming. If you wanted Dead Space style survival horror, well, that hasn't been apart of the series since RE4. And people here seem to praise RE4 so I don't understand why that is a disappointment either. I guess I'm the only one who ever got into "oh shit" moments while playing the game and screaming out to my friend to save me. RE4 was the largest departure from the series core and this just continues in the same direction, maybe that's what you are so angry about?

[EternalGamer]

Well, you have FIVE examples of Co-op games anyway No doubt it is becomming a bit more common, but it still isn't the norm, and I don't consider Resident Evil (even this incarnation) to be a traditional action type FPS game. There are very few adventure style games that feature co-op play.

[MalReynolds]

well i havnt played much been waiting to find someone to play some co-op

[Krispy]

Movement controls are definitely not the same as RE4. They're WORSE... which explains the outcry (as opposed to the thumbs-up that RE4's controls got).

You can select the RE4 control scheme. :whistle:

[Banacek]

You can select the RE4 control scheme. :whistle:

Yeah, that's the first thing I did.

[menage]

Well, you have FIVE examples of Co-op games anyway No doubt it is becomming a bit more common, but it still isn't the norm, and I don't consider Resident Evil (even this incarnation) to be a traditional action type FPS game. There are very few adventure style games that feature co-op play.

True, just trying to rationalize it a little bit. There's more games, Crackdown, LBP, Burnout, etc. But I think you meant games which are designed to be solely played as a co-op game. My question is, does a game which has fanatstic co-op like Crackdown become less of a game too you just because it's fun in SP as well?

I don't mind co-op games one bit, as long as it doesn't interfere with my SP campaign quality. It does here so that's why I don't play it.

[Evil Avnovice]

I completed Chapter 1-1, and the things that hit me from jump are:

1. The controls are off.
2. The inventory system is lousy.
3. I've come to despite my [AI] partner.

[KamaItachi]

I completed Chapter 1-1, and the things that hit me from jump are:

1. The controls are off.
2. The inventory system is lousy.
3. I've come to despite my [AI] partner.

Not really got a counter for 1 & 2, but I found 3 was never that much of an issue. there was little to no babysitting involved since the enemies and bosses won't really focus on the AI, so she essentially came in handy for support and acted as a pack mule.

Just be careful to split the weapons you're using, so she doesn't suck up all your ammo. My first play through I kept the handgun and shotgun for myself and gave her the machine gun and rifle. Worked really well.

Personally I though the second half of the game was much better than the first, it changes up the pace, has better enemies and fleshes out the story a lot more

[TheSilentDeath]

Rock Bandit and I finished our playthrough of the game not too long ago, and I have to say that for my first RE game I throughly enjoyed it. Also after playing the game co-op I don't think that I will ever be able to play the game by my self since it is so helpful to have someone else with a brain in a game like this.

[Banacek]

The more I play it the more I like it. If this didn't have the RE name I'm sure I'd probably have no issues whatsoever. I hope someone fills the void that survival horror games has left in my heart.

[Spigot]

The more I play it the more I like it. If this didn't have the RE name I'm sure I'd probably have no issues whatsoever. I hope someone fills the void that survival horror games has left in my heart.PLAY SIREN: BLOOD CURSE!

I hear ya though. From what I've seen of RE5, it looks like something I could at least spend time with except that there's something irksome about it having the RE moniker. But we've been down that road a lot. I'll still wait for my rental service to send me a copy and I just hope that Sheva isn't as annoying as she was in the demo...

[Kelegacy]

Well, you have FIVE examples of Co-op games anyway No doubt it is becomming a bit more common, but it still isn't the norm, and I don't consider Resident Evil (even this incarnation) to be a traditional action type FPS game. There are very few adventure style games that feature co-op play.

I don't think anyone would consider the core franchise to be traditional shooter action games, at least not before this year. This one, however, is the closest the series has become to scrapping everything Resident Evil and just becoming a full fledged action game, barring the spin offs like Dead Aim, etc.

People that didn't like Resident Evil before, like the Gears of War and Halo guys, will probably love it. And that's why Capcom decided to mess with the game and make it more for them. Hence the co-op. I'm not of that Halo-sect of gamer, so I didn't want my Resident Evil toyed with. I think many hardcore series fans will wind up believing this is one of the worst RE games simply because it was too heavily influenced by the Xbox action games before it.

[Kelegacy]

PLAY SIREN: BLOOD CURSE!

I hear ya though. From what I've seen of RE5, it looks like something I could at least spend time with except that there's something irksome about it having the RE moniker. But we've been down that road a lot. I'll still wait for my rental service to send me a copy and I just hope that Sheva isn't as annoying as she was in the demo...

I wouldn't have had any issues with the Shadowrun 360 game except that they called it Shadowrun. They turned it into a goddamn multiplayer shooter as well.

[EternalGamer]

I guess to me, Resident Evil 4 already did this. I really am kind of confused by people who loved RE4 and are saying this is too radical of a change. RE4 was pretty much an action game. I played through that game mowing down everyone that came near me because they gave me tons of ammo and supplies. There were a couple of intense boss fights that were kind of scary, but it sure as heck wasn't the "run away because you have limited supplies and you can't kill things" type game the series was up until then.

It feels like I've entered some bizzaro alternate universe wherein Resident Evil 4 was some type of orgasmic second coming of everything anyone could ever want. When I play RE5, I see RE4 with a higher difficulty curb, co-op, and the elimination of some unnecessary puzzle elements. Have you guys went back and played RE4? Everything right down the controls are almost exactly the same.

[Wilkz07]

I completed Chapter 1-1, and the things that hit me from jump are:

1. The controls are off.
2. The inventory system is lousy.
3. I've come to despite my [AI] partner.


1. I can't stand the knife controls
2. Yes, yes it is.
3. Too bad you can't take her out. I'm sick of having a full inventory and call her over only to have her stop when she's almost to me then go back to where the yellow marker is. I keep hitting B and its like calling for a dog to come.

[Savok]

Just played through the first few minutes of the game.

Movement controls are definitely not the same as RE4. They're WORSE... which explains the outcry (as opposed to the thumbs-up that RE4's controls got).

The zombie hordes are a lot more hectic, environments are quite destructable, visuals are fucking amazing.

Now the bad part:

Level design is fucking uselss. Did they hire a retarded chimp to lay out the maps? You don't know you're approaching a turn in an alley until you walk 5 feet close to it or look at the HUD map. Its ridiculous at times. Explosive barrels are placed at some pretty idiotic positions (hay guyz lets put kabooom boxes at random spots in the levels) resulting in some very awkward play experiences for those who feel like luring enemies into traps (For eg. a gas canister was placed at the border of the map right next to a dead end wall, do I blow myself up there? WHAT THE HECK!)

It might be usual business, were this a regular shooter. But this is the fucking successor to RE4, man! One of the greatest games of all time, in which every level... every element, puzzle, enemy and object was laid out and positioned with great care. I hate hate hate not seeing any of the brilliance of the predecessor migrate through the transition.

The inventory sucks as well. It just, does. I haven't the energy to whine about it.

I guess this is the kind of Resident Evil you get in a Capcom Studio 4 that is without Shinji Mekami.
I agree with pretty much all of that.

I'll add that the AI partner is useless and either burns up my ammo (damn, better go farm a previous chapter after this!), walks into my line of fire or gets herself killed in one of the many instant bullshit deaths which while expected in a RE game, doesn't fit into the flat out co-op shooter with bullshit AI this is.

It's fucking terrible for a RE game (especially after 4 made the series worth a damn again) but plays decently for a shooter.

Maybe I'd feel better if they called it "Resident Evil: We've Got Fucking Co-op Out The Asshole" and treated it like another spinoff instead of it being Resident Evil 5.

[Iron Past]

I guess to me, Resident Evil 4 already did this. I really am kind of confused by people who loved RE4 and are saying this is too radical of a change. RE4 was pretty much an action game. I played through that game mowing down everyone that came near me because they gave me tons of ammo and supplies. There were a couple of intense boss fights that were kind of scary, but it sure as heck wasn't the "run away because you have limited supplies and you can't kill things" type game the series was up until then.

Ha! I was just going to spout off something similar to this (again). The difference this time is I have bought and played it (give me a $20 giftcard and I'll buy most anything).

See, I just played RE4 towards the end of last year. I had bought the Wii Edition when it came out and promptly forgot about it after getting stuck somewhere towards the beginning. So I restarted and played through it, and almost every complaint I see leveled at RE5 was something I thought about RE4. Now, certainly you can argue that RE hasn't moved on since then, but RE4 did nothing better than RE5, not so far. As far as the 'linear' levels, there's been plenty of nooks to look through, and had there been backtracking like in previous games, people would have bitched about that, too (see Dead Space, which didn't even recycle the same areas).

My AI partner has done fine for herself (use different weapons, so there's no ammo clashing, like you would do in normal co-op), and she's a far sight better than babysitting Ashley, who did nothing but get carried off. Complaining about puzzles? RE4 had some of the stupidest I've ever seen; go downstairs and fine the sword that obviously goes upstairs, etc. The only cool one was the giant statue, and maybe the hedge maze. I'm also using Control Scheme C, I think--the one where you can't strafe but you use LT to 'ready' your weapon--and it adds alot to the game IMO.

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, it's your perogative to dislike anything you choose, but the arguments seem mired in misplaced nostalgia. Anyway, I like it so far, so I'm happy. :)

[EternalGamer]

My AI partner has done fine for herself (use different weapons, so there's no ammo clashing, like you would do in normal co-op), and she's a far sight better than babysitting Ashley, who did nothing but get carried off. Complaining about puzzles? RE4 had some of the stupidest I've ever seen; go downstairs and fine the sword that obviously goes upstairs, etc. The only cool one was the giant statue, and maybe the hedge maze. I'm also using Control Scheme C, I think--the one where you can't strafe but you use LT to 'ready' your weapon--and it adds alot to the game IMO.

I'm not trying to change anyone's mind, it's your perogative to dislike anything you choose, but the arguments seem mired in misplaced nostalgia. Anyway, I like it so far, so I'm happy. :)

I actually put in RE4 just to see if I was the one misremembering it and I'm not. I think it is fair for people to complain about things like the AI partner because it does seem apparent to me that the game is more co-op oriented (and I'm loving it with friends). But the complaints about it being an "action game" or the controls being bad by the same people who loved RE4 just seems bizarre to me.

[Banacek]

I actually put in RE4 just to see if I was the one misremembering it and I'm not. I think it is fair for people to complain about things like the AI partner because it does seem apparent to me that the game is more co-op oriented (and I'm loving it with friends). But the complaints about it being an "action game" or the controls being bad by the same people who loved RE4 just seems bizarre to me.

If I realized at the time that RE4 was the gateway drug that led to RE5 I probably wouldn't have liked it so much :)

[Banacek]

PLAY SIREN: BLOOD CURSE!

I hear ya though. From what I've seen of RE5, it looks like something I could at least spend time with except that there's something irksome about it having the RE moniker. But we've been down that road a lot. I'll still wait for my rental service to send me a copy and I just hope that Sheva isn't as annoying as she was in the demo...

I will, I will! It's a day one purchase as soon as I get a PS3.

[EternalGamer]

Well, rather than just responding to all the complaints, let me just talk about what I love about this game (much of it is, admittedly the same about what I loved about RE4):

1) I love the hit animations. I love the reactions of the zombies when you hit them in various areas of their bodies. The shooting in this game feels emphatic and rewarding. I think this also is related to it being "slower" (both in terms of enemy movement and in terms of your characters inability to move and shoot simultaneously). It puts a lot more focus on each individual shot and it is very satisfying.

2) I love the context button events. RE4 did this right and RE5 improves on it. The contextual fighting, like the uppercuts and roundhouse kicks, feel, like the gunplay, very satisfying.

3) I love the smooth presentation: the way you kick down doors, the camera transitions when you jump through windows or over barricades. They have improved these considerably since 4. I even like the animations when you pick up a new weapon or how there is an animation when you toss weapons to your partner. Many games don't bother with that sort of thing.

4) The graphics are absolutely gorgeous. They pop with color even though the settings are largely dilapidated. Games like Fallout 3 could learn a lot from RE5's pallete and the way they can make something look run down but still be visually exciting.

5) Co-op is a ton of fun. They have ramped up the difficulty and this makes it where you really have to work together. If you get lazy or one of your wanders off, you can and will die.

[Wedge]

Level design is fucking uselss. Did they hire a retarded chimp to lay out the maps? You don't know you're approaching a turn in an alley until you walk 5 feet close to it or look at the HUD map. Its ridiculous at times. Explosive barrels are placed at some pretty idiotic positions (hay guyz lets put kabooom boxes at random spots in the levels) resulting in some very awkward play experiences for those who feel like luring enemies into traps (For eg. a gas canister was placed at the border of the map right next to a dead end wall, do I blow myself up there? WHAT THE HECK!)

I agree. While I seem to enjoy RE5 more than most, it is painfully obvious that it didn't recieve the insane amount of polish RE4 did. RE4 had good flow thoughout the game, RE5 starts and stutters and doesn't seem to know anything about pacing. Not to mention that the encounters suffer due to the level design. I replayed RE4 like two years ago, and I can still remember several levels and the battles I had there. I've been playing RE5 the last few days and the game is already starting to fade away in my mind.

RE5 lacks "it".

As for RE4 and RE5 being less scary, well, that development started long before RE4, imho. Since RE1 the series has become more and more action oriented with each main numbered entry, and the horror has suffered because of it. Capcom should look to Dead Space to see how to mix both good action controls with scary parts.

I like Dead Space.

[Savok]

Does Sheva have some sort of chainsaw fetish? Whenever there's a chainsaw guy she has to run up to him and stare longingly into his mutated eye as he chops her fucking head off.

[bapenguin]

Finished up to Chapter 2-3 co-op with a friend. My only gripe so far is the inventory: Why can't you trade weapons and give a specific amount of ammo?!??

You can't trade weapons if the person didn't "unlock" the weapon yet. Otherwise you can.

[bapenguin]

Um, maybe YOU think it is backwards. Personally, I want to see MORE co-op games. I love playing games co-op with friends much more so than competitive versus games, which get boring to me. There are very, very few great co-op gaming experiences and almost none where the game is DESIGNED with co-op completely in mind. Granted you have to have friends that you like playing games with, but I do. My time is limited and when I can combine socializing with gaming in a way that diminishes neither, that is great. So yeah, I think it's a good thing and it's an unsual treat.

I'm really looking forward to playing it with some friends tonight. And, as I said before, I can't really comment on the quality of the game before playing it, but most of the complaints you guys have (it is co-op, it doesn't play like every other RE games etc.) seem less like actual criticism of the game as it is and more like a bunch of Crabby McCrab pants complaining that a box of legos isn't well designed when viewed as a ham sandwich. I have no problem accepting the game for the style of game it is and juding it on its own terms. I admit that I have some blind faith in Capcom but that is because they usually kick a lot of ass.

You know - there's this site out there.... :)

[Iron Past]

If I realized at the time that RE4 was the gateway drug that led to RE5 I probably wouldn't have liked it so much :)

Like I said, being completely fair RE4 was new at the time. RE5 hasn't moved much past it, really, and I think that's what people's real problem with it is. RE4 sits comfortably in the memory of having done so many thing that were really cool at the time, while RE5 is thrown out there with games that do some of the individual things it's trying to achieve better.

I'm enjoying it, I understand that others aren't. :cool:

[Banacek]

I'm really looking forward to playing it with some friends tonight. And, as I said before, I can't really comment on the quality of the game before playing it, but most of the complaints you guys have (it is co-op, it doesn't play like every other RE games etc.) seem less like actual criticism of the game as it is and more like a bunch of Crabby McCrab pants complaining that a box of legos isn't well designed when viewed as a ham sandwich. I have no problem accepting the game for the style of game it is and juding it on its own terms. I admit that I have some blind faith in Capcom but that is because they usually kick a lot of ass.

You're coming of a bit pompous. Let's flesh out your analogy: this is more like buying a box of legos, and getting home, opening it up, and finding a ham sandwich. You say, "That is a fantastic ham sandwich! You should be happy!" I retort, "While this ham sandwich is fine, that's not what I wanted when I bought the box of legos." I've been playing RE since the first one came out. I know what I want in a RE game. Huff and puff all you want, but this isn't it.

[EternalGamer]

I'm not trying to be pompous, but I do think that games deserved to be judged on their own as much outside of preconceptions as possible.

And besides, in this case, I'd say you should have at least been prepared when you took the box of Legos marked RE4 home and it was a delicious turkey sandwich. :) I think most people who have been keeping up with the gaming news and everyone who played the demo pretty much realized this was continuing the tradition established in RE4 of becoming more of an action game. Even if you didn't know this, playing it for an hour or so would let you know it. At that point, I think it is time to start judging the game for what it is and not what it isn't.

[Banacek]

I'm not trying to be pompous, but I do think that games deserved to be judged on their own as much outside of preconceptions as possible.

And besides, in this case, I'd say you should have at least been prepared when you took the box of Legos marked RE4 home and it was a delicious turkey sandwich. :) I think most people who have been keeping up with the gaming news and everyone who played the demo pretty much realized this was continuing the tradition established in RE4 of becoming more of an action game. Even if you didn't know this, playing it for an hour or so would let you know it. At that point, I think it is time to start judging the game for what it is and not what it isn't.

See, I guess that's were I messed up. I think gaming websites spoil too much of the game these days. So for titles I'm really looking forward to I do a media blackout. If I didn't do that for RE5 I probably would have known what I was getting. I had a bit of a shock the first day playing the game. Like I said before, I'm starting to really enjoy this game for what it is. It's still not going to fill my survival horror needs. I guess they aren't going to be met until I get a PS3.

[Kelegacy]

See, I guess that's were I messed up. I think gaming websites spoil too much of the game these days. So for titles I'm really looking forward to I do a media blackout. If I didn't do that for RE5 I probably would have known what I was getting. I had a bit of a shock the first day playing the game. Like I said before, I'm starting to really enjoy this game for what it is. It's still not going to fill my survival horror needs. I guess they aren't going to be met until I get a PS3.

I also avoided ALL RE5 content except the demo and an interview a few months back...and interview that made me really nervous when the developer said something about it being much shorter than RE4. I thought...great, here we go again. A huge portion of budget going towards graphics, not enough to the actual game. I don't have anything against short games (other than their price) but after the perfect RE4, I thought they'd try to be just as epic. RE4 was not a sandwich, it was a damn feast.

The demo bored me, didn't have any atmosphere and I never once felt any dread. RE4 was one long dreadful experience for me. The level designs were great and I was constantly worried while playing...something that never happens these days. RE5 seems like, hey let's take that stuff out but add some motherfuckin TURRETS! More exploding barrels!!

I'm just a bitter bitch and I know it. Plus, I just like to complain. Makes the other aspects of life that much sweeter, when I can focus all my apathy on something as simple as a videogame that doesn't fulfill my expectations. Takes the burden off my babymama. :)

[Savok]

You have to go media blackout these days, especially on major releases like this as you can probably line the screenshots up and cover the entire fucking game start to finish.

I'd heard it was like RE4 and that's all I needed to hear to go on my own blackout. Pity it's nothing like RE4...

And fuck sake Dan Dan, go eat something.

[Spigot]

You know - there's this site out there.... :)See, YOU... YOU are to blame for Sheva and the co-optimizing of everything. I can't wait for the FFXIII to have co-op shoe-horned in just to make you happy!

To paraphrase Rodney King, "Can't we all just game alone?"

[bapenguin]

See, YOU... YOU are to blame for Sheva and the co-optimizing of everything. I can't wait for the FFXIII to have co-op shoe-horned in just to make you happy!

To paraphrase Rodney King, "Can't we all just game alone?"

LOL. Sorry. :)

[EternalGamer]

I really do think that the game changes a lot whether or not you are playing it co-op. When you play co-op there is actual tension and fear in keeping each other alive and in splitting up. If it is the AI teammate you just want to yell at it for being stupid. I think Shawn Elliot (of former GFW fame got it right), the co-op play is what develops real tension and fear and that is the way the game was meant to be played. If you aren't playing it that way, you are really robbing yourself of something.

Case in point, when I was playing last night with my brother and he started screaming for help and I was somewhere totally else, I had no idea what I was running into, but i had to leave the quite area I was in even though I was low on health and rush towards his direction because if he died it was game over. If this was a computer teammate I would probably just get pissed that the AI was dumb enough to get itself in a stupid position. This game really does encourage teamwork and builds tension and suspense off of it.

[Fubl]

if anyones looking for a co op partner hit me

[Urizen]

Um, maybe YOU think it is backwards.

You're right more games should be built co-op from the ground up but include the ability to play a hamstrung single player campaign. Yay future.

most of the complaints you guys have (it is co-op, it doesn't play like every other RE games etc.) seem less like actual criticism of the game as it is and more like a bunch of Crabby McCrab pants complaining that a box of legos isn't well designed when viewed as a ham sandwich. I have no problem accepting the game for the style of game it is and juding it on its own terms..

On its own terms, the single player is damn near broken and definitely tacked on. Single player suffers from the focus on co-op. Lots of recycled enemies. Fewer variety of enemies. Fewer bosses. Easier game. Shorter game. Shitty level layout in Chapter 1. Probably the worst boss fight in history of the series in Chapter 5. Far fewer puzzles.

This the the third time I've said this, but the more I look at what I wrote, the more I realize you're right and I must be talking about something other than RE5.

Love,
Crabby McCrab Pants.

Everything right down the controls are almost exactly the same.

Progress for the series in a sentence. I've said it before. This is RE 3.5.

[EternalGamer]

Like I said, people playing it single player aren't enjoying, it seems. Too bad they are the ones missing out.

Lots of game have tacked on co-op and multiplayer modes. I have no problem with a game that has great co-op as the primary way to play. I just don't know why you guys don't find a friend to play with. As a single player game maybe it ranks lower, I don't know, but that doesn't change the fact that it is a kick ass multiplayer mode.

[Wilkz07]

I took me awhile to figure out the best strategy is to use the map to your advantage. After a couple of deaths in the beginning I realized it was easier to survive if you I ran around the town areas and found vantage points like the roof tops.

Just started chapter 3. So far my fave level was 2-3 (mounted guns is great). And the QTE in the game is what I've come to expect in an RE game, minimal.

Had a couple people join co-op with no mic and no sense of 'stick together'. If anyone has it on 360, i keep open co-op going.

[Banacek]

Like I said, people playing it single player aren't enjoying, it seems. Too bad they are the ones missing out.

Lots of game have tacked on co-op and multiplayer modes. I have no problem with a game that has great co-op as the primary way to play. I just don't know why you guys don't find a friend to play with. As a single player game maybe it ranks lower, I don't know, but that doesn't change the fact that it is a kick ass multiplayer mode.

You really can't understand that I want to play a game by myself? That seems... odd.

[Spigot]

You really can't understand that I want to play a game by myself? That seems... odd.I don't understand why he can't seem to understand that people are a little annoyed by the fact that a series that has been exclusively single-player up until now is now co-op. It's not that the co-op portion is inherently bad. It's that by making the game focused on that style of play, it has completely altered the experience that the series has given players since its inception.

Sure, RE4 changed things up, but it still had the pacing of a single-player game.

[EternalGamer]

You really can't understand that I want to play a game by myself? That seems... odd.

I understand that perfect well. But I also understand that this game is amazing fun co-op and it is clear the designers had that in mind.

You can play Street Fighter on the Genesis with the 3 button controller and hit "start" to switch between kicks and punches and it sucks to play that way, but that doesn't mean the game overall "sucks."

Yes, I understand that you guys want a single player game instead of a co-op game, that doesn't make it any less awesome of a co-op game. Again, rather than judging and complaining about what a game isn't, I think it makes more sense to judge it for what it is.

I understand getting upset because a game isn't the type of game you want, but that to me is a very shallow type of criticism. I was angry that Banjo 3 wasn't a platformer or that Shadowrun 360 wasn't an RPG, but I'm willing to judge those games on their own terms about whether or not they accomplish what they set out to do.

[bapenguin]

I understand that perfect well. But I also understand that this game is amazing fun co-op and it is clear the designers had that in mind.

You can play Street Fighter on the Genesis with the 3 button controller and hit "start" to switch between kicks and punches and it sucks to play that way, but that doesn't mean the game overall "sucks."

Yes, I understand that you guys want a single player game instead of a co-op game, that doesn't make it any less awesome of a co-op game. Again, rather than judging and complaining about what a game isn't, I think it makes more sense to judge it for what it is.

I understand getting upset because a game isn't the type of game you want, but that to me is a very shallow type of criticism. I was angry that Banjo 3 wasn't a platformer or that Shadowrun 360 wasn't an RPG, but I'm willing to judge those games on their own terms about whether or not they accomplish what they set out to do.

I like your point that there's plenty of single player games that tack on co-op - why can't there be games that do it the other way?

[KamaItachi]

I like your point that there's plenty of single player games that tack on co-op - why can't there be games that do it the other way?

Agreed. I don't recall people giving Left 4 Dead as much flack for essentially being a multi-player with shallow single tacked on.

[EternalGamer]

Agreed. I don't recall people giving Left 4 Dead as much flack for essentially being a multi-player with shallow single tacked on.

Single player Left 4 Dead is pretty boring. I think it is an apt comparison.

[bapenguin]

Also - if anyone cares at this point - My co-op review (http://www.co-optimus.com/review/166/page/1/Resident_Evil_5_Co-Op_Review.html)

[Adam Blue]

I like your point that there's plenty of single player games that tack on co-op - why can't there be games that do it the other way?

But co-op in what way? See, if you five me a deep single-player experience that can be played with another player, I'm all for it. L4D is just Team Deathmatch. Co-op? No. Co-op would be Syphon Filter Omega Strain, or Red Alert 3. Same with games like RE5 (sorry, haven't played it yet) where it's not really co-op since you just assume the AI player in singleplayer (I could be totally wrong). Yes it is cooperative play, but none of this is any different than a TD game, and it will always seem tacked on since that is essentially what it is.

I will again point to Syphon Filter Omega Strain. Show me a game that is more co-op than that. And by co-op I mean where a 2nd character creates a whole new experience than what was in singleplayer...new areas, doing things at different places at the same time to achieve a goal...that's what I look for, and since then I have never played what I would call a co-op game.

I know I may be defining co-op on my own terms, but I wish developers would grasp what was done with Syphon Filter. It seems to still be ahead of its time.

Again, games like Halo, Army of Two, CoD...it's just an extra person to help you blow through shit. I want more than that. L4D could be a lot more, but for some reason gamers are all over what has been done with mods 10 years ago.

With RE5, I thought we would be getting a co-op RE4. I can see that's not the case.

[Kelegacy]

Now, I have Xbox Gold so it's not relevant to me, but I can see why many people would be discouraged by a multiplayer game first and singleplayer game second on the Xbox 360 if they are Silver subscribers. Basically to play the game "properly" you need another living person, which sucks already to me, and also pay Microsoft a monthly fee in order to play your snazzy new $60 game online. On the PS3 it isn't as much of a problem I suppose.

It's a personal preference for people. Some people play videogames to be social. I don't, at least not most of the time. I do play co-op and multiplayer with friends, and even throw game nights occasionally here at my home, but most of the time I value gaming as a form of personal escapism. Just like a great books. I don't want another person reading the same book over my shoulder, or aloud to one another. I'd rather experience it alone. Especially an experience such as RE. I remember I only played RE4 when I knew I'd have some time to myself. It made it that much more enjoyable.

Now I can't experience the next chapter in the series properly unless I tap a buddy on the shoulder and have him play with me. And that bothers me. I am not anti-multiplayer, not by a long-shot, but I think the multiplayer craze in today's games could make singleplayer campaigns start suffering more and more in the future, or disappearing completely. I think it's already the case with a handful of titles. (Shadowrun, for example)

[KamaItachi]

Now, I have Xbox Gold so it's not relevant to me, but I can see why many people would be discouraged by a multiplayer game first and singleplayer game second on the Xbox 360 if they are Silver subscribers. Basically to play the game "properly" you need another living person, which sucks already to me, and also pay Microsoft a monthly fee in order to play your snazzy new $60 game online. On the PS3 it isn't as much of a problem I suppose.

It's a personal preference for people. Some people play videogames to be social. I don't, at least not most of the time. I do play co-op and multiplayer with friends, and even throw game nights occasionally here at my home, but most of the time I value gaming as a form of personal escapism. Just like a great books. I don't want another person reading the same book over my shoulder, or aloud to one another. I'd rather experience it alone. Especially an experience such as RE. I remember I only played RE4 when I knew I'd have some time to myself. It made it that much more enjoyable.

Now I can't experience the next chapter in the series properly unless I tap a buddy on the shoulder and have him play with me. And that bothers me. I am not anti-multiplayer, not by a long-shot, but I think the multiplayer craze in today's games could make singleplayer campaigns start suffering more and more in the future, or disappearing completely. I think it's already the case with a handful of titles. (Shadowrun, for example)

I thought the original Resident Evil games were actually great social/hotseat games. This is of course, not the standard, but people do enjoy games in different ways. The only installment of the series I genuinely wanted to play by myself was REmake, because I thought they really nailed the atmosphere. What 5 finally does is make the experience of having friends watch me play a more active one. I think co-op enhances elements of the gameplay, rather than being the focus of it like L4D or Team Fortress.

Social elements, I think RE5 is a much more viable single player experience than Shadowrun or L4D. In my experience of RE5 the AI is a lot more subdued and a lot less noticeable in single player than either of those multi-player only games. to be fair, playing with a dozen bots feels a lot more shallow than playing with one AI side-kick.

Seriously, my suggestion? try it. Give it a rent, don't write it off because of what people here have said, how it compares to other games in the series, or even the demo. Let it stand or fall by its own merits/flaws.

[mister slim]

I don't understand why he can't seem to understand that people are a little annoyed by the fact that a series that has been exclusively single-player up until now is now co-op. It's not that the co-op portion is inherently bad. It's that by making the game focused on that style of play, it has completely altered the experience that the series has given players since its inception.

Sure, RE4 changed things up, but it still had the pacing of a single-player game.

But it hasn't been exclusively single player. Which is why I don't understand why, if Capcom wanted to do co-op, they didn't do it up right and make a new Resident Evil: Outbreak now that console online play is finally working really well.

[Spigot]

But it hasn't been exclusively single player. Which is why I don't understand why, if Capcom wanted to do co-op, they didn't do it up right and make a new Resident Evil: Outbreak now that console online play is finally working really well.
The REAL numbered series has been exclusively singleplayer. Several of us have already stated that if they had done this as a gaiden, it would be fine with the co-op focus. It's the fact that RE 1-4 (and Code Veronica) were all single-player games. We knew there would be a co-op component in RE5 but I don't think most of us realized a) how predominant it would be and b) that you essentially had to play the game co-op since the AI for Sheva is so borked.

I don't think many people are poo-pooing the quality of the co-op experience. They're griping about the variety of changes to a core title in the series as opposed to experiments happening on the periphery.

Hell, I guess I'm just turning into my little brother. He was aghast at the changes that happened in RE4 and I thought he was absolutely stark raving nuts for not seeing the brilliance in the redesign. Now I'm echoing the same kind of insane ramblings.

[bapenguin]

But co-op in what way? See, if you five me a deep single-player experience that can be played with another player, I'm all for it. L4D is just Team Deathmatch. Co-op? No. Co-op would be Syphon Filter Omega Strain, or Red Alert 3. Same with games like RE5 (sorry, haven't played it yet) where it's not really co-op since you just assume the AI player in singleplayer (I could be totally wrong). Yes it is cooperative play, but none of this is any different than a TD game, and it will always seem tacked on since that is essentially what it is.

I will again point to Syphon Filter Omega Strain. Show me a game that is more co-op than that. And by co-op I mean where a 2nd character creates a whole new experience than what was in singleplayer...new areas, doing things at different places at the same time to achieve a goal...that's what I look for, and since then I have never played what I would call a co-op game.

I know I may be defining co-op on my own terms, but I wish developers would grasp what was done with Syphon Filter. It seems to still be ahead of its time.

Again, games like Halo, Army of Two, CoD...it's just an extra person to help you blow through shit. I want more than that. L4D could be a lot more, but for some reason gamers are all over what has been done with mods 10 years ago.

With RE5, I thought we would be getting a co-op RE4. I can see that's not the case.

There's definitely some co-op experiences that are better than others, and actually I think games that have the AI take over "player 2" truly show why cooperative gaming is so good. The experience of playing Army of Two or Gears of War 1/2 with a friend instead of with the AI is night and day. They end up being completely different and more satisfying experiences.

RE5 is a great example of how the design of the bosses and areas allow players that are actually working together benefit. It's something the AI isn't able to do.

Red Alert 3 would fall into your "just another person blowing shit up category." It's there in single and multiplayer.

If you want to use an RTS as an example, I'd argue that Halo Wars in co-op is completely different, playing with a partner totally changes the strategies available to you.

[Savok]

That's super, BAP, only problem is such games leave us with completely hollowed out single player experiences as we have here.

If L4D has shown us anything, it's that AI is more then capable picking up the slack from lack of real players, you just have to not make it intolerably stupid. This is where RE5 fails, like it fails in so many other areas that it couldn't have been made by the same people who did RE4. Surprise surprise, it wasn't.

[Rock Bandit]

If you want to play a game all by your lonesome you don't want RE5. Too bad, so sad. As a two player game it's brilliant fun and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Anyone interested in some Mercs play be sure to hit me up.

[Narradisall]

The co-op bitching aside (and what I've seen of the AI I can't fault the bitching) I'm havign a blast with this game. Granted it is a lot less on the suspense/thriller and more on the actions and nearing the end of it I've only come across a handful of puzzles. Still, epic fun being had playing it co-op.

I must say, I did enjoy the bits that felt more 'Resident Evil' to me, such as....
The lab part where you first come across Lickers. I was reading all the reports while my friend was stealing all the ammo etc so I knew they were coming. Then seeing them burst through the glass and the part where your waiting for the elevator while they stream round the corner was very cool.

Will hopefully complete tonight, still must have gotten a good 8-10 hours out of it so far, possibly more as I wasn't keeping count.

Oh, and the First fight with Wesker and Jill, was hilarious, especially when my friend put a couple of grenades into Jill shouting "Yea JILL!?! Yea, bitch, your cunfu shit don't save you now....what? How'd we lose!"

[TheFlyingOrc]

If you want to play a game all by your lonesome you don't want RE5. Too bad, so sad. As a two player game it's brilliant fun and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Anyone interested in some Mercs play be sure to hit me up.

Having not played a minute of it without a friend, I'm loving this game (with the exception that normal mode is WAY too easy. We'll have to replay it on Hard)

Masturbation isn't as fun as sex, but you don't hear people complaining to God that things were better before we had TWO genders. Co-op is awesome.

[Kelegacy]

Masturbation isn't as fun as sex

That all depends.

[EternalGamer]

I can say I will be playing through this MANY times with friends. It is clearly going to become one of those rare games where the level design is emblazoned into my mind. I actually can't wait to finish it so I can start it again.

[Banacek]

I can say I will be playing through this MANY times with friends. It is clearly going to become one of those rare games where the level design is emblazoned into my mind. I actually can't wait to finish it so I can start it again.

Most of the levels are a straight line. The ones that aren't have big arrows that tell you were to go (even the ones that are still have the arrows). The level design is one of the worst aspects of the game for me.

[EternalGamer]

Most of the levels are a straight line. The ones that aren't have big arrows that tell you were to go (even the ones that are still have the arrows). The level design is one of the worst aspects of the game for me.

Yeah, I'm aware they are fairly linear, but linear isn't synonym for bad. Some of the greatest games of all time are "linear"--Super Mario Bros 3, Gunstar Heroes, etc. I love the gunplay, the atmosphere, the presentation, and the co-op.

I've played through all the levels up to where I am twice so far (since I'm playing it with two different friends) and some of them 3 times because I played by myself when neither was online. So I know the levels I played pretty well, but I'm looking forward to shooting for those "S" ranks and finding all those hidden plates and unlocking the rare items/costumes. I haven't noticed any "big arrows" in any level even if they are linear, though.

[Savok]

"Design" is being generous, someone slapped together a bunch of rooms in a level builder and called it a day.

As much as I don't like Gears of War, I'll give the levels in it their due, it's obvious someone put a lot of thought into them. Cover, spawn points, everything. RE5 it's obvious there wasn't any thought. Half the time you're staring at some obvious place to cross to the next area only the game won't let because it's not coded as somewhere you can go. And god forbid there's a tiny step without a context button, you're gonna have to go the long way round on that one.

Off the top of my head, 5-3 had giant arrows, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I saw them.

Having now reached 6-2 I can safely say the trash enemies in the game were some of the worst I've ever seen for sheer blandness. I'll give the game its due though, the boss fights are mostly very well done and I'll admit I kinda enjoyed chapter 4 as it looked like the game was actually attempting to be a RE game. By 5-1 I was actually hopeful, attempts were being made to make you nervous.

Then 5-2 came and I was playing a poor man's Gears of War... just... god.

[divinechaos]

I bought the game and only played chapter 1 and I'm afraid to keep on playing. It just seems so... bland, not a RE *insert number here* game. I agree that this should've been one of those RE: *insert word here* games because after playing RE4 this seems completely uninspired to me.

[Mortis]

Played through on Normal and unlocked infinite ammo for the M3 and S&W M500 magnum (badass gun), gotta finish Normal in co-op (we are on 5-3) then I am going to blast through Veteran and then try the hardest difficulty. I may try an under 5 hour run as well, love the game. Haven't even touched mercs yet, ton of replay value here.

[menage]

Well at least it's selling like hotcakes. 4 million and counting (shiped that is).

Also, this (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/resi-5-outsells-uk-top-ten-combined). Seems like a succes.

[Kelegacy]

Well at least it's selling like hotcakes. 4 million and counting (shiped that is).

Also, this (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/resi-5-outsells-uk-top-ten-combined). Seems like a succes.

Yeah, this bodes well for a Gearsident Evil 6. Oh well.

Action games are more accessible due to their mostly mindless nature. In fact, action games are the highest selling on the next-gen systems, at least in the western world. Same goes for the summer Hollywood blockbusters. It's great that the series is doing well, but it will probably be a series I don't follow as religiously in the future. Because it's no longer Resident Evil.

RIP Resident Evil.

[x Returner x]

Having not played a minute of it without a friend, I'm loving this game (with the exception that normal mode is WAY too easy. We'll have to replay it on Hard)

Masturbation isn't as fun as sex, but you don't hear people complaining to God that things were better before we had TWO genders. Co-op is awesome.

Wait till you open professional mode it’s kicking my ass right now.

[menage]

Yeah, this bodes well for a Gearsident Evil 6. Oh well.

Action games are more accessible due to their mostly mindless nature. In fact, action games are the highest selling on the next-gen systems, at least in the western world. Same goes for the summer Hollywood blockbusters. It's great that the series is doing well, but it will probably be a series I don't follow as religiously in the future. Because it's no longer Resident Evil.

RIP Resident Evil.

Yeah, if they release a Resi which is great in SP, I'll jump back on board as well. And I will probably pick this up for 20 bucks somewhere down the line. Cause I do really want to see the story and the setpieces.

That's the great thing about this gen imo. Sure games are expensive, but they drop way harder than they used to. This month alone I bought Dead Space, TR-Underworld and Persona 4 for less than 60 bucks combined. Who needs new games this way (well, I do, but not all of them):D

[TheFlyingOrc]

Action games are more accessible due to their mostly mindless nature. In fact, action games are the highest selling on the next-gen systems, at least in the western world. Same goes for the summer Hollywood blockbusters. It's great that the series is doing well, but it will probably be a series I don't follow as religiously in the future. Because it's no longer Resident Evil.

RIP Resident Evil.

This is some serious drama you're bringing about Vidja Games brah.

[Kelegacy]

Yeah, if they release a Resi which is great in SP, I'll jump back on board as well. And I will probably pick this up for 20 bucks somewhere down the line. Cause I do really want to see the story and the setpieces.

That's the great thing about this gen imo. Sure games are expensive, but they drop way harder than they used to. This month alone I bought Dead Space, TR-Underworld and Persona 4 for less than 60 bucks combined. Who needs new games this way (well, I do, but not all of them):D

Yeah, that's the good thing. That's the only reason I own so many videogames. I love that I can wait a couple months, if that, and score great games for peanuts. RE5 might take a little longer to fall, but I'll be on the lookout to pick it up cheap.

As vocal as I've been, I still want to play it. Not as bad as I did when it was first announced, not as bad as I did a month ago before I learned more about the game, but I still want to play it some day. I can find fun in nearly every game, even bad ones. That's why my game library has some "bad ones" in it. Heck, I'm playing Kung Fu Panda right now. I'll play nearly any game if the price is right. But had RE5 been more what I wanted I would have bought it last week instead of waiting for clearance, trades, or price drops.

So in the end it doesn't matter. I'm disappointed, but I'll still play it.

[Krispy]

RIP Resident Evil? Seriously? I don't understand how this is hitting people with so much surprise. Like RE4 wasn't a complete 360 on the series' direction. Did people really think that RE5 wasn't going to be like RE4? At least the plot has gone back to its roots and while I can't comment on single player action, the game is the most fun I've had actually playing an RE game since Outbreak. You would think it was the end of the world.

[EternalGamer]

Yeah, this bodes well for a Gearsident Evil 6. Oh well.

Action games are more accessible due to their mostly mindless nature. In fact, action games are the highest selling on the next-gen systems, at least in the western world. Same goes for the summer Hollywood blockbusters. It's great that the series is doing well, but it will probably be a series I don't follow as religiously in the future. Because it's no longer Resident Evil.

RIP Resident Evil.

This game totally doesn't deserve that type of dismissal. There are a lot of drama queens in this thread. Yeah, so if you are playing it by yourself, the game may not be quite as good as Resident Evil 4, which was an absolutely amazing game, probably of a calibur that very, very few games are. But it isn't a generic FPS game nor is it close.

Is it dumb? Yeah, well the series has ALWAYS been dumb. In fact it became famous for dumb dialog and silly puzzles. But it isn't easy. You still have to play it smarter, I would argue a lot smarter than you have to play the campaign in Gears or Halo. And that is on the normal difficulty. And it plays at a very different pace and feel than any other action game. So it doesn't deserve that whole "this is for the dumb fratboy crowd" response.

Over half the people complaining in this thread haven't even playing the fucking game and are writing it off as some kind of indication of a problem with the dumbing down of culture or a forboding sign of the future of online games or some such nonsense. This is basically RE4 control scheme and design with more zombies and co-op. Yeah, the level design may not always be up to high standards of RE4, but as the Edge review argued (and I concur), the best of the game is up to RE4's high standards and the game overall mimics RE4 in most ways.

You want to talk about a problem with our culture, I would say it is the binary way we have to see everything. Either it is mindblowingly awesome or it "sucks." RE5 is fantastic, but it might not be the best game ever designed like RE4, so I guess that mean it "sucks" and is only worth $20 in a bargain bin on a day when you are bored out of your mind. Anyway, I'll just leave you guys to your bitching. I'll be playing the actual game, which I guarantee is a lot more fun than complaining about it.

[Banacek]

RIP Resident Evil? Seriously? I don't understand how this is hitting people with so much surprise. Like RE4 wasn't a complete 360 on the series' direction. Did people really think that RE5 wasn't going to be like RE4? At least the plot has gone back to its roots and while I can't comment on single player action, the game is the most fun I've had actually playing an RE game since Outbreak. You would think it was the end of the world.

Oh, I forgot that RE4 was co-op focused. Thanks for reminding me.

[Banacek]

This game totally doesn't deserve that type of dismissal. There are a lot of drama queens in this thread. Yeah, so if you are playing it by yourself, the game may not be quite as good as Resident Evil 4, which was an absolutely amazing game, probably of a calibur that very, very few games are. But it isn't a generic FPS game nor is it close.

Is it dumb? Yeah, well the series has ALWAYS been dumb. In fact it became famous for dumb dialog and silly puzzles. But it isn't easy. You still have to play it smarter, I would argue a lot smarter than you have to play the campaign in Gears or Halo. And that is on the normal difficulty. And it plays at a very different pace and feel than any other action game. So it doesn't deserve that whole "this is for the dumb fratboy crowd" response.

I've died 5 times so far in my playthough, half of which was because of my AI partner. This game is incredibly easy. There is no need to manage your ammo because you can either buy more or go farm a level to get more ammo. There is nothing smart about this game. Every nuance is dripping with idiocy. You walk in a straight line from beginning of the level to the end. In case you can't figure out the straight line from your map there a BIG ARROWS in the level to tell you were to go. You shoot things with no worries because they always drop the ammo you need. There is no tension. In fact, you go out seeking fights because of the nature of the game. Why would I run from 12 lickers? They drop great loot. That is not Resident Evil.

Over half the people complaining in this thread haven't even playing the fucking game and are writing it off as some kind of indication of a problem with the dumbing down of culture or a forboding sign of the future of online games or some such nonsense.

Or maybe they don't want to play a co-op action game? It's really not that hard to understand.

I guess I'll just leave you guys to your bitching, though. I'll be playing the actual game, which I guarantee is a lot more fun than complaining about it.

Thanks for being a saint. I'm sure God is smiling on your benevolence.

EDIT: Your name isn't Jack B, is it? :)

[Iron Past]

RIP Resident Evil? Seriously? I don't understand how this is hitting people with so much surprise. Like RE4 wasn't a complete 360 on the series' direction. Did people really think that RE5 wasn't going to be like RE4? At least the plot has gone back to its roots and while I can't comment on single player action, the game is the most fun I've had actually playing an RE game since Outbreak. You would think it was the end of the world.

I've been enjoying it much more than RE4, which I played through late last year. The worst part of any video game (or movie, for that matter), is preconceived notions of it was supposed to be, especially if it is part of a series. Because no one wants anything different after over a dozen games.

[EternalGamer]

I've died 5 times so far in my playthough, half of which was because of my AI partner. This game is incredibly easy. There is no need to manage your ammo because you can either buy more or go farm a level to get more ammo. There is nothing smart about this game. Every nuance is dripping with idiocy. You walk in a straight line from beginning of the level to the end. In case you can't figure out the straight line from your map there a BIG ARROWS in the level to tell you were to go. You shoot things with no worries because they always drop the ammo you need. There is no tension. In fact, you go out seeking fights because of the nature of the game. Why would I run from 12 lickers? They drop great loot. That is not Resident Evil.



Well, I guess we are just playing different games then. I don't know what else to say. I am playing with two different people and we are on Chapter 4. With both people we have died at least five or six times. We are constantly worried about ammo and scaveging. Whenever we don't watch each other's backs or we split up, we inevitably get into bad situitions. The game forces us to play smart, even on normal. I can't wait until I try on veteran or harder.

Or maybe they don't want to play a co-op action game? It's really not that hard to understand.

That's fine, you guys have repeated that billion times. Then dont play it, I don't understand how this is interesting conversation to constantly mention that you want the game to be a different type of game than it is rather than trying to evaluate the game as is. Go play something else. I'll bet people in the Halo Wars thread would love to have it dominated by people bitching about the lack of FPS controls. If your compaint is rather a matter of semantics, that the game should have been called something different, maybe we can all pretend the game is called Resident Evil: ONLINE and move on because arging about the name of the game seems kind of pointless.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Or maybe they don't want to play a co-op action game? It's really not that hard to understand.

That's fine, but there's a difference in "This isn't really the game for me" and "RESIDENT EVIL IS DEAD".

[Banacek]

That's fine, you guys have repeated that billion times. Then don't play it, I don't understand how this is interesting conversation to constantly mention that you want the game to be a different type of game than it is rather than trying to evaluate the game as is. Go play something else. I'll bet people in the Halo Wars thread would love to have it dominated by people bitching about the lack of FPS controls.

If this was called RE: Merc Co-op Explosion no one would be in this thread complaining. They changed the fundamentals of the series so that it's not in the same genre anymore. I have every right to be pissed about it. Keep preaching that we should all be thankful for what Capcom has given us. I'll never see it that way.

[Banacek]

That's fine, but there's a difference in "This isn't really the game for me" and "RESIDENT EVIL IS DEAD".

No, I wouldn't go that far. I even like the game for what it is. It's not RE though, and it's definitely not worth the $60 I paid for it. It's a broken single player experience. If I knew this going in I never would have bought it.

[divinechaos]

I'll side with Banacek on this one. I like the game but it's FAR from a *typical* RE game. There are little to no puzzles, ammo is plentyful, the item screen has been over-simplified and buying guns and ammo before a chapter just seems like an easy way to not add a merchant-type guy.

I like it but it's not what I was expecting at ALL. I hope Capcom takes another shot at it next year and gives us a proper RE game.

[TheFlyingOrc]

the item screen has been over-simplified
That's actually a step back toward the series' roots.

[divinechaos]

That's actually a step back toward the series' roots.

I only played RE: Code Veronica, RE: Zero and RE4 and they all used the "x squares per item" thingie so I assumed they all did.

[JayK47]

I don't get it. So because it is a RE game, it is supposed to be a survival horror game? It can be whatever it wants to be. A game dev should be able to make the game they want to make, not kiss fanboy ass. I find it funny that the same people saying RE 4 was fucking insanely awesome are the same people saying RE 5 is an abomination. Shit, I said they changed the formula for RE 4 which I did not like, and I get caught in a fanboy shootout. I don't know about you guys, but I get bored real quick when a series sticks to the same formula over and over. RE needed RE 4 to stay fresh, and RE 5 continues with that. I look forward to playing the game coop. Will I rush out to buy it? No. Will I wait to borrow it, rent it, or bargain bin it? Yes. I'm sure the insane amount of fanboy bitching with make RE 6 basically a remake of RE 4. Don't complain when they do it.

[Rock Bandit]

If this was called RE: Merc Co-op Explosion no one would be in this thread complaining.

This your first day on the internet?

They changed the fundamentals of the series so that it's not in the same genre anymore. I have every right to be pissed about it.

You do have that right. You're just coming off as a big crybaby because someone made a game that doesn't appeal to you


Keep preaching that we should all be thankful for what Capcom has given us. I'll never see it that way.

Oops, nevermind, seems you do have this whole internet thing down.





Crybaby.

[Kelegacy]

I'll bet people in the Halo Wars thread would love to have it dominated by people bitching about the lack of FPS controls.
No, you're right. I am always pissed when people shit on official threads and shouldn't be there. I am being one of those people I despise right now.

I'm out. I shouldn't have kept up the negative banter as long as I did. I apologize to people who were trying to have a serious discussion about the game while I was being a negative nancy troll.

[Banacek]

Crybaby.

Thanks for the informative post.

[Banacek]

No, you're right. I am always pissed when people shit on official threads and shouldn't be there. I am being one of those people I despise right now.

I'm out. I shouldn't have kept up the negative banter as long as I did. I apologize to people who were trying to have a serious discussion about the game while I was being a negative nancy troll.

I really don't think it's the end of RE. They just tried something different and it's not right for some people, namely fans of survival horror genre.

[Fubl]

ehh i dont know about plentiful ammo i ran out of ammo during the bat hybrid catepillar thing, i had to finish it off with my knife. which was no fun

[Abyssion]

This sucks, my connection drops at the beginning of the last fight for no good reason. So I rejoin the game, help my friend finish it off, and get nothing for it!

It's a bit frustrating to say the least.

[H.Bogard]

http://kotaku.com/5099908/mikami-+-resident-evil-5-will-just-cause-me-stress

[Savok]

http://kotaku.com/5099908/mikami-+-resident-evil-5-will-just-cause-me-stress
RE5 as it stands would probably kill him

[EternalGamer]

Those comments look like they were taken out of context to a retarded degree. It seems as though he clearly meant that, irregardless of what the game was, he would have a hard time playing it because he wasn't directing the experience, like a parent that had to let go of a child entering adulthood.

[Evil Avnovice]

Now I can fully flesh out my earlier complaints in the thread:

1. The controls went from off to off-putting. Of the four types available, I choose both types A & C. In addition to a small nitpick of wanting to map running to Square while holding R1 as the ability to customize my controls would have helped, using the RE4 themed controls is fine. But as soon as I tried out the Type C scheme, I felt the constant need to switch between the two.

It feels like on one hand, I get to use the setup from the last installment, so jumping into the game shouldn't be a problem. On the other hand, when I got a taste of strafing, I also wanted that, as the simple ability to move around before taking aim to give yourself some distance or positioning added a little bit to the controls. But the problem I find with strafing, is that it feels half-assed or tacked on, like Capcom just tossed it in there without tightening it up. And using the knife, I'm forced to hold L1 while holding R1, where I would like to press L1 once and use the knife.

2. The inventory isn't as bad as I thought. I have no problem and can fully accept that Chris and Sheva can only hold nine items each. The problem is that I would've liked the same ease of use of Resident Evil 4's inventory management, where I could simply jump in and arrange my items without the need to pull up a menu. What's also a little odd is that you can slot weapons/items to the PS3's directional pad, but why do they have to be positioned in the up/down/left/right slots for it to work? What if I want that space for something else? Or was it not possible to have used another method? :confused:

3. Last but not least, my [AI] partner. I love you Sheva, but I think I would enjoy the game a lot more if I could find a convienent trash can or dumpster for you to hide in permanently. She wastes a ton of ammo, runs ahead to the next point when I'm not ready to go, and overall just gets in the way. I guess it's nice that I have someone to watch my back, otherwise in certain hairy situations, I would rather solo it.

I'm kind of torn here. I loved Resident Evil 4, but I find it hard to get into the groove of this title.

[H.Bogard]

It seems as though he clearly meant that, irregardless of what the game was, he would have a hard time playing it because he wasn't directing the experience, like a parent that had to let go of a child entering adulthood.

And what happened to RE5 is EXACTLY why he is upset, because not being at the helm, the game strayed from what it should have been after RE4.

[Kenzington4short]

I just finished the game on normal with the AI partner. Good gravy, that last boss is frustrating with the AI. It's apparent that it was developed for two people to fight against. Sheva either wastes all of her ammo or doesn't fire at all, depending on what weapons she's carrying. Just frustrating. My friend needs to sign back on so we can continue on veteran. At least I can depend on him.


3. Last but not least, my [AI] partner. I love you Sheva, but I think I would enjoy the game a lot more if I could find a convienent trash can or dumpster for you to hide in permanently. She wastes a ton of ammo, runs ahead to the next point when I'm not ready to go, and overall just gets in the way. I guess it's nice that I have someone to watch my back, otherwise in certain hairy situations, I would rather solo it.

I believe if you set your AI partner to "cover" as opposed to "attack", she won't stray from you and will be less aggressive in battles, acting more as a support character. On the 360 this requires holding B to bring up the menu item. Looks like you're on the PS3 so I'd assume it was the O button. The button that calls Sheva over.

[Savok]

I'm on the last boss now, and Sheva won't do a fucking thing she's supposed to.

Fuck it, fuck the whole god damn thing, I'm done with this bullshit.

EDIT: Oh by the way, making 6-2 a giant QTE that doesn't actually respond to my button presses? Awesome guys, thanks to you I'm never touching another RE game again.

[Kenzington4short]

I'm on the last boss now, and Sheva won't do a fucking thing she's supposed to.

Fuck it, fuck the whole god damn thing, I'm done with this bullshit.

Yes! Exactly how I felt doing it. Here's how I did it:

I waited until he'd raise his arm straight vertically and do my best to run behind him. Sometimes I'd have to avoid his slash, other times not. If I could get behind him I'd shoot the orange spot on his back. Repeat until the one on his chest opens up. At this point I'd change the AI Sheva from cover to attack at which point she will unload on him. After it closes I'd switch Sheva back to cover and repeat the first step.

I only carried the Magnum with the clip and had something like 36 rounds with me. I gave Sheva one of the rifles and the grenade launcher.

Also, I stuck to the top circle area. I didn't need to leave that spot. Hope that helps.

[Savok]

Dude I can't even do phase 1, SHE WON'T FUCKING SHOOT.

[Krispy]

This thread wins the nerd rage award.

http://akatsukiseven.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/nerd-rage.gif (linked because it would be damn annoying flashing in the topic)

[Kenzington4short]

Hm. I just looked at the guide to see what it recommended doing (didn't use it on my first play through)

"Once both agents are reunited on the central island, head up to the upper level. Repeated headshots will repel Wesker, rendering him harmless. His frontal weak spot is exposed after he first performs his distinctive Wirldwind attack. shoot this once, then quickly move Chris - and only Chris - into position behind him to perform the contextual restrain command while his nemesis staggers. if you then press the action button fast enough (the required pace depends on the difficulty grade), you will limit the damage sustained by Chris, and allow Sheva to start her knife finish. keep pressing the button fast enough and you'll end the battle in record time. If you're too slow, Chris's health bar will decrease at an alarming rate, and Sheva will entually be hit by an instant death attack."

On my playthrough, his Whirlwind attack only occured after I shot Wesker on his back weakspot twice. He may just do it after absorbing so much damage. I don't know and the book doesn't say anything.

Edit: OHGAWDSEIZUREGIFBLARG.

[Banacek]

This thread wins the nerd rage award.

http://akatsukiseven.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/nerd-rage.gif (linked because it would be damn annoying flashing in the topic)

You liked RE:Outbreak. You opinions are null and void.

[mister slim]

Those comments look like they were taken out of context to a retarded degree. It seems as though he clearly meant that, irregardless of what the game was, he would have a hard time playing it because he wasn't directing the experience, like a parent that had to let go of a child entering adulthood.

Mikami did say a few months back he would not have taken the game in the direction Capcom was taking it.

[Narradisall]

Got onto the last boss fight last night with my friend, KICKING my arse on normal at the moment. Mainly cause I suck at slowing the boss down when Sheva falls and is stuck in a rapidly press x attack.

I may have to go back and farm some ammo for my magnum or rifle. I'll play through this a few times on the harder modes and really want to try out mercs!

As for the people repeatedly returning to make the same complaints about the game, we get it, you don't like it. Heck I even understand this is a very different from old RE and the only real RE vibe levels I got were around Chapter 4. Still, repeating the same complaints is redundant. Just return it and play something else now you've had your say.

[Iron Past]

I'll side with Banacek on this one. I like the game but it's FAR from a *typical* RE game. There are little to no puzzles, ammo is plentyful, the item screen has been over-simplified and buying guns and ammo before a chapter just seems like an easy way to not add a merchant-type guy.

I like it but it's not what I was expecting at ALL. I hope Capcom takes another shot at it next year and gives us a proper RE game.

This is what some people should have said and then left. You make the point that it's not what you wanted/expected and hope there is a return to form in the future, but still make a judgement call on the game that's there.

Anyway, still enjoying it greatly.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Yeah, this game is still pretty sweet co-op. Maybe you guys can get some friends idk?

[carnage11]

This game sucks. I've only played the demo and I can tell you I won't touch it until it's ~$10. I'm one of the biggest fans of RE you'll ever know, I have biohazard tattooed on my back for crying out loud. Is this game RE? Absolutely, not. It's simple, those that like this game, are RE4 fans, (probably GoW fans as well) those that don't like the game are probably true RE fans. There's a difference. Do people have a right to bitch? Of course, this is an internet forum. Calling someone a cry baby is about as immature as it gets though.

In my opinion, Capcom has shoved it's fat, money grubbing cock right up Resident Evil's ass. Talk about sell out. Don't we have Lost Planet for this shit? Why turn Resident Evil into an entirely different game? Because they want fucking money. Was RE4 fun? Sure. Will this game be fun? Probably less so. However, why slap the name "Resident Evil" on the game? It's NOT RE...it's some bullshit hybrid action shooter. They're not even zombies! :confused:

[EternalGamer]

Yeah, this game is still pretty sweet co-op. Maybe you guys can get some friends idk?

Not much has changed since the beginning of the conversation. People playing it single player hate the AI teammate and people playing it co-op love the teamwork aspect required.

I just finished the marshes section last night with one of my friends and we are still having a blast. I heard other people complaining about the boss fight just before that (the on rails vehicle level), but I absolutely LOVED that level. I wished it were longer, though. It reminded me a lot of the motorcycle scene in MGS4, which is probably the only other game in recent memory that has impressed me as much graphically as this game. This game is drop dead gorgeous.


Edit: Huh. It's nice to find out I am not a real Resident Evil fan despite having completed and really enjoyed every major entry in the series (most of them more than once). Apparently "true RE fans" are only allowed to like survival horror typle of games with tank controls. What else do you guys play between the 3 year intervals of releases besides Silent Hill? Are you not a "true RE fan" if you like other game styles too? Or does liking other game styles mean that you are a homofag who likes to "shove cock up Resident Evil's ass" like Capcom does? Sexual and gaming identity is so confusing these days with all these rules to navigate.

[carnage11]

It seems like someone got their feelings hurt. I'm starting to think Eternal Game made RE5 himself. Taoki, is that you?:p

[Food Nipple]

This game sucks. I've only played the demo and I can tell you I won't touch it until it's ~$10. I'm one of the biggest fans of RE you'll ever know, I have biohazard tattooed on my back for crying out loud. Is this game RE? Absolutely, not. It's simple, those that like this game, are RE4 fans, (probably GoW fans as well) those that don't like the game are probably true RE fans. There's a difference. Do people have a right to bitch? Of course, this is an internet forum. Calling someone a cry baby is about as immature as it gets though.

In my opinion, Capcom has shoved it's fat, money grubbing cock right up Resident Evil's ass. Talk about sell out. Don't we have Lost Planet for this shit? Why turn Resident Evil into an entirely different game? Because they want fucking money. Was RE4 fun? Sure. Will this game be fun? Probably less so. However, why slap the name "Resident Evil" on the game? It's NOT RE...it's some bullshit hybrid action shooter. They're not even zombies! :confused:

My sarcasm meter is broken, it's gotten to the point where I can't tell the real temper tantrums from the fake ones.

[Banacek]

Edit: Huh. It's nice to find out I am not a real Resident Evil fan despite having completed and really enjoyed every major entry in the series (most of them more than once). Apparently "true RE fans" are only allowed to like survival horror typle of games with tank controls. What else do you guys play between the 3 year intervals of releases besides Silent Hill? Are you not a "true RE fan" if you like other game styles too? Or does liking other game styles mean that you are a homofag who likes to "shove cock up Resident Evil's ass" like Capcom does? Sexual and gaming identity is so confusing these days with all these rules to navigate.

EDIT: My mistake.

[EternalGamer]

Wow, just wow. I didn't realize that not liking RE5 made me a homophobe. You're insane dude.

See the dude's post that Food just quoted. I clearly wasn't referring to you:


....

my opinion, Capcom has shoved it's fat, money grubbing cock right up Resident Evil's ass. Talk about sell out. Don't we have Lost Planet for this shit? Why turn Resident Evil into an entirely different game? Because they want fucking money. Was RE4 fun? Sure. Will this game be fun? Probably less so. However, why slap the name "Resident Evil" on the game? It's NOT RE...it's some bullshit hybrid action shooter. They're not even zombies!

I do wonder how a cock grubs money, though. It seems that would be difficult endeavor without any appendages of its own. But with Resident Evil's ass being (apparently) a treasure trove of cash monies, I guess a corpulent corporate cock just has to capitalize any way it can.

[Banacek]

See the dude's post that Food just quoted. I clearly wasn't referring to you:

I just saw that. My bad. I think our only solution to this is to play online together :)

[EternalGamer]

I just saw that. My bad. I think our only solution to this is to play online together :)

As long as you don't mind engaging the visual manifestation of Capcom's doing the dirty with Resident Evil's largess, sure.

[TheFlyingOrc]

whiny babies aint got no friends so they gotta get mad when tehy cant play alone! that ur problem, u friendless loser?aint got no friends?

:cool:real men like me play gaems like GEARS OF WAR!!! and RE5!!! while they not busy bangin hot chicks and crusin round in they cars.:cool: buncha babies cant take the newer awesome resident evilz!

*drives off in ferrari with hot girlfriend*

[H.Bogard]

Alright, the tantrum spewing haters are making the reasonable haters look bad! :x

[Iron Past]

I thought it was funny that the game keeps track of how many animals you kill (chickens, birds) in addition to the monsters. Makes the five minutes I spent hunting down that chicken better. :)

[Kenzington4short]

I thought it was funny that the game keeps track of how many animals you kill (chickens, birds) in addition to the monsters. Makes the five minutes I spent hunting down that chicken better. :)

Ha! That was my friend the other night.

I'm all, "Where the hell are you going?" to my friend.

"I gotta kill the chicken!"

He finally catches up to it and shoots it.

"Satisfied?"

"...

yes."

It also seemed like the crows didn't drop anything when you shot them, which was a bit disappointing because I remember always going for the crows since they dropped loot.

[Narradisall]

Ha! That was my friend the other night.

I'm all, "Where the hell are you going?" to my friend.

"I gotta kill the chicken!"

He finally catches up to it and shoots it.

"Satisfied?"

"...

yes."

It also seemed like the crows didn't drop anything when you shot them, which was a bit disappointing because I remember always going for the crows since they dropped loot.


LOL. I thought me and my friend where the only ones. in the marshes we found the chick pen and spent about 5 mins there shooting chickens and trying to get eggs from them. one of them even leap up and clipped me as it flew doing damage. I then spent the next 2 minutes tracking him down and putting a clip in the little fucker.

Oh and can we now get this thread back on track before it gets locked.