NIDZUMI+

So finally here we are, with not long till the release of the highly anticipated Resident Evil 5, March 13th to be exact (almost same date as Resident Evil 4, 3 years ago). With all the delays you may of thought that the day would never come, so it is with some glee that I find a playable demo on my desk.

As most of you will already know RE5 is set in Africa, roughly ten years after the events of the original Resident Evil. Playing as Chris or Sheva Alomar if you’re the second player, you fight through hoardes of creatures similar to the Ganados of the 4th rendition. These beasts are smarter and faster than those in RE4, an seemingly take more shots to the head as well. These will fight along side other enemies like flying mutations, dogs, infected bugs and crocs, you know the usual. With the onslaught of enemies you’ll often find yourself having to let Sheva cover your back which makes a nice change to some real co-operative gaming

If you think of a typical partner in a game like this, you think they will be slow and will inevetibly turn into more of a hinder than help. Mercifully RE5 does a great job to avoid this, as Sheva seems more than capable of handling a couple of enemies by herself. It might not be completely flawless as sometimes she seems to stand way to close for comfort so when an Executioner (Who can only be described as a big guy with a hammer) puts you down its likely to do the same to Sheva. Using teamwork will be an integral part of staying alive and proceeding in the game, at points you will need to give Sheva a boost to get to the harder to reach areas of the levels.

Graphically the game is looking completely sound. Cutscenes are beautifully done which is were you’ll notice the finer details on the characters. This is carried on into to gameplay, although you don’t have the time to be admiring the dynamic creases in the clothing of an oncoming attacker otherwise you’ll find the game a short experience. Settings and environments look great and are mapped out so that there will always be an alternate route for you to attack or be attacked from. Lighting is used to great effect, regardless of weather you’re in darkness or not, Chris’ eyes seemingly adjust to the lighting so you cant really see much for a few seconds but this throws up a nice effect.

In the small areas that are on show in this version of the game I found 1 or 2 dynamic pieces of scenery, like a generator you could shoot down on top off the wall to kill an enemy. Bookcases can be pushed in front of windows to stall the incoming creatures relentless advance, and it truly relentless. Although when they get to a certain distance they seemingly stutter giving you some time to react. Use this time wisely as it will be the best time to get a head shot, which will not kill them in 1 go using the pistol. Nevertheless use the environment to it’s best use as it can be a serious weapon throughout the game.

All in all Resident Evil 5 is shaping up to be one of the games to beat this year. It has brilliant graphics and lighting and if the story and live up to the excellent cutscenes we’ve seen then this could be a standout hit as far as narrative goes. The environmental weapons, teamwork sections along with the massive amounts of different foes you’ll face keep the action mixed up and varied. Hopefully it can keep up this high level of intent throughout the rest of the game and with Silent Hill Homecoming coming out next month (27 February) this game definitely has a bit of competition on its hands