Resident Evil 5
" Engaging action-adventure with excellent co-op and boss fights but clunky controls and AI flaws "
Resident Evil 5 Review
Resident Evil 5 is a divisive yet highly replayable entry in the franchise, emphasizing cooperative action over traditional survival horror. The game centers on Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar tackling a bioterrorism threat in Africa, with gameplay deeply rooted in teamwork, resource management, and intense boss battles.
Players widely praise its co-op mechanics, smooth controls, and engaging combat, especially when played with a friend. The game's pacing escalates from rural villages to high-tech labs, featuring memorable set pieces and a campy, over-the-top storyline. However, the AI partner Sheva is frequently criticized for poor combat behavior and inventory management, which can frustrate solo players. The game’s controls feel dated, and some boss fights and QTEs are seen as tedious. Graphically, it still holds up well for its age, though the brownish filter and cultural portrayals have drawn criticism. Overall, it offers a fun, action-packed experience, best enjoyed cooperatively, but may disappoint those seeking classic survival horror or polished solo play.
Highlights
The most praised aspects include the cooperative gameplay mechanics, which require teamwork and strategic item sharing. Players enjoy the smooth and intuitive controls, the variety of boss fights, and the satisfying melee combat.
Graphically, the game remains impressive for a 2009 title, with detailed character models and diverse African settings. The storyline, while campy and over-the-top, is entertaining with iconic characters like Chris, Sheva, and Wesker. The pacing and escalation of set pieces keep the action engaging throughout the campaign.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the poor AI behavior of Sheva, who often wastes resources and causes player frustration in solo mode. The controls are considered clunky and outdated by modern standards, with awkward inventory management and removal of the merchant system.
Boss fights and QTE sequences are sometimes seen as repetitive or tedious. The game’s tone is criticized for being overly serious and lacking the atmospheric horror of earlier titles. Additionally, cultural stereotypes and the brownish visual filter detract from the experience. Technical issues, especially on PC, and broken mechanics at higher framerates are also noted.
Pros
- • Excellent cooperative gameplay that enhances strategic teamwork and item sharing.
- • Smooth and intuitive controls that are easy to learn for new players.
- • Memorable boss fights with diverse and creative enemy designs.
- • Graphics still hold up well with detailed character models and environments.
- • Engaging pacing from rural villages to high-tech labs keeps the action fresh.
- • Satisfying melee combat adds variety beyond gunplay.
- • Campy, over-the-top storyline with iconic characters and entertaining moments.
Cons
- • AI partner Sheva is frequently ineffective and wastes resources in solo play.
- • Clunky and outdated controls make aiming and movement awkward.
- • Inventory management is limited and less strategic without a merchant.
- • Boss fights and QTEs can feel repetitive and frustrating.
- • Tone is overly serious and lacks the atmospheric horror of earlier games.
- • Brownish filter and cultural stereotypes detract from immersion.
- • Technical issues on PC including bugs and framerate-related problems.
Rating Criteria
This game is a port of the Games for Windows - Live version that was released in 2009. If you buy the Untold Stories Bundle here on Steam, it will be the same as upgrading to Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition.
