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• Resident Evil 5 stays true to older versions while still getting an update

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Back in 2005, Gamecube owners (and later PS2 owners) were given a taste of near gaming perfection with Resident Evil 4. Capcom revamped the entire series, changing up the game play to focus more on the action, while still retaining the scare-the-hell-out-of-you moments that the previous games were known for.  Now, four years later, Resident Evil 5 is upon us and Capcom has created another great addition to the series. 

Game play wise, Capcom went with the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” strategy. It plays almost identically to Resident Evil 4. This is, of course, not a bad thing at all, as RE4 played wonderfully. It is just that it has been four years and you would think that they could come up with a few more game play innovations.  Everything is here, from the over-the-shoulder, third-person view to action commands during cut scenes. Where it does differ from RE4 and the other games is that there is very little survival-horror to be had here. RE5 is mostly an action game with little bits of terror thrown in here and there. 

One of the biggest game play changes made is in the way inventory is handled. No longer do you have to use your Tetris skills to cram every grenade, green herb or ammo clip into your limiting attaché case. Now, you can only have nine open slots on your person to carry items. Items can be switched out at the beginning of each stage on an inventory screen where you can buy new weapons, upgrade old ones and store items to be used later. Deciding what to take with you for each stage adds a bit of strategy to the game, but sometimes it gets frustrating when you have to constantly stop and rearrange the items you have on you to make room for a new gun, or for the much needed first aid spray.

Another big change is the addition of a cooperate mode. Even in the single player mode, you have a partner with you the entire time. This game was made to be played with a friend, and it is an extremely rewarding experience mowing down the infected with a friend by your side. This actually may be the reason that the game is not as scary as previous entries. Always knowing that there is someone else there with you takes away from the survival aspect of the game. 

HD graphics are a blessing for Resident Evil 5. The game is extremely detailed and gorgeous to look at. Just like the previous entry to the series, Resident Evil 5 is going to prove to be one of the best looking games of its generation.

Resident Evil 5 is an amazing game that warrants multiple playthroughs. The only main downside is the extreme similarities to RE4, which, like previously said, is nowhere near a bad thing. It just would have been nice for a newer experience. Also, a note for Capcom for Resident Evil 6: can you please make it so you can walk and shoot at the same time? It’s getting a little old having to stand still and shoot.