Tokyo Game Show 2008: Hands-on impression of Resident Evil 5

Capcom definitely enticed many, if not all, Tokyo Game Show attendants with its huge pavilion that included a completely enclosed showcase dedicated to its head runner Resident Evil 5. The showcase was well outfitted and even sported broken windows and peeling paint to add authenticity to its environment. There were four long lines set up, allowing players to choose from single play or cooperative play on the system of their choice – the Xbox 360 or the Playstation 3.

Co-Op

Personally, I think that the cooperative play in Resident Evil 5 seems much more interesting than its single-player counterpart since it’s a first for the series (so I focused my attention on that version of the demo). In cooperative play, teamwork is the key to success and players won’t get very far if they don’t acknowledge this fact.

Unlike any other game in the series, when either Chris or Sheva are on the brink of death, they are able to be resuscitated. Resuscitation can only be done by your partner and if your partner doesn’t make it in time to perform it, then it’s game over. Actually, the game ends whenever either Chris of Sheva die, so failing to see that your partner lives is not an option.

Chris and Sheva will work very closely in this game and each plays an integral part where even the trailers for this game stress the importance of their partnership. In the demo, Chris had to help Sheva jump to an adjacent roof to which she was soon greeted by a quickly advancing mob that she would not be able to fend off alone. At this point, Chris must pick off enemies one by one with a sniper rifle to ensure Sheva’s survival.

Control Schemes

Another new introduction for the series is the option to choose from two different control schemes – standard and shooting mode. Players familiar with Resident Evil 4 will find comfort in standard mode while shooting mode had fans of first-person shooters in mind.

Towns & Opponents

During the 15 minutes play time allotted, there were two different towns to choose from: Shanty Town and Assembly Town. Shanty Town introduced players to the flying parasites that inhabit the crazed locals as well as a boss-like character who wore a potato sack on his head an wielded a chainsaw. Apparently, I was told by that staff that you couldn’t just shoot this guy to kill him but instead you had to run away from him. I have no idea how you were supposed to take this guy out because I died shortly after he started chasing me.

With what little time remaining, I chose to explore the other level available, which was Assembly Town. This portion of the demo began with a cut scene where the insanity started with the beheading of an acquaintance of Chris and Sheva. Once the poor man’s head has been cleaved right off, the instigator of the execution spots Chris and Sheva and sends a mob after them. Unfortunately, at this point, my time was up and I had to leave.

Overall

I was definitely ready to pee my pants while I was playing this game – it was that fun. I’m more enthusiastic about wanting to play the completed game when it’s finally released thanks to the introduction of cooperative play. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this game’s promise of more carnage, twisting plot lines, memorable characters, and of course, zombies (or zombie-like people at least).

Action/Horror games like Bio Hazard and Resident Evil give me the creeps but I wouldn’t mind playing it so long as I had a friend to experience it with. And a diaper.

Site [Resident Evil 5]