Lovers of the horror genre will no doubt look back fondly upon Capcom and Resident Evil for completely changing the action-adventure genre into what is now known as ‘Survival Horror’. The first steps into the deserted mansion, the first sight of a zombie chewing on a dead mans face, it was simply put a masterpiece.
Now 4 games later is it still the same style of game? No, no it’s not, but does that mean it’s a bad game? Once more the answer is a definite no. Sure there will be Resident Evil fanboys out there who will pump their fists and shout, ‘It has to be survival-horror!’ Well, does it really? We’ve gone through the horrific opening scenes of a completely unknown situation, we’re now into all out war with a power-hungry corporation that’s caused a large-scale biological disaster.
This incarnation of the game looks fantastic, the backdrops of steaming swamps and temple ruins have been expertly crafted and make it one of the most realistic Resi games to-date. This game will never make you feel scared about going into a dark room, but it is an action-packed campaign where you play the original protagonist Chris Redfield. Redfield is accompanied in his journey around the fictitious African province of Kijuju, by local B.S.A.A agent, Sheva Alomar. This is a hindrance to the games wish to make you feel scared, with Sheva you have that added sense of security, you are no longer alone.
The artificial intelligence of Sheva is very rarely called into question, she doesn’t feel like extra baggage, like say the Presidents daughter does in Resident Evil 4. Sadly with most A.I characters in this type of game, she does have a habit of wasting health packs when she only has a slight bit of damage.
Campaign-wise the story is quite good, it’s not overly stretched out and for a game where zombies and deformed monsters are abound it’s not completely off-the-wall insane like some story-lines I know of. If your a fan of the original Resident Evil games, this might not be quite your scene anymore, but if you enjoy a good third-person action-shooter then I suggest you go out and buy this game.
