RESIDENT EVIL 5 SERIES

While the prospect of split-screen or co-op online play tantalises, there's an inescapable feeling of deja vu and frustration as you play with an AI partner. Possibly the most jarring initial impression is how little has changed in the core game mechanics. The laser pointer remains, and a customisable level of sensitivity allows you to tweak to your own satisfaction. Although four control configurations are available, the default works just fine, with a squeeze of the left trigger zooming the camera to the trademark over-the-shoulder view (which so many games aped in the wake of Resi 4, remember). Assigned to the right stick, you finally have the option to sweep the viewpoint around as you wish, and as a result the game is more fluid. The main addition is the presence of a fully-controllable camera for the first time.

RESIDENT EVIL 5 SERIES

It's still very much a series of abrasive set-pieces strung together by camp hilarity. In many respects, Resident Evil 5 is content to follow the path of its much-loved predecessor and tweak a few things along the way. Perhaps the question to consider from the outset is whether you really want Resident Evil to feel like every other action game or not? Because if the answer's no, then you're halfway to getting the most out of it. Once you adapt to the way this game plays compared to all the other third-person action-adventures out there, it all rather clicks into place. To enjoy them, you have to be prepared to put to one side the default annoyances.

These fundamental design decisions are illogical in a modern context, and part of me wishes Capcom would wake up to the present.Д«ut the tradition of survival horror games has its place too. Just like you did with Resident Evil 4, in fact - and Resident Evil Zero before it, and all the others. And yet - even as a long-term fan - when you first pick up Resident Evil 5 it's almost impossible not to find yourself bitching about the way you can't move and fire. There's something grudgingly admirable about Capcom's determination to make Resident Evil games feel like no other.

Resident evil 5