Resident Evil 5

By necessity, Resident Evil 5 makes a smaller impact than its groundbreaking predecessor, but it's still a creepy, fantastic action game in its own right.

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In Resident Evil 5, former S.T.A.R.S. member Chris Redfield teams up with BSAA agent Sheva Alomar to investigate a bioterrorism threat in Africa, fighting against hordes of infected creatures while uncovering the truth behind the disturbing transformations. This game is a port of the 2009 release, offering an action-packed cooperative experience, but without NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision support. The Untold Stories Bundle on Steam upgrade is equivalent to the Gold Edition.

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Play Modes

Reviews

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 23,591 reviews

story1,192 positive mentions

stability168 negative mentions

story
3,498 mentions
34 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The story of Resident Evil 5 is often described as over-the-top and campy, with many reviewers noting its lack of depth and coherence compared to earlier entries in the series. While some players appreciate the engaging action and character dynamics, particularly between Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar, others criticize the plot for being predictable and filled with clichés. Overall, the game is seen as more of an action shooter than a survival horror experience, with the narrative serving primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a compelling story in its own right.
- “Building on its predecessors, this game delivers an engaging experience that combines intense combat, a captivating storyline, and a unique cooperative mode that enhances the fun factor.”
- “The storyline is engaging, expanding the Resident Evil lore while introducing new characters and threats.”
- “The story is solid, and the combat is tight, but the shift to a more action-focused gameplay may not sit well with hardcore survival horror fans.”
- “The story is awful, but fun enough.”
- “The story is a bunch of nonsense, but if you're looking for a fun shooter to play with someone, you can't go wrong with this title, especially when it goes on sale for 5 bucks or less.”
- “The story is another weak spot of the game like Jill being a slave for Wesker for like 3 years and Wesker completely losing it becoming I want to be one with Ouroboros and like the new characters just frankly suck especially Irving.”
gameplay
2,128 mentions
30 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Resident Evil 5 is a blend of action-oriented mechanics and cooperative elements, building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, Resident Evil 4. While many players appreciate the engaging combat and the fun of playing with a partner, criticisms arise regarding outdated controls, clunky mechanics, and a lack of horror elements, which may disappoint fans of the series' earlier survival horror roots. Overall, the game offers a solid experience, particularly in co-op mode, but its gameplay can feel repetitive and frustrating at times.
- “Resident Evil 5 is a standout entry in the iconic franchise, successfully blending action-packed gameplay with the series’ hallmark horror elements.”
- “The synergy between characters Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar adds depth to the gameplay, as players must communicate effectively to tackle challenging enemies and solve puzzles.”
- “The cooperative gameplay is well-implemented, and playing with a partner adds a whole new level of strategy and teamwork to the already engaging gameplay.”
- “Horrible gameplay, fun with co-op.”
- “The gameplay shifts between being stupidly easy and stupidly frustrating, with most of it being forgettable.”
- “The gameplay is a clunky mess.”
graphics
1,092 mentions
51 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of Resident Evil 5 are widely praised for their impressive quality, especially considering the game's 2009 release date. Many players note that the visuals have aged well, showcasing detailed environments and character models that still hold up today, even on lower-end hardware. However, some critiques mention that certain graphical elements, such as filters and textures, can detract from the overall experience, suggesting that while the graphics are generally strong, they are not without flaws.
- “The game’s visuals are impressive, showcasing stunning environments that range from sun-soaked African landscapes to eerie underground facilities.”
- “The graphics have aged well, providing a striking backdrop for the action and horror elements.”
- “One of the standout features of Resident Evil 5 is its stunning graphics and detailed environments.”
- “Controls outdated, unintuitive, and graphics are bad even on a high-end card for 2023.”
- “Graphics are pretty bad for today's standards, but back then it was decent.”
- “Moreover, since the transition from GFWL version of the game to Steamworks, the game is more broken than the initial GFWL version, losing DX10 support, along with having a few extra graphical issues (e.g., ugly water).”
replayability
396 mentions
52 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
Resident Evil 5 is widely praised for its high replayability, primarily due to its engaging co-op gameplay, various unlockable content, and multiple game modes, including the popular Mercenaries mode. Players appreciate the ability to replay the game with different strategies, character combinations, and difficulty levels, making it a fun experience whether played solo or with friends. While some critiques mention a lackluster story and the ease of gameplay with infinite ammo, the overall consensus is that the game offers significant replay value, especially for those who enjoy cooperative play and achievement hunting.
- “The game's focus on teamwork and exploration adds depth and replayability.”
- “The campaign has a lot of replay value; it's always fun to play over and over again, and the extra minigame modes give you even more to do.”
- “Resident Evil 5 is a solid action game that has incredible replay value with its many weapons to try out, fun level design, and the option to play co-op.”
- “The extra stories are cool, but overall the game has no replayability.”
- “Compared to other Resident Evil titles, this one is a bit lacking: boss fights are awkwardly designed making them more like puzzles rather than a test of your skill and resources, and there's no replay value because the easily obtained infinite weapons make everything a cakewalk after the first run.”
- “The key with this game is to find it on a hefty sale to counteract the limited replayability/value and to play it with a friend, which is sure to produce ample laughs.”
humor
342 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its absurdity and unintentional comedic moments, particularly when played in co-op mode with friends. Players find joy in the ridiculous scenarios, such as the infamous boulder-punching scene and the game's cheesy dialogue, which often leads to laughter over the game's flaws rather than genuine scares. While some critiques mention a lack of intentional humor compared to previous entries, the overall experience is described as hilariously entertaining, especially when shared with others.
- “Hilarious jank that still gets the job done while making you laugh your ass off.”
- “This game made me laugh as hard as I have ever laughed at a video game before.”
- “It's incredibly fun and enjoyable to play with another person, most of our first playthrough consisted of fooling around and laughing while experiencing the game.”
atmosphere
302 mentions
32 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Resident Evil 5 is a point of contention among players, with many noting a significant shift from the horror elements of earlier titles to a more action-oriented experience. While some appreciate the unique setting and detailed environments, others criticize the lack of tension, suspense, and the absence of the classic survival horror vibe, leading to a perception of a dull or forgettable atmosphere. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable in co-op play, but it fails to deliver the atmospheric depth that fans of the series expect.
- “The detailed character models and well-designed enemies contribute to an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
- “From sun-drenched African villages to dark and foreboding underground caverns, the game presents a diverse range of settings that immerse players in the haunting atmosphere.”
- “The attention to detail is simply amazing, and the game immerses players in a fully realized world that feels both real and incredibly atmospheric.”
- “The atmosphere in this game is dull, does not give any horror vibes at all like the old Resident Evil games.”
- “There is no atmosphere, no puzzles, no suspense, no catchy soundtrack.”
- “Going back and forth between RE1 and RE5 makes it clear this game isn't necessarily a good Resident Evil game, in the sense that it's in no way horror and doesn't retain that unnerving atmosphere the classic games had.”
music
254 mentions
44 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its orchestral depth and ability to enhance gameplay, particularly during intense moments and boss battles. However, many critics find the soundtrack forgettable compared to earlier entries in the series, noting a lack of memorable themes and a tendency for the music to become monotonous during combat. Overall, while the soundtrack has its highlights, it does not consistently capture the atmospheric tension expected from a Resident Evil title.
- “Lovely, emotive music that is split perfectly between haunting ambience and heart-pounding orchestral pieces.”
- “The soundtrack for the game is absolutely amazing, I cannot picture this game without it!”
- “Likewise, the fantastic orchestral soundtrack heightens the gameplay with everything from the low-key, ambient tracks that play during downtimes to the frantic, upbeat songs that accompany the massive boss battles.”
- “I worked on the soundtrack and let me tell you, this one's a stinker!”
- “However, the music is quite forgettable and never really seems to find its place in my heart.”
- “The couple of things I have to nitpick or consider cons about the game... music gets old fast and is too easy to tell when the enemy is 'dead' however they use this sometimes against you.”
optimization
196 mentions
33 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While many praise its ability to run smoothly on low-end systems and commend the graphics, a significant number of players express frustration over the recently added DRM, which reportedly reduces performance by 10-15 fps and introduces stuttering, particularly affecting modding capabilities and overall gameplay experience. Overall, the game's optimization appears to vary widely depending on individual hardware and the impact of the DRM.
- “This game was really well optimized on release and can basically run on a potato now.”
- “Very well optimized, it runs very well on machines without dedicated graphics cards and more powerful processors.”
- “The game's optimization is actually pretty good, and the graphics hold up remarkably well for a decade-old game.”
- “This review will remain negative until Capcom removes this mod-blocking, stutter-inducing, performance-degrading malware known as Enigma Protector.”
- “Capcom added DRM to an old co-op/solo game that worsens performance and gives you malware because they can't handle the idea of players modifying their experience on a game they own.”
- “This negative review is purely due to the actions of Capcom implementing DRM into old games, reducing their performance and angering customers that have been fans of various Capcom franchises for years.”
stability
186 mentions
10 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
90 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players have noted that the PC port is particularly problematic, often requiring community patches to address game-breaking issues. While some enjoy the game despite its flaws, the overall consensus is that the stability issues detract from the experience, making it difficult to recommend without significant caveats.
- “Haven't played through the entire game on the PC version yet, but suffice it to say, it's been nothing but consistent and bug-free so far.”
- “The game runs great; if your machine is even remotely recent, you should be able to run this at high framerates, which this does support over 120fps.”
- “Once you install the fix, it runs great.”
- “The boss fights were the most frustrating part – heavily scripted and often buggy, leading to unavoidable deaths.”
- “It's way too buggy and crashes and isn't even playable unless you download a fan patch.”
- “The game is almost unplayable with mouse and game-breaking glitches in such a high-profile title that should be fixed by the developer and not the community.”
grinding
160 mentions
2 % positive mentions
12 % neutral mentions
86 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with players describing it as tedious and frustrating, particularly due to long and repetitive boss fights, cumbersome inventory management, and the necessity to grind for upgrades and achievements. Many reviewers noted that the experience can feel like a slog, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game, although some found the co-op gameplay and weapon upgrades to be redeeming features amidst the grind. Overall, players suggest that significant grinding is required, often leading to a lack of engagement and enjoyment.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A lot of grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The boss fights are so long and tedious that they seem never-ending.”
- “The inventory management is not good; there's no way of increasing your capacity, and sharing items is tedious, especially for ammo.”
- “Getting most of the achievements was a bit tedious, and I'll never complete the game because the last achievements I need are online.”
emotional
34 mentions
88 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players expressing deep disappointment and frustration, feeling that it tarnished the legacy of previous titles and left them emotionally upset. Others found moments of joy and nostalgia, particularly in gameplay mechanics that evoked fond memories, while some highlighted the potential for a touching narrative that ultimately fell flat. Overall, the emotional impact varies significantly, with many feeling let down by the story and execution.
- “I mean, it's got everything you need to appreciate an amazing and touching story, once you let yourself be amazed by its features.”
- “This singular event had scarred him emotionally for life, and would cement his later inevitable slide into villainy.”
- “When Albert was a teenager, he tried to reconcile with his father by sending him a Father's Day card containing a poignant and heartfelt appeal for rapprochement.”
- “The first half of the game is boring story-wise.”
- “Re6 was bad, but it at least had a vision; this game has boring gameplay with a boring story.”
character development
32 mentions
31 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is generally viewed as lacking, with many reviewers noting that it falls short compared to previous titles, particularly in the interactions between Chris and Sheva. While the character designs and voice acting receive praise for their quality and attention to detail, the writing is criticized for being uninspired and failing to deliver meaningful growth for the characters. Some fans do appreciate Chris's evolution, albeit in a humorous context, but overall, the consensus is that character development is not a strong point of the game.
- “The attention to detail in character design and animations is commendable, adding to the overall sense of realism.”
- “I love the story of the game; Chris' character development is underrated.”
- “Chris went from shooting people to punching a boulder—10/10 manliest character development in Resident Evil games.”
- “The writing is the typical trash that fans of the series are used to; it doesn't bother coming up with any new ideas or having any character development.”
- “- The game has absolutely no character development from Chris and Sheva.”
- “There isn't even any meaningful character development between them.”
monetization
22 mentions
0 % positive mentions
18 % neutral mentions
82 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with users labeling it as a cash grab that prioritizes profit over player experience. Many express frustration over intrusive ads, misleading marketing regarding cooperative gameplay, and a lack of respect for the original game characters, all while pushing microtransactions and skins. Overall, players feel deceived and disappointed by the company's approach, which they believe undermines the integrity of the gaming experience.
- “Do not support this anti-consumer company; they want to destroy modding to sell you skins and microtransactions!”
- “I only bought the game because they have all this advertising all over the place that shows split-screen cooperative gameplay, and the store itself tags the game 'coop' (not just 'online coop', strongly implying that everything is fine, which I suspect is an effort to intentionally mislead customers for the sake of profit).”
- “Typical Capcom; if they don't feel that they will not do a good cash grab with something, they don't bother to lift a finger.”