The Resident Evil (BioHazard in Japan) franchise series has been around since the 1990’s. But survival horror video games have been around since the early 1980’s, 1982 to be precise. My first taste of survival horror was an old Atari 2600 game titled Haunted House (pictured below). Although it was a 2-bit game, if memory serves (and not meant to be an old insult), it did sort of mess with my imagination as you had a ghost following you around this dark place as well as a bat following you; I think there’s even a spider that stalks you. All you had was a candle that did not give off much light. I don’t recall if I beat the game or not…if there was an end to the game.
It was not until the late 1990’s when I had gotten back into survival horror gaming when my older brother, who loved playing my game systems, had rented Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and played it for a while. When he had his fill of playing the game, he suggested I try it. I was almost instantly hooked! From there, it took off…my liking survival-horror video games!
Other survival horror games came along, after that, and it seemed to be an addiction to many.
Here, we have Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition. This brings back some veteran characters of the series, as well as introducing a new one (or two – haven’t played this title in a little while). Here’s where things take a global turn, as this mission starts out in Africa.
The story starts where veteran RE warrior, Chris Redfield, is sent to Africa on a mission. He is met by the beautiful and formidable Sheva Alomar, one of the natives of the country and a BSAA agent. She may not be as big and imposing as Chris, but she can certainly hold her own in combat!
Throughout the game, you meet a variety of interesting characters and encounter new, menacing enemies, as well as imposing, gargantuan mutants, thanks to the virus. As with many a survival horror game, you have numerous chances to purchase stronger weapons, ammo for them, and collect valuable gems and money to purchase with. There are just as many puzzling scenarios to figure out as there are just plain immense combat sequences. Additionally there are also ‘chase’ scenes in the game.
Further into the game, you encounter two other veteran characters of the RE series! For all the guy gamers out there, Jill Valentine returns, along with the ever-irritating Albert Wesker, who has her under his will, somehow. So, one of the tasks that comes up is you have to save Jill from Wesker’s control. After that, the mission continues to figure out what is going on with the virus.
I’ve included a copy of this part of the instructions manual, for those who find it easier to read from the computer screen rather than messing with the manual….or if you got a used copy of the game and it did not have a manual. As any gamer would know, if you purchase a used copy of a game or rented one, sometimes they don’t have the manual. That is one of the things that irritates me about used games, or renting games…the manual can sometimes be missing.
There are plenty of other goodies programmed into the game, like once you’ve won the entire game or completed selected action during gameplay, you open bonus games such as “Lost in Nightmares” where you get to play as Jill Valentine, once again. There are other games, as well, such as “Desperate Escape” and “The Mercenaries Reunion.”
In certain areas of the game, you’ll also encounter scenarios where “Co-Op” actions will be necessary, such as Chris having to catapult Sheva to scale a large gaping bust in a walk-way, or something to that nature. Be prepared for that. You also have options to trade items with your partner, such as weapons, ammo, and health aids.
As you can see from the above picture, the story of Resident Evil’s RCPD S.T.A.R.S. team goes back to 1996. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine had become partners while serving with RCPD. Of course, when the game first was released, co-op had not been a giant option for this. You could only pick Chris or Jill.
Controls in the game are pretty well done, here, although rather linear. If an enemy were behind you, you really wouldn’t know it until they’ve struck you or grabbed you. Aside from that, the control, as I said before, were pretty good. Plenty of options to choose from for an enjoyable gaming experience.
For those who do actually write in the notes section of your manual, here is an extra blank page for you. I am sure it’ll come in handy.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this game a 9, since the linear control process can be slightly annoying….though that may all be just a matter of opinion. To each their own. But I do say this is an awesome addition to the Resident Evil series!
Resident Evil / Biohazard, all names, pictures, etc. are property and Copyright © CAPCOM CO., LTD. 2005, 2014 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Tjblog74's Blog 