[h1]A Pretty Interesting Solo Experience[/h1]
Resident Evil 5 never quite clicked with me whether it's because of the controls or that it's designed for co-op (My friend group growing up isn't into games at all). Thankfully with the context of Chris' character trajectory in 8, Requiem's whole thing with Spencer and Wesker, and the hype of the upcoming Code Veronica remake, it got me interested in looking back and holy crap am I glad I checked RE5 out. This game rules!
It's pretty obvious from the get-go that it's designed for co-op. The fact that Chris and Sheva can combo enemies together or that the limited inventory size encourages both characters to swap and share is pretty cool... if you're playing with a friend. As a solo experience, It's a bit infuriating. Sheva, hurry up to the door! Sheva, don't heal me right now. Sheva, don't fill your inventory with grenades. Sheva, conserve some ammo pls... Well, I grumbled a lot but it isn't bad once you learn how her AI works and manage what equipment she uses. She ends up being a fun partner. Also, it works for Chris' character in my mind. Chris tends to shoulder the burden alone esp after what happened to Jill here. So when I'm managing everything and constantly commanding Sheva, it makes sense and it's such a somber experience. It didn't work well but it got better as Chris also came to trust Sheva and treat her like a partner in the story. I love that aspect of it.
Some gameplay gripes. [b]QTEs SUUUUUCKS![/b] I'm playing on kb/m and ngl I failed most QTEs. (What do you mean Q+F to dodge?!). A small complaint but the game's a bit too grindy if going for the bonus content and Platinum. I explored everything and S-ranked all missions and still was only able to max out and get infinite ammo for like 2 guns lol. Also the choice of costumes are not interesting. Chris' is funny tho.
The villains are super fun. Irving is entertaining, Excella is whatever but Wesker, man. Dude's pretty sick with his Matrix moves and now that I've played 8 and 9 (spoiler alert), it's extra cool how layered Chris and Wesker's dynamic are and how they parallel each other in ways. Man's BROKEN. Also sad for Zeno's existence when compared to Wesker here. Man, this series is so cool with how you can mix and match the lore of each games and make it better in my head.
All-in-all it was a pretty awesome experience. Worth revisiting esp after 8 and 9 IMO. I want to play as Chris again. C'mon RE10! Give my man a happy ending! Also bring back Sheva and Jill and Wesker!
[h3]21 Hours, 500 "C'mon! Hurry! Sheva! Thanks." later, I give Resident Evil 5 an 8/10[/h3]
