5/5 ★ – DirtyMidnighter's review of Resident Evil 5.

As a single player game, Resident Evil 5 is good. As a multiplayer game, Resident Evil 5 is one of the very best co-op experiences in gaming. It requires that both players communicate with each-other, coordinate the use of your highly customizable yet limited arsenals, and execute on a plan. Due to the fact that each player has only a mere 6 inventory slots, tough decisions are constantly being made. Who gets the shotgun? Who gets the bulletproof vest? Who gets the stun baton? If someone picks up the ammo to a gun they don't have, they must manually hand that ammo over to the person who does. It adds a level realism and immersion that most games simply don't attempt because of how unwieldy and inconvenient it is. Good game design theory would tell you that all ammo should just go into a shared pool, but RE5 says no, resulting in a game that demands constant engagement with your partner. Granted, this would all be really annoying if not for the pitch-perfect third person action gameplay which follows in the footsteps of the impeccably tight RE4, while upping the action quota and seamlessly adding another player to the fray. The plot is predictably insane in true Resident Evil fashion, and 5 is an attempt to take stock of everything that has happened in the decades old franchise up to this point. Main big bad of the series Albert Wesker steps back into he spotlight and is an absolute riot. Chris and Sheva are an endearing duo with just enough chemistry to make their adventure genuinely compelling. RE5 also features an outstanding roster of bio-freaks and other monstrosities to take down while the bright African setting is a massive breath of fresh air for a series that has been mostly kept in the dark. It also has objectively the best mercenaries mode of any game in the series. Resident Evil 5 is the action-leaning tenancies of this series at their very best and strikes a terrific balance of horror, action and signature Resident Evil cheese. It also has the rare distinction of a game that can make or break a relationship. Choose your partner wisely.