Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 76 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 76
  2. Negative: 0 out of 76
  1. 90
    The creepy suspense of the earlier games has been replaced with an action-packed intensity that will instantly appeal to some gamers and disappoint others. As an action game, RE5 is a success, and there’s a wealth of replayability through item collection, weapon upgrades, score chasing and the unlockable Mercenaries mode. But this is no gentle nudge to the formula of the previous main RE games; it’s an evolution.
  2. Though the slow, deliberate movement and shooting may not appeal to everyone, this new sequel’s frequent large-scale battles and co-op play still offer a fun and exciting adventure.
  3. Resident Evil 5 lands on the PS3 with a new focus on action and co-op gameplay.
  4. A very fun game that pays fan service to the faithful through its engaging, answer-filled story, and it modernizes the series through an amazing, cinematic presentation. Where the game seems to get bogged down is in its attempt to appeal to everyone. The hybridization of survival horror mechanics with action-shooter gameplay doesn't work out very well - making it suffer from the jack-of-all-trades syndrome.
  5. Despite the criticism over when and how it was released, Versus Mode for Resident Evil 5 is a worthwhile investment for fans of competitive multiplayer gameplay who can see themselves playing online for hours to come. But, if you have already beaten Resident Evil 5 and put it on the proverbial shelf with all of your other conquests, I don't think Versus Mode is really worth pulling Resident Evil 5 out again, not to mention the $4.99 it costs to download.
  6. Co-op changes your approach to survival horror, and the masterful pacing ensures you never take your eye off the action. Like its predecessor, Resident Evil 5 is destined to be remembered as one of the best games of its time.
  7. 90
    It's hardly the dramatic revamp that RE4 was for the series, but it marks the first time that co-op play has been implemented. As a result, the overhaul makes it a good single-player game, but a great multiplayer one. Thanks to its persistent approach to weapon upgrades, it's well-suited to replay. It's a visually splendid game with gorgeous cinematics that evoke the same awe as previous games did in their time.
  8. 90
    Hardcore fans may be disappointed by the departure from the traditional survival-horror roots but trust me, the game delivers enough thrills that you probably won't care. [Apr 2009, p.68]
  9. Altogether, I came away from Resident Evil 5 feeling pretty impressed, and while the change isn't nearly as radical as it was when Resident Evil 4 was released, it's still a really solid follow-up that keeps everything that worked from the previous title.
  10. If you have a friend to play along with, then that's obviously the way to go, but don't let the thought of playing with the AI deter you from picking this up. It's a great game, and well worth your time.
  11. If Resident Evil 5 is a new flavor of game for the long-running franchise, it's also a strong, spicy one—with occasional chucks of co-op wasabi to goad your inner action hero into fits of running and gunning... albeit, not at the same time.
  12. 75
    Ultimately, Resident Evil 5 shouldn't be looked at as a failure in the series, merely too ambitious, inconsistent and uneven. Earlier entries in the series benefited from their simplicity and focus, and while it's laudable for RE5 to try and include so much variety, perhaps a little more of the same ol' same ol' would have resulted in a slightly better game.
  13. Resident Evil 4 taught the industry so much, and in turn we expected RE5 to at least learn from what others have since added to those accomplishments. Instead, it jams the series full of gasoline-enriched testosterone, keeps outdated inventory and control ideas and refuses to admit the franchise is now more action-adventure than survival horror. Don’t let the negatives fool you though – it’s still one of the best balls-to-the-wall co-op excursions you can buy.
  14. 60
    Resident Evil 5 is mired in poor design decisions that drag down the experience and render single-player campaign a tedious exercise in working around the game. It’s frustrating to see a game that I so looked forward to playing and carried with it such potential, sabotage itself in so many ways. Compared against the ambition of games like Bioshock, Mass Effect, and Assassin’s Creed; Resident Evil 5 seems timid, unwilling to move out of its comfort zone. It’s a shame.
  15. It’s still an enjoyable experience, but multiplayer is the absolute reason to pick up RE5. It’s the feature that we’ve been wishing for since day one (Outbreak didn’t count), and Capcom delivers a fine show.
  16. One thing is for sure though: If you’re a fan of Mercenaries, and can tolerate archaic matchmaking, Versus is worth every cent.
  17. All in all, the game is a total blast and thoroughly enjoyable, with a frenetic pacing that doesn’t let up for the entire run of the game.
  18. Resident Evil 5 is a good game. The surprising, and sad, thing about Resident Evil 5 is that it feels old. [Apr 2009, p.112]
  19. With a whole heap of content to unlock, including the brilliant Mercenaries mode (playable cooperatively off and online), a campaign that begs to be replayed and top of the line production values there's very little to be disappointed with.
  20. The setting change works well, and the story will please series followers, with surprises and comebacks which will thrill Resident Evil fans. Resident Evil 5 offers a quality experience, despite some incongruities - all of them can be overlood -, which will engage us in front of the TV for hours, thanks to its gameplay and its high doses of action, tension and fun.
  21. The majority of criticisms will be leveled at the new co-op element, but as we’ve already mentioned, neither control nor AI can ultimately mar such an intense and relentless action experience. [Apr 2009, p.98]
  22. 100
    The co-op implementation is great and the extra unlockable provides more than enough incentive to play the game through multiple times. If the controls don't bother you, anybody can have a great time playing through this adventure.
  23. 85
    Despite not changing much from its popular predecessor, Resident Evil 5 is still an incredibly entertaining, very immersive and intense action title. A solid debut for the franchise on the current generation.
  24. It’s one of the best looking games on the market, has impeccable presentation and wonderfully campy voice acting (this time, intentionally), a strong plot that brings back a handful of classic characters and, most of all, it’s just plain fun. Whether it’s padding slowly down a dim concrete hallway, complete with flickering florescent lights and ominous blood-splattered walls, or running from a horde of crazed, zombie villagers, Resident Evil 5 delivers a truly engrossing survival horror experience.
  25. Resident Evil 5 digs deep into the series' origins with its overall story and slightly enhances the overall addicting gameplay that left its mark with Resident Evil 4
  26. Overall, Versus is a good step in the right direction for a Resident Evil deathmatch-type mode.
  27. Resident Evil 5 is “only” an amazing game, a label that 90% of the third person shooters would want for themselves. The cooperative mode is just sensational and the story mode is filled with non-stop action. The huge amount of contents will make you forget the lack of any kind of innovation in its concept.
  28. If you’re a die-hard fan, ok. If you’re not, turn the page.
  29. If you can handle another round of not being able to move and fire/reload, there is a compelling game in Resident Evil 5.
  30. A technically flawless, movie-like episode of the famous survival horror series, although this time the focus is on action and not survival or even horror. The game's representation of Africa and its inhabitants seems to be from the Colonial era and is therefore somewhat disturbing, detracting from the overall enjoyment. [Mar 2009]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 374 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 107
  2. Negative: 18 out of 107
  1. MikeG
    9
    Great game, especially for 2ppl friends online coop. I don't find any videogame scary and this wasn't an issue for me. beat the game 3 times and still want to play. The AI partner is much smarter than James leads to believe,btw all of James complaints were on display during the demo, why would you buy and review a game if you dont like the demo? Unlock infinite ammo on a magnum, give it to AI and see how many enemies he leaves for you to shoot, or don't give AI a gun and do the work yourself.AI never dies on me, even in pro mode.Thank you capcom for not making another generic 1st/3rd person single player shooter, there's enough of them out there for James to play. Full Review »
  2. This game had a huge hurdle to leap over after Resident Evil 4, and it doesn't make it over. It doesn't even try to. Let me describe the good things about this game because it will be over really quickly. The graphics look amazing. Everything from enemies to the environment are quite detailed and that's nice. That's about all that's really outstanding for this game. Everything else is either mediocre or just plain bad. The level design seems to be much more vertical then Resident Evil 4, meaning instead of a wide area to play in, now you are in a narrower area but can climb to all these floors. What is truly outstandingly bad about this game is the AI companion, Sheva. Her AI is absolutely atrocious. I'm not going to discuss too much about her poor herb mixing abilities (I have two green herbs and a red herb. I know, I'll make Green+Green and leave the Red), her mediocre shooting abilities, or her inability to help you chain combos. I will talk about her general combat tactics, which are just bad. There is a level where you are in a cross shaped corridor. Naturally, a sane person would go to the end of one of the crosses and funnel enemies inside, but Sheva insists on standing in the middle and take hits from all sides, no matter how much you call her over. Another instance is facing an enemy with a minigun. The strategy is to take cover and shoot when he's not shooting. However, she ignores cover and constantly goes to pick up a green herb and gets herself killed. When I injure the enemy and open up a window for a melee combo, she stands there and does nothing. I'm writing this because I've retried this part about two dozen times and still hasn't gotten past it. I know it may be biased to say this, but if the character's AI is that bad, there's something wrong there. Full Review »
  3. Resident Evil 5 was my most wanted game since i finished RE4 . well lets get the negative things out of the way . the game doesnt take many chances and instead keeps pretty much to the path RE4 layed out which might have been not a bad thing if RE4 didnt come out 5 years before hand . making the gameplay feel abit dated also why cant you move and shoot still? i mean dead space and silent hill let you do this , capcom cant get the message apperintly . the game doesnt inspire much horror like its prevous games its more of just action action and more action which for some may be great for others they feel what made the series so great was kinda lost. Your partner AI is just HORRABLE . i swear i screamed and yelled at my tv at all the dumb things sheva did made me wana shoot her . the story doesnt feel like it adds any thing new it feels more like its a revenge story to get wesker and thats about it . why the hell is chris so buff i swear i think he;s gona have Roid Rage at any second.

    now for the good . CO-OP that doesnt suck like outbreaks . the co-op feature is the best reason to buy this game playing with a friend is just a blast . boss fights are still fun and exciting , LOTS and LOTS of guns ., the graphics are amazing . the controls felt ok to me i didnt have much of a issue like some did. fast paced action that rarely lets up . Now for a game that took 5 years to make i expected more out of capcom but its still a fun game if you have a buddy to play with if not then the game just isnt gona be as fun . Sheva shoulda been left out and clair or Leon shoulda been brought in .All in Alll RE5 isnt a bad game but it sure isnt a great game eather.
    Full Review »