User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 722 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 88 out of 722
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  1. AnonymousMC
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    You've got your action/shooter 4 hour length campaign and limited multiplay options in GoW (with it's 'updated' and 'modern' controls--because we know that REAL people shoot soooo accurately while running--rite?), RE requires far more cognition and in doing so limits itself to a smaller audience . Casuals have moved on to games more suited to their pea-sizedYou've got your action/shooter 4 hour length campaign and limited multiplay options in GoW (with it's 'updated' and 'modern' controls--because we know that REAL people shoot soooo accurately while running--rite?), RE requires far more cognition and in doing so limits itself to a smaller audience . Casuals have moved on to games more suited to their pea-sized brains and RE5 sales will suffer because of it. Capcom isn't to blame, it's Epic. Way to go, Epic, you've made the dumb even DUMBER. Expand
  2. AARONG
    Mar 20, 2009
    10
    I would have to agree with matt on this one. i love gears of war the best thing is the regular campaign its got a good story but the online multiplayer sucks ass hordes tight all people. but halo sucks . but this RE5 is pretty sick especially after u get the infinite ammo its jsut lots of fun going around and killinG everything in seconds but its still tricky with that on.. If u have aI would have to agree with matt on this one. i love gears of war the best thing is the regular campaign its got a good story but the online multiplayer sucks ass hordes tight all people. but halo sucks . but this RE5 is pretty sick especially after u get the infinite ammo its jsut lots of fun going around and killinG everything in seconds but its still tricky with that on.. If u have a high resolution tv (Plasma or lcd) u will love the graphics. the story has been better but its still awesome no video game is perfect but i would recommend it if u are a resident evil fan. Expand
  3. GuyT
    Apr 3, 2009
    10
    Most fun I've had on this Generation of consoles - Have played it through multiple times and still keep returning for more. Beautiful Graphics, Nice story with some fantastic cinematography on the cutscenes. Loads to collect and achievemnets that you actually want to strive for. Once the main game has been completed there is Mercenaries mode which is challenging and in a similar vein Most fun I've had on this Generation of consoles - Have played it through multiple times and still keep returning for more. Beautiful Graphics, Nice story with some fantastic cinematography on the cutscenes. Loads to collect and achievemnets that you actually want to strive for. Once the main game has been completed there is Mercenaries mode which is challenging and in a similar vein to 'The Club' keeps you going back for more - even if just to better your own scores. Fantastic Game. As some people have mentioned you are stationary when aiming weapons or using the knife - after half an hour of playing this will become second nature and it suits the game perfectly - remember this isn't another Gears of War clone - and if you are running out of ammo and having to use the knife to survive you are not playing the game properly! LOL! Expand
  4. BlingC
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    People are too stuck on the control problems and fail to recognize that this is NOT Gears of War 3. For what the game does the controls work very well. It's not a perfect game but it was a wonderfuly fun experience nonetheless.
  5. TomR
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    There's a short line-up of local co-op games for the Xbox 360: Rainbow 6 Vegas, Halo 3, Gears of War... What game producers just don't understand is that some gamers have friends. Some gamers have an active social life and like to have friends over. Not everyone plays by themselves and waits for strangers to join their online game. In this world of crazed online-only gaming, There's a short line-up of local co-op games for the Xbox 360: Rainbow 6 Vegas, Halo 3, Gears of War... What game producers just don't understand is that some gamers have friends. Some gamers have an active social life and like to have friends over. Not everyone plays by themselves and waits for strangers to join their online game. In this world of crazed online-only gaming, it's refreshing to be able to sit down in a room with a friend, crack open some energy drinks, have a sandwich or two handy, and play 8 straight mind-numbing hours of co-op. That's why I give this game a ten; it's probably the best co-op experience I've ever had in my life, barring Sega Genesis "Streets of Rage." Expand
  6. Adriana
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    This game is super. It has the same look and feel that the calssic RE4. The co-op gameplay is a little complicated and frustrating at the begging. Once you get the hang of it, it's actually a lot of fun. This is the type of game that will grow on folks over time, and in my view, be a classic in its own righ. Play on!
  7. DuxaC
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    This is one of the most polished and detailed games I have ever played. The CO-OP experience is amazing, and there is a lot of innovation in terms of level design. I have not touched RE series since playing RE2 in 1998. Jumping back into the series RE5 delivered everything i wanted from an RE game. Controls are just what is expected from an RE game, and personally I am glad they are set This is one of the most polished and detailed games I have ever played. The CO-OP experience is amazing, and there is a lot of innovation in terms of level design. I have not touched RE series since playing RE2 in 1998. Jumping back into the series RE5 delivered everything i wanted from an RE game. Controls are just what is expected from an RE game, and personally I am glad they are set up the way they are. If I could run and gun, my experience would have not been nearly as good while playing this game. At first it could seem awkward, but 10-20 minutes in, you completely forget that you felt that the controls were awkward. Perfect game, I definitely recommend to anyone who likes action games. Expand
  8. AdamB
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    Resident Evil 5 is Resident Evil 4 with the inclusion of HD graphics and cooperative play. There; I said it. Is that a bad thing? Well, if you liked RE4 (presumably the majority of those who played it did) then I shall declare to you, with a resounding boom, NO. RE5 is incredible, in every sense of the word. The controls are not broken. Outdated, maybe, but certainly playable, and then Resident Evil 5 is Resident Evil 4 with the inclusion of HD graphics and cooperative play. There; I said it. Is that a bad thing? Well, if you liked RE4 (presumably the majority of those who played it did) then I shall declare to you, with a resounding boom, NO. RE5 is incredible, in every sense of the word. The controls are not broken. Outdated, maybe, but certainly playable, and then some. At first, they will feel slightly foreign to you after several years of becoming comfortable to the Gears control type, but you will quickly adjust to them. The graphics, as we all know, are a magnificent sight to behold. The cinematography rivals that of many high budget Hollywood releases. The inclusion of Co-op was a brilliant decision on the part of Capcom, and playing with a friend is incredibly satisfying and enjoyable. Not one moment throughout the 12 hour campaign was I bored. Simply put, I loved RE5. Now, if you did not enjoy RE4, then by all means, DO NOT BUY RE5. Don't say we didn't warn you. Expand
  9. JohnL
    Mar 18, 2009
    10
    DeJuan B - YOU ARE A COMPLETE IDIOT, THIS GAME IS NOT RACIST. Just b/c they have taken a different direction with the enemy? Come on, if you honestly think that this game is racist, you are a complete waste of intelligence, its a game, not a racial/ethnic statement, and that goes for anyone else that agrees with DeJuan the tard. Quit looking for something that isn't there. Anyway, DeJuan B - YOU ARE A COMPLETE IDIOT, THIS GAME IS NOT RACIST. Just b/c they have taken a different direction with the enemy? Come on, if you honestly think that this game is racist, you are a complete waste of intelligence, its a game, not a racial/ethnic statement, and that goes for anyone else that agrees with DeJuan the tard. Quit looking for something that isn't there. Anyway, now that that is done: This game is nothing short of addictive, accentuated with a friend in co-op. Its a good quality that when you pick up a sell item such as a gem or what not, despite which player picks it up, you both still get to sell it. I haven't beaten the entire game (playing on veteran, need to turn down the suck) so I don't know if the case increases size, but right now those nine slots are killer. Would like a larger case as in RE4 but what can you do, still an awesome game. Expand
  10. RE5-is-kick-ass
    Apr 22, 2009
    10
    I don't get why people are bashing it. Okay, in the core RE4 is better, but there is just one thing... THIS HAS CO-OP!!!!! Co-Op makes this game so so so so fun.. Me and a friend have completed it 4 times now and I still want to play it again...
  11. TerrenceK
    May 20, 2009
    10
    The deal with legacy games like this is that many people will review it with certain expectations that have nothing to do with how good the game is. Resident evil is a good game, it's just not much like the older games in the series. (kind of like 4) It's not dark or scary, and yes Chris actually looks like a military dude instead of some scrawny actor in a fake uniform. But the The deal with legacy games like this is that many people will review it with certain expectations that have nothing to do with how good the game is. Resident evil is a good game, it's just not much like the older games in the series. (kind of like 4) It's not dark or scary, and yes Chris actually looks like a military dude instead of some scrawny actor in a fake uniform. But the game is action packed, and unlocking the goodies and weapon upgrades is fun. The controls are easier to get used to than what you might think, due to the laser sights on all the weapons. It doesn't work like COD games, yet you will find yourself getting good at aiming over time and sniping zombies from odd angles with pistols. The weapons are all different enough to each be useful in different situations, which means you actually want to unlock all the games content. RE was always between the survival games that made you feel totally helpless (like the old Alone in the dark games making you fight zombies with candle sticks) and outright action games. The recent ones have tipped it in favor of action simply by upping the ammo count, lighting things up, and letting you look different directions instead of giving you awkward angles. The apocalyptic settings will still intimidate teens if not grown up fans of earlier RE games. Expand
  12. AnonymousMC
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    critics and everybody else needs to get it through their thick skulls that just because a game doesnt completely reinvent the whole gaming world doesnt mean its bad, RE4 contols were great i loved them and the controls on this one are good too. why criticize a good thing just because its not up to date with the rest of the world? its stupid i mean this site gave Streetfighter 4 a reallycritics and everybody else needs to get it through their thick skulls that just because a game doesnt completely reinvent the whole gaming world doesnt mean its bad, RE4 contols were great i loved them and the controls on this one are good too. why criticize a good thing just because its not up to date with the rest of the world? its stupid i mean this site gave Streetfighter 4 a really high score and game hardly reinvented anything. Expand
  13. [Anonymous]
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    Resident Evil 5 is not a racist game. There has been white people, black people, dogs, birds, etc... People always want to scream racist when they don't even know the half of it. If people would do some research on the other resident evils they would see there is all kinds of zombies with torn clothes. Movies do the same exact thing in a base setting in Africa or any other "not so Resident Evil 5 is not a racist game. There has been white people, black people, dogs, birds, etc... People always want to scream racist when they don't even know the half of it. If people would do some research on the other resident evils they would see there is all kinds of zombies with torn clothes. Movies do the same exact thing in a base setting in Africa or any other "not so wealthy" of a nation with a poor setting of Africans living in poverty, but people only want to point fingers at a video game. Expand
  14. JustinS
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    Simply one of the best Resident Evil games ever made, and combines features of other well known current games for a great combination of gameplay, atmosphere, and visual effects. Extremely well balanced and will not disappoint in both single player and coop.
  15. JayG
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    RE5 is such an amazing game to play. The graphics are great, and the story is awesome. People see past the greatness of this title by not looking at the replayabilityof this game. Unlocking weapons, levels, and achievements are blast to go for and will keep you hooked for days. Recommended for all action/horror fans definite Buy for fans of RE4, rent if you have never played RE.
  16. GreggK
    Apr 14, 2009
    10
    Havent played it yet but when I do Im sure I will enjoy it!! DeJuan B....Let me ask you a question or two......would it be racist if you shot white people for 10 hrs?? Is the game not more realistic (regarding race)considering the geographical positioning of the game's story line!!?! I find it strange that when black people are involved it becomes a racist issue however if you were Havent played it yet but when I do Im sure I will enjoy it!! DeJuan B....Let me ask you a question or two......would it be racist if you shot white people for 10 hrs?? Is the game not more realistic (regarding race)considering the geographical positioning of the game's story line!!?! I find it strange that when black people are involved it becomes a racist issue however if you were to just shoot whites only, throughout the entire game that would be fine! It would be just a game!! Now pls, for all those that love to pull the race card at any given time, just think before doing so....its just a game!!!!! Im sure the guys at capcom didnt sit there thinking on how they coud make the game as racist as possible, they just made the game as realistic as possible...... dnt u think that with the game being based in Africa,....it would have been unrealistic to shoot whites for 10 hrs; In fact..I think that might have been racist!! Expand
  17. ES
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    It doesn't get much better then this, outlandish story aside the game play is perfect Co-Op is the best Co-Op in a a me so far. Too many games make the exact same "flaw" people accuse RE5 of playing it safe. The PoP-n-Shoot has been done to death so that's just as "safe" as RE5s copy of RE4s controls. If you enjoy action games look no further, just don't expect any scares.
  18. AnonymousMC
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    This game was the best co-operative experience I have ever had. You are able to use the stop and shoot mechanic to a point where it feels highly realistic. You are able to cover someone whilst they move back and doing it in a cycle until you defeat your enemies or find a suitable vantage point thus using very real tactics that are actually employed in real life, none of this running andThis game was the best co-operative experience I have ever had. You are able to use the stop and shoot mechanic to a point where it feels highly realistic. You are able to cover someone whilst they move back and doing it in a cycle until you defeat your enemies or find a suitable vantage point thus using very real tactics that are actually employed in real life, none of this running and gunning. Single Player plays just as well but lacks the interactivity you gain from another human player, which is the case with any game. The story was excellent, it tied up some of the things we have wondered about since the series started. The environments are lush and the graphics are superb. The laboratories bring back fond memories of the ones that have appeared in previous games. Personally I can see myself playing this more than similar games like GOW. The replayablity is phenominal there are an extensive number of secrets and numerous strategies to employ. The bossbattles in this game are my favourite part of this game, they are imaginative and look great too. The sub bosses in this game are superb too, you can stay and fight or shoot your way through and attempt to escape, which I sometimes found to be a more viable option when being chased by umpteen lickers on hard with no ammo. Unbelievable game, it deserves a better score! This game offers a lot of new ideas and though it may borrow heavily from RE4 in some aspects it would be silly to say that this game is more of the same. WELL WORTH THE BUY! Expand
  19. JoeMamma
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    Incredible and amazing, particularly in co-op. The controls service the atmosphere wonderfully, and the setting is unique and beautiful. Don't believe the naysayers, this is the best action game to date in 2009.
  20. SpiritC
    Mar 15, 2009
    10
    This game is fantastic. Great visuals, solid controls, (if you can't control this game, you should give up gaming all together) and lots of shooting. I like this one a little bit better than RES4, with easy weapon changing, more accessible inventory system and did I mention lots of shooting. Buy it!
  21. MateusPradobrazilian
    Mar 16, 2009
    10
    THIS IS NOT GEARS OF WAR 3!! THIS IS A RESIDENT EVIL GAME, the critics lost the passion about games. CONGRATULATIONS CAPCOM!! THE SYSTEM CONTROL are perfect like on RE4. The RE5 is a blockbuster and all the people played and experimented the system controls and love it, BUY IT
  22. Sep 29, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Resident Evil 5 will capture your hearts as it leads off from the previous chapter Resident Evil 4. Basically, Capcom took everything that was good in Resident Evil 4 and took Resident Evil 5 to the next level. Besides the improved Inventory system and introduction into the new "Co-op" in the Resident Evil Series, the boost in graphics and sound will definitely make the hairs on the back of your neck rise as it delivers the ultimate experience while playing Resident Evil 5. To get started on the basic plot of Resident Evil 5. Resident Evil 5 starts 6 years after the destruction of Umbrella and your still playing as Chris Redfield but this time he has become an agent of BSAA to help fight biological terrorism. To top it off, you even have a new partner "Sheva Alomar". Your probably wondering where Chris Redfield old partner, Jill Valentine is? You will have to find out yourself when you start playing the game.

    As you and your new partner (Sheva) continue to fight the ongoing infection that has infected the people of Kijuju. This time, they aren't just zombies and it wasn't an accident. A power-hungry corporation modified and created a new virus that controls the mindless host. You will find them more challenging and dangerous than before.

    One of the great perks of Resident Evil 5 is the Cooperative play of the game. You can go it alone or invite a friend to play with you through Xbox live. Another thing I find great about Resident Evil 5 is the in between screens. It is almost like watching a movie with a great story line. A downfall, is the shortness in ammo. I find it hard to collect ammo for more powerful weapons, so to keep in mind. Use your bullets carefully.

    In conclusion, Resident Evil 5 is definitely worth buying. Definitely worth playing. If you enjoy previous Resident Evil games. You will enjoy Resident Evil 5, but I wouldn't give my hopes up as Resident Evil 5 brings an exciting experience to the table that is different then previous versions. If I were to rate Resident Evil 5, I would definitely rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to replay Resident Evil a few more times on a more difficult setting to truly test my ability to stay alive!
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  23. Jan 20, 2012
    10
    Amazing game, the best Resident Evil ever, the best action game, horror game, the final is amazing with Wesker, I love Jill and Chris again, the so emotional scene. I really hope that RE6 be better and GOTY 2012.
  24. Jun 12, 2011
    10
    this is a good game. yes, of all the things that i've said in my other more brutal burns of other things. i think that this game is amazing. and i am a die hard fan of the resident evil saga. and this by far is one of the best, and is up there next to the REmake and res. evil 4. this game revolves around chris Redfield, and a new character named Sheva. this game actually ties the seriesthis is a good game. yes, of all the things that i've said in my other more brutal burns of other things. i think that this game is amazing. and i am a die hard fan of the resident evil saga. and this by far is one of the best, and is up there next to the REmake and res. evil 4. this game revolves around chris Redfield, and a new character named Sheva. this game actually ties the series together and ends it because it involves Chris, and Sheva, and a little help from the familier stars member herself, Jill Valentine.
    it also has the badest, of badasses. Albert Wesker. holy mother of god was i psyched when i first saw him. then when i found out what he had done to Jill. i was pissed. the whole idea that he had brain washed Jill after making it seem that Jill had died after a greatly epic battle with wesker. i hated wesker more than i ever had in my career of playing the RE games. the battles with him were well done, and fun. the cutscenes were epic. the fact that there weren't as many interactive cutscenes as 4, but it was still fun.
    now, i hate the fact that people complain about some of the stupid things like the whole zombies driving, and using guns. its a **** video game. its not suposed to be realistic. idiots.
    and there are complaints about how you can't run and gun. of course you can't! if you've played any RE game, then you know that you don't run and gun. same as every freaking re game. and yes, the controls aren't re4, but you can change them! god! i really don't like the fact that people also complain about sheva. all i have to say to that is this. remember re0? and i'll leave it at that.
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  25. Jan 7, 2015
    10
    Resident Evil 5 gets a lot of undeserved criticism, largely for the fact that it isn't Resident Evil 4. While both games use essentially the same mechanics, and while RE4 is undoubtedly a masterpiece, those that judge RE5 often fail to acknowledge the many ways in which the game matches or even betters its predecessor. Go back to RE4 after playing through RE5 and you will notice,Resident Evil 5 gets a lot of undeserved criticism, largely for the fact that it isn't Resident Evil 4. While both games use essentially the same mechanics, and while RE4 is undoubtedly a masterpiece, those that judge RE5 often fail to acknowledge the many ways in which the game matches or even betters its predecessor. Go back to RE4 after playing through RE5 and you will notice, conspicuous by their absence, a handful of improvements that you mistakenly remembered being in the fourth main-series game.

    Most obviously, RE5 features online co-op. Although the game works well as a singleplayer experience, co-op truly is how it was designed to be played, and it is a superb addition. The co-op dynamic feels so natural when applied to the "second generation" Resident Evil framework. The storyline is broken up into chapters of a suitable size for online sessions, meaning that it's easy to jump in with a friend for anything from 30 minutes to multiple hours. As a result, I'm sure I've spent more time playing RE5 than any of the previous entries in the series, and I am a huge fan of the older games.

    The inventory system had to be reworked since weapons and restoratives needed to be easily-accessible in the heat of the moment. With pausing a thing of the past, so too the attaché case grid had to be ditched - seemingly a major issue for some, but completely necessary. The pacing of the game is spot-on. RE4, while fantastically relentless, was over-long and, at times, a bit of a slog. I felt that certain sections dragged and could have been condensed, resulting in a more impactful game. This game has very few lulls.

    All in all, a wholly worthy successor to one of the landmarks of videogaming, updated for the online age. Seeing how hideously wrong it all went for the sixth game just emphasises even more what a sensational title this is.
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  26. Feb 24, 2012
    10
    Resident Evil 5 is without a doubt one of the best games this gen! The mix between Horror and Action is spot on in this game.. The story is AMAZING! the gameplay mechanics are greatly improved over older RE games, and the replay value is really HIGH! especially the GOLD version (complete edition) which has all the extras (new modes,DLCs). All in all Resident Evil 5 is an AMAZING! game..Resident Evil 5 is without a doubt one of the best games this gen! The mix between Horror and Action is spot on in this game.. The story is AMAZING! the gameplay mechanics are greatly improved over older RE games, and the replay value is really HIGH! especially the GOLD version (complete edition) which has all the extras (new modes,DLCs). All in all Resident Evil 5 is an AMAZING! game.. You MUST own it if you like action/Horror games Expand
  27. Feb 24, 2012
    10
    Resident Evil 5 is without a doubt one of the best games this gen! The mix between Horror and Action is spot on in this game.. The story is AMAZING! the gameplay mechanics are greatly improved over older RE games, and the replay value is really HIGH! especially the GOLD version (complete edition) which has all the extras (new modes,DLCs). All in all Resident Evil 5 is an AMAZING! game..Resident Evil 5 is without a doubt one of the best games this gen! The mix between Horror and Action is spot on in this game.. The story is AMAZING! the gameplay mechanics are greatly improved over older RE games, and the replay value is really HIGH! especially the GOLD version (complete edition) which has all the extras (new modes,DLCs). All in all Resident Evil 5 is an AMAZING! game.. You MUST own it if you like action/Horror games Expand
  28. Mar 20, 2012
    10
    I dont care about what people say resident evil 5 is an awesome game, i know Resident evil 4 was better! But i still think RE5 was a great one of the best this gen, cant wait for Resident Evil 6
  29. Mar 21, 2012
    10
    I've beaten this game so many times. I have every weapon with infinite ammo and im currently ranked 3,000 for fastest time on professional, enough said lol...
  30. Mar 24, 2013
    10
    this was awesome resident evil the best part was that you can play with a co-op in a split screen that was very great to me and the best 2-players game I've ever played.
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 91 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 91
  2. Negative: 1 out of 91
  1. While the developers' decision to copy elements from Resident Evil 4 make it feel less original (despite better visuals and a new location), you'll have a blast (especially with a buddy) but after waiting four years for a sequel, we expected better.
  2. 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.
  3. You'll get a lot more out of it than you do from typical games with no competitive multiplayer and while played cooperatively it really sings. It's lost a lot of what has made the franchise a pins-and-needles experience, but that sense of dread has been replaced with pure action that's hard to match.