PSU Wish List: Resident Evil 5

Introduction

Capcom’s upcoming Resident Evil 5 is not just one of the most highly anticipated games for PlayStation 3, but unequivocally one of the most eagerly awaited titles of the next few years on any console, full stop. With Information on the forthcoming horror epic currently a little on the foggy side, PSU thought we’d take the time to share with you are hopes for the title (some realistic, some a little more adventurous perhaps) and nail down the cold facts of what to expect from what is surely to be one of the most accomplished videogames of the whole decade. 

The Facts

First unveiled in July 2005 in the form of a shorter teaser trailer, Resident Evil 5 essentially dropped off the radar until E3 2007, where another short, updated montage was displayed at Microsoft and Sony’s press conferences. The full trailer was later released on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, and showcased the first actual in-game footage of the title, along with a glimpse at the enemies players will eventually be facing.

Resident Evil 5 takes place ten years after the government bombing of Raccoon City (covered in the events of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis), with players assuming control of former S.T.A.R.S Alpha Team member, Chris Redfield. Now working for an organisation known only as “BSAA”, Redfield’s mission objectives see him investigating a mysterious biohazard outbreak in the middle of dusty, remote-looking African village. Upon venturing into the isolated community, he soon discovers that the local inhabitants have become infected by an unknown plague or virus, and is left with no choice but to defend himself from the hordes of marauding villagers out for blood.

In terms of gameplay, Resident Evil 5 has built its core foundations those of its critically acclaimed predecessor, Resident Evil 4, offering an over-the-shoulder perspective, allowing players to aim their weapon in any direction desired. Redfield will have access to a variety of weapons going by the brief glimpse of his arsenal in the trailer, including handguns, shotguns and automatics, with more to be revealed as time goes on. However, it is currently unknown whether or not the ‘Merchant’ system employed in Resident Evil 4 will be present here.

One intriguing feature revealed is the presence of heat, and the affect it will have on Redfield if he is exposed to such high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. According to Resident Evil 5 Producer Jun Takeuchi, your character will suffer distoring side effects, such as mirages and hallucinations if he should remain outside in the heat for too long. Furthermore, your character will also have to adjust to new environments if entering from a bright location to a dark one (or vis-versa), momentarily clouding Redfield’s vision, leaving him vulnerable to attack.

Little else is known on the game aside from these features, though players can also expect to see a number of returning features from Resident Evil 4 make an appearance, including the ability to shoot enemy projectiles out of the air, as well as various melee and dodge manoeuvres, of which will presumably remain context-sensitive as with the previous game. One sequence in the trailer showed Redfield ducking underneath an incoming enemy assault, and another where he landed a rather devastating thrust punch, sending his foe hurtling backwards.

As it stands, Capcom has remained relatively tight-lipped on the game ever since E3, a trend that is unlikely to change until the release of Devil May Cry 4 in February 2008. In the mean time, however, we present to you a collection of our own wishes for the title for you to stew over in the months until the games eventual release.

PSU’s Wish List  (Please note: the following does not reflect PSU’s opinion as a collective, only the author of the article)

1. You Have Once Again Entered....the World of Survival Horror:

Resident Evil 4 introduced a successful formula that focused decidedly more on action, as opposed to the traditional Survival Horror elements seen in previous instalments. With Resident Evil 5, we suggest a combination of both; rather than have your weapons acquired by purchasing them from ... (continued on next page)